Begin your journey with a scenic ropeway ride up to the summit station of Noboribetsu Bear Park. Admire views of the surrounding mountains and forests, with the clear waters of Lake Kuttara shimmering in the distance.

At the top, explore the extensive grounds of the park, which includes the Bear Museum, educational exhibits, and the “Yukara no Sato,” an area dedicated to the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people. Hear stories of how the Ainu regarded the brown bear, or kimun kamuy, as a sacred mountain deity and a powerful symbol of the cycle of life.

Gain insights into the biology and behavior of Hokkaido’s largest animal, observing the bears in a safe yet close environment that helps reveal their strength, intelligence, and unique character.

After descending the ropeway, continue through Noboribetsu’s charming Gokuraku-dori street, a lively approach lined with shops and small inns that reflects the town’s long-standing reputation as a hot spring retreat.

Arrive at the entrance of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where a volcanic caldera steams and bubbles with dramatic energy. Learn how the valley’s sulfurous vents, boiling ponds, and rocky terrain gave rise to its name, and how these landscapes influenced Japanese ideas of hell, spirits, and the afterlife.

Walk along the trails and encounter striking spots such as the Tessen Pond, where boiling waters erupt in rhythmic bursts, and various geothermal formations that showcase the earth’s raw power. Pause for photography, capturing the unique scenery of steaming vents framed by forested mountains.

Conclude your tour back at the Jigokudani observation point, where you can look out over the valley in its full scale and reflect on the cultural and natural forces that make Noboribetsu such a remarkable destination.