Shiraike Jigoku
Oita Prefecture · Japan
True to its name, the "white pond hell" features a pond of hot, milky water. The pond is surrounded by a nice garden and a small, run-down aquarium that has seen better days.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Shiraike Jigoku, the 'White Pond Hell,' a site that offers a starkly different aesthetic experience from the boiling mud and vivid blues of the other hells. As we enter this area, you will notice an immediate sense of…
Listen in the app2The Statue of Ippen Shonin
As you begin your stroll around the pond, you will encounter a prominent statue of a Buddhist monk. This is Ippen Shonin, a figure of immense historical and legendary significance to the Beppu area. …
Listen in the app3The Zen Garden and Heart View
The landscaping of Shiraike Jigoku is meticulously designed in the style of a traditional Japanese strolling garden. This aesthetic choice enhances the otherworldly feel of the white pond. …
Listen in the app4The Piranha Pavilion
One of the most unexpected features of Shiraike Jigoku is the Tropical Fish Aquarium, also known as the 'Piranha Pavilion.' This facility demonstrates another ingenious application of Beppu's geothermal resources. By using the…
Listen in the app5Ancient Giants: The Great Fish Tanks
Beyond the piranhas, the aquarium houses several species of remarkably large tropical fish, some of which are considered 'living fossils.' Look for the Arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, which can reach…
Listen in the app6The Chemistry of the White Vent
To truly appreciate Shiraike Jigoku, we must consider the scientific process occurring beneath the surface. The pond is fed by a high-temperature spring that originates deep underground. …
Listen in the app7The Art Museum and Cultural Gallery
Before we conclude our visit, take a moment to explore the small art and cultural gallery located on the grounds. Shiraike Jigoku has a long history of attracting artists and poets who are drawn to its ethereal beauty. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we leave Shiraike Jigoku, we are left with a sense of the profound peace that can exist even in a landscape of fire and steam. We have journeyed from the legend of Ippen Shonin, through the Zen-inspired gardens and the…
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What is Shiraike Jigoku?
Shiraike Jigoku is a place in Oita Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Oita Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 33.3154, 131.4741 |
| Last updated |
