Noboribetsu, located in Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resort towns, renowned for its volcanic landscapes and rejuvenating onsen waters. The town’s main attraction is Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” a dramatic volcanic crater with steaming vents, bubbling sulfuric pools, and an otherworldly atmosphere. The mineral-rich hot springs in the area are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting visitors to relax and unwind at the town’s many traditional ryokan and onsen baths. Noboribetsu also offers scenic walking trails that lead through the valley to spots like Oyunuma Pond and natural footbaths, surrounded by lush forests. Nearby, Noboribetsu Bear Park provides a unique opportunity to see Hokkaido’s native brown bears up close. Combining natural beauty, relaxation, and a touch of adventure, Noboribetsu is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the best of Hokkaido’s hot springs and volcanic wonders.
Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
Noboribetsu Bear Park, located atop “Bear Mountain” near Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, Japan, offers visitors the unique experience of feeding Ezo brown bears, the largest land animals in Hokkaido. Accessible via a scenic seven-minute gondola ride from Noboribetsu Onsen, the park is home to over 60 bears. Visitors can purchase special bear snacks, such as…
Noboribetsu Bear Park, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is known for its promise of a close-up wildlife experience with Ezo brown bears. However, while it’s a popular tourist attraction, there are aspects of the park that can leave visitors with mixed feelings. The park, set on a hillside with views of the surrounding landscape and Lake…
Pointing my new bazooka towards some details of Jigokudani : some lovely sulfur constructs! Jigokudani, often known as Hell Valley, is a dramatic and unique geothermal area located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan. This landscape is famous for its rugged, rocky terrain and active steam vents that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The name “Jigokudani,” meaning “Hell…
Jigokudani Hot Spring in Hokkaido is a geothermal area renowned for its striking landscape of steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and vibrant mineral-streaked rock formations. Located in Noboribetsu, part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this area is sometimes known as Hell Valley due to its intense geothermal activity and otherworldly appearance. Despite the ominous name, Jigokudani…
The trails and paths around Jigokudani Hot Spring in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido are carefully constructed to guide visitors through the dramatic landscape of this geothermal wonder. These paths provide access to the most striking features of the area while allowing visitors to safely explore the unique natural environment. Composition and Structure The trails are typically well-maintained…
Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, is a striking volcanic valley that lives up to its evocative name. The valley is renowned for its dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape, shaped by intense geothermal activity. It is a place where the raw power of nature is on full display, drawing visitors from around the world who come…