Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a roughly 450-meter-wide volcanic crater sitting just above Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring town. Steam and volcanic gas pour from countless vents amid orange-grey sulfurous rock and boiling pools, and the valley discharges around 10,000 tons of hot spring water a day that feeds the town's onsen. Admission is free, and boardwalk trails let visitors observe the fumaroles and hot streams up close.
Boardwalk loop around the crater — walk right up to steaming vents and flowing hot-spring water (about a 20-minute circuit)
Tessenike Pond — a natural intermittent geyser that calmly rests, then bubbles and boils on a cycle of a few minutes
Oyunuma pond and the free Oyunumagawa natural footbath — a milky sulfuric pool and a warm streamside foot soak (about a 10-minute walk on)
Nighttime illumination 'Onibi no Michi' (Path of Ghostly Lights) — flickering lights through rising steam create a mystical mood (roughly until 10-11pm)
Autumn foliage and winter snowscapes — striking contrasts of red leaves or white steam, tied to the town's 'oni' (demon) theme
Good to know
SafetyThis is an active geothermal field: ground off the trail is unstable and dangerously hot. Stay strictly on the boardwalks and marked paths at all times.
SafetyHydrogen-sulfide gas gives a strong 'rotten egg' smell. Most people adjust in minutes, but if you have asthma or are sensitive, don't linger in low-lying spots and take care on still days.
SafetySome pools such as Taisho Jigoku can suddenly erupt hot mud or water. Never reach past railings or approach the water — scalding is a real burn risk.
SeasonIn winter (late Nov to late Apr) the road toward Oyunuma/Okunoyu is closed to cars, so you walk the trail, and the Oyunuma parking lot shuts. Paths get icy — use the free rubber-boot rental at the Park Service Center.
MannersThe Oyunumagawa footbath is a free public facility — no soap or bathing, feet only, and bring your own towel to dry off. The area is a protected natural park, so keep quiet and pack out all trash.
RulesThis is Hokkaido mountain-forest country near brown-bear habitat. Avoid leaving marked trails for forest paths, and always heed any bear-sighting or trail-closure notices.
Practical info
Free admission, open 24/7 year-round (night illumination roughly until 10-11pm). From JR Noboribetsu Station take a Donan bus about 15 min to the 'Noboribetsu Onsen' bus terminal, then walk about 5-10 min. Parking is paid (around ¥500/day); the Oyunuma lot closes in winter. Plan about 1-2 hours. Verify fees, hours, and trail conditions before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
