Red leaves like autumn maples fall, but they are jagged and sharp. They are beautiful, yet they bring the true pain of Hell. First Layer of Hell (Tokatsu Jigoku) This is where humans who committed murder or killed living creatures like insects or cattle are sent. Since it is the first layer, it is gentler than the others, but it is still agonizing. The fallen humans are forced to fight with black ropes and spears until one dies, or they are roasted on giant iron plates. The ruler is a jailer demon named Gokusotsu. He is surprisingly laid-back and, for some reason, speaks with a regional drawl. Second Layer of Hell (Kokujo Jigoku) This is where those who committed murder and theft are sent. The fallen humans suffer as they are sawn apart or lashed and bound tightly with red-hot iron ropes. The ruler is a bull-headed demon named Kuro-oni. He is surprisingly calm. Third Layer of Hell (Shugo Jigoku) This is where those who committed murder, theft, and sexual misconduct are sent. The fallen humans are impaled on mountains of needles, crushed between giant iron plates, or lured by beautiful women into infinite suffering. It is primarily a place of torment for those who committed lewd acts. The ruler is a female demon named Inhime. She is mature and beautiful.

The scenery looks like a beautiful mountain range, but screams echo from the depths. Fourth Layer of Hell (Kyokan Jigoku) This is where those who committed the previous sins plus alcohol-related offenses are sent. The fallen humans are boiled in glowing cauldrons and subjected to violence and ceaseless pain from the demons. The ruler is a demon named Gokui. He is surprisingly easy to talk to. Fifth Layer of Hell (Daikyokan Jigoku) This is where those who committed the previous sins plus lying, slander, or fraud are sent. The fallen humans are whipped in freakishly cold places, beaten and cut in areas that alternate between extreme heat and cold, and have their tongues or mouths sliced while being exposed to flames. The ruler is a demon named Kan'en. He is surprisingly fastidious and difficult to please. Sixth Layer of Hell (Shakunetsu Jigoku) This is where those who committed the previous sins plus heresy or disbelief are sent. The fallen humans are exposed to flames until their bodies burn away, submerged in boiling seas of blood, or forced to swallow red-hot iron. The ruler is a demon named Entei. He is surprisingly boisterous and has a great sense of humor.

These are the two places where those who have committed every possible evil are sent. Red maples flutter and rivers flow—a truly magnificent view of Hell. Seventh Layer of Hell (Daishakunetsu Jigoku) This is where those who committed the previous sins plus violence or verbal abuse toward temple staff, nuns, or young girls are sent. The fallen humans suffer double the previous agonies: they are burned, beaten, cut, drowned, and have excrement thrown at their bodies and faces. The ruler is a demon named Nanaki. He is prickly, but if you win him over, he is surprisingly kind and gullible. Eighth Layer of Hell (Mugen Jigoku / Abi Jigoku) This is where those who committed the previous sins plus the murder of parents or strong rebellion against Buddhism are sent. The fallen humans suffer double the agony of the previous layer. There is no time to rest here; while other layers have brief respites during resurrection, here the pain is constant. Sharp stones fall from the sky, and the air itself is a scorching breath. No matter where you are, it is suffocating, painful, and hot. The ruler is a demon named Shin-oh. He is surprisingly easy to get along with, high-spirited, and energetic. These are all the layers of Hell. While sinners and fallen humans find no paradise, only pain, there are cities in Hell where demons and other residents live their daily lives.