Nighttime Jigokudani event "Path of Ghost Fires: Valley of Fantasy and Mystery" (Photo courtesy of Noboribetsu Tourism Association)

Noboribetsu Onsen --- A top-ranking hot spring resort in Hokkaido, consistently ranking among the top ten in national hot spring resort rankings!

In addition to its high-quality hot springs with a long history, this spot boasts a wide variety of Hokkaido's unique cuisine, but you also shouldn't miss the natural areas that are brimming with the essence of Hokkaido!

Among them, Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is Noboribetsu's top attraction. While "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley) sounds like a scary name, it's actually a relaxing hell where you can enjoy the dynamic nature unique to Hokkaido (lol).

This time, we'll introduce how to enjoy Noboribetsu's Jigokudani (Hell Valley)♪

table of contents
1. What is Noboribetsu's Jigokudani (Hell Valley)?
2. From the hot spring town to Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
3. First, head to the Noboribetsu Park Service Center.
4. Jigokudani Mini Trekking
5. (Bonus Feature) Noboribetsu Onsen: Popular Gourmet Food and Souvenirs
Summary

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in summer (Photo courtesy of Noboribetsu Tourism Association)

If I had to describe Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in one word, it would be "the source of Noboribetsu Onsen (hot springs)."

Noboribetsu Onsen boasts a natural hot spring output of 10,000 tons per day (approximately 50,000 drums) and is known as the "department store of hot springs" due to its wide variety of spring water types.

Hiyoriyama is an active volcano located about 2.8 km from the Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring resort area.
The hot springs were created along with the eruption of this mountain.

There are hot spring sources even within the hot spring town itself.
At "Izumigen Park," you can see the geyser erupting right before your eyes.

And at the back of the hot spring town is a large hot spring source called "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley)!

Jigokudani is a group of explosion craters with a diameter of approximately 450m and an area of ​​approximately 11ha (equivalent to 2.8 Koshien Stadiums).
There are many hot springs and steam vents, and the temperature is very high, making it extremely difficult to step directly into the area.
The area was named "Hell Valley" because its appearance resembled hell.

It's a straight road from the hot spring town to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), so access is very easy!

For this example, let's assume we're departing from the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal.

We will pass through the main street, "Gokuraku-dori Shopping Arcade."

A demon will greet travelers along the way!

As you stroll through the shopping street, admiring the adorable ogre figures and stopping at souvenir shops, you'll gradually start to notice the smell of sulfur!

As soon as you exit the Gokuraku-dori shopping street, you'll see a large sign!

(Photo courtesy of Noboribetsu Tourism Association)

At Onibokora, a popular photo spot in Noboribetsu, you'll be greeted by giant red and blue demons!
It's about 700 meters to here, which takes about 10 minutes on foot.
It can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes from accommodations in the hot spring town.

Well, we've arrived at the entrance to Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
By this point, the faint smell of sulfur that was present in the shopping district becomes much stronger.

At the entrance is the visitor center, "Noboribetsu Park Service Center."

This center offers unique services that you won't often find at other tourist attractions.

They offer a free rental service for rain boots. The boots are very sturdy and make walking on snowy roads easy. They also lend out umbrellas.
It's wonderful that they've taken the time to make it easy to enjoy a stroll through Jigokudani even when it's raining or snowing and the ground is slippery!

The center houses exhibits and materials about the nature of Noboribetsu Onsen and the origins of the hot springs.
You can also get tourist brochures for Jigokudani (Hell Valley) here.

There is a small shop inside the center. In addition to drinks and snacks, they sell souvenirs such as natural hot spring mineral deposits from Noboribetsu Onsen and original towels.

There's a large restroom right next to the service center, so it's definitely a place you'll want to stop by before exploring Jigokudani!

[Access information]
Noboribetsu Park Service Center
TEL：0143-84-3141
the map isCLICK HERE

Now, let me show you what Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is like.

There are several walking routes, but this time I chose to take the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) walking trail, which is the easiest to navigate.
The Jigokudani walking trail is 568 meters long and can be completed in about 10 minutes. The slopes are gentle, so even those who aren't confident in their physical fitness can enjoy it.

As you walk through the trees, the view opens up, and a valley with exposed brown and gray rock faces appears, accompanied by billowing smoke!

