Jigokudani

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is Noboribetsu Onsen’s largest hot-spring source and one of Hokkaido’s most famous geothermal landscapes. It was formed about 10,000 years ago by eruptive activity from Mt. Hiyori and Mt. Kasa, creating a group of explosion craters; the remaining crater area is about 450 meters across and is recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage site. The valley spans roughly 11 hectares and contains numerous hot-water outlets and fumaroles. The bubbling, boiling appearance resembled "a hell where demons live," which is said to be the origin of the name Jigokudani. There is a boardwalk-style trail that takes about 10 minutes to walk, and from viewpoints you can observe hot water gushing out. Jigokudani is also the source that feeds the hotels and ryokan of the Noboribetsu hot-spring town, with a natural discharge said to reach about 10,000 tons per day. In the onsen town, there is also Sengen Park, where you can watch a geyser-like intermittent spring erupt vigorously for about 50 minutes every three hours. Seeing the steam, noise, and the dramatic discharge of about 2,000 liters of 80°C water helps visitors appreciate the power of nature and the blessings that support Noboribetsu Onsen. Day-use bathing is also possible in the town. For access, take a bus from JR Muroran Main Line Noboribetsu Station (about 16 minutes) and get off at Noboribetsu Onsen—Jigokudani is nearby.