Attractions

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani

Travel Guide

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani or “Hell Valeey” is a spectacular, appropriately named valley just above the town of Noboribetsu Hot Sping. Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani is certified as Hokkaido Heritage.

For Buddhists, Hell is a very scary place where people who did bad things have to go after they die. Ennma (a king of Hell) decides people’s punishments depending on the crimes they had committed while they were living. As a result of this connection to the Buddhist Hell, not only can you enjoy walking through ‘Hell’ and back, you can see many demon statues throughout the town.

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani is part of the beautiful area of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani is a spectacularly formed valley created by volcanic eruptions several thousand years ago. Volcanic pits, steam vents and geysers are constantly puffing out from the earth providing a dramatic and beautiful scene. Once you get used to the incredibly strong smell of sulphur in the air, you really get to take in the beauty and magnitude of the sight.

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani is the source of the Noboribetsu Hot Spring, naturally pouring out ten thousand tons of hot water every day. The hot water can range in temperature from 45°C to 90°C, and this water is supplied to hotels and inns around the hot spring.

From the valley, there are attractive walking trails through the wooded hills above Noboribetsu. If you follow them for about 20 to 30 minutes, you will get to Oyunuma, a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius and a smaller, even hotter, mud pond nearby.

The landscape of Jigoku-dani looked different in winter and summer. In February, the alien landscape of Jigoku-dani was covered in a layer of glistening snow, with the powder forming what could only be called “snow bubbles” around the various heat sources. With no trees blocking the path, small crystals of diamond dust swirled over the mounds, mixing with bursts of steam. However, in March, much of the snow had melted to reveal the red crust of the earth, introducing a beautiful contrast of orange against the cool blue hue of the lingering snow. All of this looks quite different from the summer landscape of orange, yellow, and red against the background of a lush green forest (a view that is found on most tourist postcards).

Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani Nobribetsu Jigoku-dani
 
TOP

Travel Advice

Sightseeting

- Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9am to 5 pm, there will be volunteers from Noboribetsu-shi Tourist Volunteer awaiting at Jigoku-dani. Volunteers provide free guide to Jigoku-dani, Oku-no-yu, Oyu-numa Pond, Taishojigoku and other area in the Noboribetsu Hot Spring. Visitors can also request a customized tour. Noboribetsu-shi Tourist Volunteer take the reservation for the free guide at TEL 0143-84-2018,E-mail spa@city.noboribetsu.lg.jp.

- The autumn color season in Noboribetsu usually reaches its peak in mid October, adding further colors to the already spectacular scenery. During winter, some of the walking trails in the hills above the Jigoku-dani might not always be passable.

 
TOP

Visit

Address Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
Phone 0143-84-3311 (Noboribetsu Tourist Assosiation)
Admission Free  
Hours Free time  
Closed Open 7 Days a Week
Duration 30 minutes
Getting There By Train
15 minutes ride by Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Hot Spring from JR Noboribetsu Station to the Noboribetsu Hot Spring Bus Terminal, then walk approximately 10 minutes.

By Car
Take Hokkaido Expressway to Noboribetsu-higashi exit. It is approximately 7 kilometers 10 mimutes from exit.
Parking Paid parking available
 
TOP

Attractions in Japan

 
TOP