As you walk along the promenade and listen carefully, you can hear the bubbling sound of hot spring water gushing out from somewhere.

Soon, you'll see a walking deck in the distance.

We'll continue on this deck, heading towards the middle of Hell Valley.
A river of hot springs flows nearby, and high-temperature steam with the smell of sulfur rises from all directions, making it truly feel like hell. There are "No Entry" signs in several places.

The walking deck ends near the center of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where you'll find a geyser called "Tessenike" (Iron Spring Pond).
The boiling water keeps bubbling up, creating an incredibly impressive sight.
Many people were so engrossed in watching that they lost track of time.

Although Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a bit spooky, the hot springs that gush forth from here are used to supply hot water to hotels and inns in the hot spring town.
And it puts tourists in a state of pure bliss!

5. (Bonus Feature) Noboribetsu Onsen: Popular Gourmet Food and Souvenirs

Here, I'll introduce some gourmet foods and souvenirs that I personally think are likely to become popular in Noboribetsu Onsen!

First, let's talk about local cuisine."Noboribetsu Enma Yakisoba".
"Fried noodles with flat noodles made from Hokkaido-grown wheat, and a spicy sesame flavor using ingredients from Noboribetsu or the surrounding area."
But, Enma Yakisoba (Yakitori with a twist) is a dish that about 30 restaurants in Noboribetsu City are competing with each other, each offering their own unique twist!
This time"Hot Spring Market"I had Enma Yakisoba there.

This is yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) with plenty of seafood such as scallops and squid, as well as vegetables (980 yen).
It has just the right amount of spiciness, but the subtle sweetness of the sauce and the aroma of sesame seeds whet the appetite.

It's so delicious, you'll finish it in no time!
This is a dish you should definitely try when you visit Noboribetsu!
For more information about Enma Yakisoba, please visit the official website.

[Store information]
Hot spring market
Official site:http://www.onsenichiba.com/
Phone: 0143-84-2560
Opening hours: Dining area 12:00 - 21:00
Closed: Mid-December to end of year (dining area only)
the map isCLICK HERE

Next, I would like to introduce"BANANA LEAF".
This stylish accessory shop is housed in an old stone warehouse and features a tropical-themed layout.

While the shop mainly features shell craft and glass bead accessories, this is the one that particularly caught my eye.

A lucky frog charm featuring a frog praying! The frog is so cute! 700 yen each.
It might be a good idea to give it as a souvenir, wishing good fortune upon someone special!

[Store information]
BANANA LEAF
Phone: 090-2070-7311
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 AM - 19:00 PM (Friday, Saturday, and public holidays until 20:00 PM)
Closed on Wednesdays
the map isCLICK HERE

Summary

Noboribetsu Onsen is an old, traditional hot spring resort that has been around since the Edo period.
For locals, Noboribetsu was only associated with the "bear farm"...

Noboribetsu is currently promoting new attractions using the keywords "hell," "demons," and "Enma" (the King of Hell).
In addition, many worthwhile events are held throughout the year, such as the "Noboribetsu Hell Festival" in the summer and the "Noboribetsu Hot Spring Festival" in the middle of winter.

Located in an area of ​​Hokkaido with relatively little snowfall, Noboribetsu Onsen and Jigokudani (Hell Valley) are accessible within an hour's drive from New Chitose Airport.
It's a place you can easily visit whenever you feel like it, regardless of the season!
Please come and enjoy the beauty of Hokkaido's magnificent nature!

The popular event "Demon Fireworks of Hell Valley" (Photo: Noboribetsu Tourism Association)

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  A mysterious hidden gem in Sapporo!? A deep dive into Maruyama Park, conveniently located near the station!

• 

  A roundup of Chitose's tourist spots that you'll want to visit on your first or last day of your Hokkaido trip!

• 

  If you're in Otaru, check these out! 5 recommended sushi restaurants in Otaru, chosen by locals.

• 

  Five wonderful retro cafes that evoke the history of the port city of Hakodate

• 

  A must-read for Hokkaido lovers! We'll answer your question: What exactly is a Hokkaido travel voucher?

• 

  12 Must-Visit Scenic Hokkaido Touring Spots!

• 

  Efficient sightseeing in Otaru! A guaranteed great walking tour itinerary.

• 

  You absolutely must go! The charm of Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort!

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)