After the hot spring heaven of Kurokawa why not take a trip to Hell? Sparrow Hell – or Suzume Jigoku in Japanese. This is a cold water volcanic sulphur spring, the gas is so powerful it can kill sparrows and even tanuki and fox have been found killed by the fumes…. humans are fine though it is advisable not to go too close if you have any kind of heart or breathing condition.
The stark grey rocks and sulphur deposits surrounding the spring scar the lush green landscape. Sulphurous spring water bubbles up in several places and flows away in a clear stream belying its deadly nature. The spring is not fenced off and it is possible to get up close or get your feet wet if the smell does not put you off.
Walking Path
Continue on the path past the Suzume Jigoku and you will soon enter the Seiryu no Mori woodlands dominated by beech trees famed for the beauty of its autumn colours and gushing streams. The walking path finishes at Lovers Hill aka Hirano-Dai offering romantic panoramas of the Aso caldera.
Access
Suzume Jigoku is about a 10 minute drive from Kurokawa Onsen. From the car park follow the path for a couple of minutes and you will soon come to the spring.
Suzume Jigoku is free to visit. Parking is free, public toilets are available.
Travel Tips
The easiest way to find Suzume Jigoku is to pick up a Kurokawa map from tourist information and follow the signs – double check you know the kanji as some of the road signs are only in Japanese – or take a day trip to Kurokawa with Explore Kumamoto.
Walking to Hirano Dai will take around 20 minutes you can then continue down the road and turn left at the bottom to make a circuit back to Suzume Jigoku.
If you fancy a relaxing bath after your hike, the peaceful Hozantei Onsen has a wonderful setting and is conveniently located near the main road turn off to Suzume Jigoku.
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