The explosion crater of Mt. Hiyori holds a diameter of roughly 450 meters with an area of 11 hectares.
A number of seep crevasses and fumaroles create this boiling atmosphere, hence creating its coined name “the hell where demons dwell”. Many kinds of hot spring from here have formed the hot water supply to the hotels and inns of the area providing 10,000 tons a day.
Visitors walk the scenic promenade for about 10 minutes, from which you can hike about 20 minutes to Jigokudani’s sightseeing tower, letting you see the streaming volcanic gas and 7 colors of hot water across the landscape of the mysterious “Taisho Hell”.
Event Information of Jigokudani
- Path of the Will-o’-the-wisp（Onibinomichi）
Valley of fantasy and mystery Illuminated in shimmering light, “the path of the will-o’-the-wisp” takes you to Jigokudani.
Walking the road ahead illuminated by faint white smoke, the surface of the mountain becomes visible, and as you continue the fantastic explosion crater of Jigokudani becomes visible.
Date: All year round
Hours: Following sunset – 21:30
- Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival
This festival is based on the legend of when King Enma (Enma the Great) visited Jigokudani and took the demon from it when the door of hell opened. With the anticipation of drums and demons, and even a demon dance, this once-a-year parade festival re-welcomes Enma the Great’s march.
Date: Last Saturday and Sunday of August
- “Onihanabi” in the Valley of Hell”
（Fireworks of the Demon in the Valley of Hell） These fireworks are meant to carry away misfortune and for the purpose of happiness.
Hot spring fierce god “Yukijin” who lives in Jigokudani, sets off a dinamic demon fireworks. “Yukijin” – the ‘hot water demons’ believed to live in Jigokudani – shoot through the night sky with a full eruption and brilliance.
Date: June 1st and every Thursday and Friday from June to the beginning of August
Hours: From 20:30
Sengen Park
This is the park where the geyser that streams out from the river that runs alongside the Jigokudani hot spring. Visitors can experience the eruption of the geyser at intervals of approximately three hours. There is the sound of pressure building, followed by the eruption of the geyser, which is accompanied by a cloud of steam.
Event Information of Sengen Park
- Noboribetsu Onsen Festival (Yukake Matsuri)
This festival is held to celebrate the gift of the onsen (hot spring) water and to wish for a year of prosperity without troubles. On the 4th, young men wearing traditional loincloths gather to ward off the cold by splashing buckets of hot water at each other. The entire event area becomes a festive hot water fight!
Date: February 3rd and 4th
- Bon Odori (Bon Dance )
Why don’t you join “Bon Odori” (Lantern Dance) wearing your own yukata or one from the hotel? After dancing, there’s even a fun prize raffle featuring local goods and famous Noboribetsu items! Come join us!!!
Date: One day in the beginning of August
Hours: 19:30 – 21:30
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Get up close and personal with the bears of Noboribetsu Bear Park. Including “Cub Kindergarten” and “Scholar Bear” shows, with a rare opportunity to try the thrilling “Human Cage” which puts you in the middle of the action. Moreover, visit two rare special attractions – the bear museum and a recreation of Yukara Village of the Ainu. You can learn everything you ever wanted to know about brown bears and how the traditional Ainu people lived in Hokkaido.
Oyunuma Brook
A true brook of hot water derived from the overflowing spring from Oyunama. The foliage of nature and trees, hanging steam, and the sunlight peering through the forest create a majestic scene.
Oyunuma Brook Natural Footbath
Within easy reach from Sekisuitei, heading along the Oyunama Brook Scenic Trail, and enjoy a natural footbath. Immersed in the forest, rid yourself of fatigue as you rejuvenate mind and body.
The Shrine of King Enma
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival, a mechanical float to honor King Enma was constructed.
When the float is not being presented in the parade, people can set their eyes on its magnificence here.
※ At times, the shrine might be closed due to adverse weather. Thank you for your consideration.
Please check about event schedules at the official website of Noboribetsu Tourism Association.
Noboribetsu
Bourou NOGUCHI Noboribetsu
