Bloody Hell Pond Facts
- The Hellish waters of Bloody Hell Pond occasionally reach temperatures of as much as 194 F (90 C). Hellishly hot indeed. These temperatures would be (obviously) more appropriate for cooking than for use as a spa.
- This marvel of geology, found in Asia, has been known, and utilized by local inhabitants, for more than 1,300 years.
- It actually stays maintained by several small underwater geysers. These spew forth freshly heated (and brilliantly red colored) water at remarkably regular intervals.
- Bloody Hell Pond translates from the original name. The original name in the language of the local inhabitants is Chinoike Jigoku.
- Also, it’s original uses were just as hellish as the color of the water. At one time, the near-boiling temperature of the water was used as a means of torture, then a gruesome execution.
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Bloody Hell Pond Physical Description
Bloody Hell Pond is a fairly small hot spring. In total area, it covers about 1,300 sq yds (1,087 sq m). Yet its diminutive size certainly doesn’t diminish its seemingly otherworldly nature.
The incredible red hue originates with the extremely high levels of iron oxide and magnesium in the water. Relatively high concentrations of both aluminum oxide and ferrous oxide are also present.
This remarkable pool also has an approximate depth of 90 ft (27.4 m). The underwater geysers that form and maintain the pond spew forth their eerily-hued contents every 40 minutes.
In addition, the ever-present plumes of steam rising from the surface add to the hellish appearance.
Interestingly, the color changes slightly with the weather. On sunny days the pond appears an orange-red. On cloudy days, however, it takes on the semblance of a blood-red scarlet.
Bloody Hell Pond Location and History
The Bloody Hell Pond is located in the Oita Prefecture, in Japan. The local terrain is predominantly mountainous, and also quite rugged.
The predominant religious beliefs of the local population in ancient times considered that the location resembled a nightmarish underworld. For a period of time, its waters were used as a means of execution by literally boiling to death.
In modern times, the mud and hot water of the site have (ironically) become a source of various skin products. It also serves as one of the largest tourist attractions in the region.
It is not, however, usable as a spa, for obvious reasons. There are other hot springs in the immediate region usable for that purpose, though. Attempting to utilize this site for bathing is (quite understandably) forbidden by law.
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