Noboribetsu Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, lies northeast of the Noboribetsu Onsen resort area in Hokkaido. This spectacular landscape is the remains of an explosive volcanic crater, approximately 450 meters in diameter, formed by an eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama.
Numerous fumaroles are scattered throughout the valley, releasing high-temperature volcanic gases and hot water from beneath the ground. The barren, otherworldly scenery resembles the traditional image of hell, giving the area its evocative name, “Jigokudani,” or “Hell Valley.”
Approximately 10,000 tons of hot spring water emerge from Jigokudani every day. The abundant hot spring water is channeled to hotels and traditional inns throughout Noboribetsu Onsen, making the valley the most important source of the famous hot spring resort.
A network of walking paths allows visitors to explore the unusual landscape at close range. The main trail through Jigokudani can be completed in approximately 10 to 15 minutes, offering views of steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and the rugged volcanic terrain.
The atmosphere becomes especially mysterious after dark, when the walking route is illuminated as the “Oni-bi no Michi,” or Path of Demons' Fire. The combination of darkness, steam, and subtle lighting creates an otherworldly experience quite different from a daytime visit.
Another walking route continues toward Oyunuma, allowing visitors to explore a wider area of Noboribetsu's volcanic landscape.
Jigokudani lies on the western foot of the active Kuttara Volcano and forms part of the Noboribetsu volcanic area together with nearby Oyunuma and Mount Hiyoriyama. The volcanic zone covers approximately 11 hectares, where high-temperature fumarolic and hydrothermal activity continues today.
This ongoing geothermal activity is the source of Noboribetsu’s abundant hot springs. The area is also located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park and designated as a Special Protection Zone, ensuring that its valuable natural environment is carefully preserved.
The origins of the Noboribetsu volcanic area can be traced back approximately 15,000 years to the beginning of volcanic activity. Around 8,000 years ago, phreatic eruptions occurred frequently, contributing to the formation of Oyunuma and Jigokudani.
The most recent eruption is estimated to have occurred approximately 200 years ago. Because earthquakes and volcanic activity remain possible in the area, an official volcanic alert level system has been in place since 2015, supporting visitor safety and careful management of the site.
The distinctive scenery and geological importance of Noboribetsu Jigokudani have earned it recognition in several notable selections. It has been included among the “100 Fragrant Landscapes of Japan,” Hokkaido Heritage sites, and the “100 Best Places for Autumn Foliage in Japan.”
It is also designated as one of the “Recommended National Forests of Japan’s Most Beautiful Forests”, reflecting the importance of the surrounding natural environment. Today, Jigokudani attracts visitors from throughout Japan and around the world who come to experience its dramatic volcanic scenery.
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s best-known hot spring resorts, located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. Its hot springs have been known since the Edo period, and the resort developed rapidly during the Meiji period as hotels and traditional Japanese inns opened one after another.
Today, Noboribetsu Onsen is regarded as one of Japan’s leading hot spring destinations and has consistently ranked highly in the annual “100 Best Hot Springs in Japan” rankings.
The name “Noboribetsu” is believed to derive from the Ainu expression “Nupur-pet,” meaning “a river with intensely colored water.” The name reflects the region’s deep connection with the Ainu culture and its distinctive natural environment.
Noboribetsu Onsen is famous for its remarkable variety of hot spring waters. Approximately 10,000 tons of naturally occurring hot spring water emerge each day, with around 3,000 liters per minute supplied through nine different types of mineral-rich spring water.
Because of this exceptional diversity, Noboribetsu Onsen is sometimes described as a “department store of hot springs.” Each type of spring offers different characteristics, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of bathing experiences in a single resort area.
Jigokudani is the largest source of hot spring water for Noboribetsu Onsen. The abundant waters emerging from this volcanic landscape flow into the resort area, supporting the many hotels and traditional inns that have made Noboribetsu famous.
The walking paths through Jigokudani provide an easy way to experience this extraordinary volcanic landscape. In just 10 to 15 minutes, visitors can walk around the main area while observing steaming vents and the strange, rugged terrain created by volcanic activity.
During the evening, the “Oni-bi no Michi” illumination adds a mysterious atmosphere to the valley, making Jigokudani a memorable destination both day and night.
Pay parking lot
15 min. by bus from Noboribetsu Stn.