Oniyama Jigoku Hell

Called "hell" in Beppu, Oniyama Jigoku Hell is famous for the large number of hot spring spouts that can be seen in the area. Over a thousand years ago, the sight of the fumes, hot mud, and hot water that come spewing out from the spouts was considered an abhorrence, hence the dismal name. Currently, however, there are many things for visitors to enjoy here, including souvenir shops for each of the hot springs, foot baths, and the especially popular "tour of hell" which takes participants to several different spots. Even with all of this, though, Oniyama Jigoku Hell has another name: about 80 crocodiles are being raised here, causing it to also be called "crocodile hell." In fact, here in 1923 was the first time that the heat from hot springs was used for crocodile breeding in Japan. A stuffed crocodile that is said to have had the longest lifespan in the world (71 years old at time of death) can also be seen here.