Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring destinations, not just in Hokkaido. Particularly notable is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a unique geological feature unlike any other in Japan, located within the volcanic crater of Mount Hiyoriyama, recognized as an active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Accessing Jigokudani is convenient by bus. From JR Noboribetsu Station, take a Donan bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen and travel to the final stop, Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute walk to Jigokudani.
For visitors arriving by car, parking is available for 500 yen per day at two locations: Jigokudani Parking and Oyunuma Parking. You can park at either location for the same daily fee.
Starting from Jigokudani, a walk through several key areas can be completed in 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you might encounter these notable spots.
- Jigokudani(Hell Valley 地獄谷)
- Yakushi Budda/Healing Budda Shrine(薬師如来堂)
- Tessen pond(鉄泉池)
- Oyunuma river natural hot spa(大湯沼川天然足湯)
- Taisho Jigoku pond(大正地獄)
- Oyunuma pond(大湯沼)
- Okunoyu pond(奥の湯)
The footpaths of Jigokudani are illuminated at night, and wheelchair access is provided at the entrance. Visitors using wheelchairs can enjoy views of Jigokudani from a small observation hill.
Access
It takes about 3-5 minutes to walk from the entrance of Jigokudani to Yakushi Buddha Shrine, and another 5 minutes to reach Tessen Pond.
After Tessen Pond, you can access Oyunuma Pond, which is a 15-minute walk, and then continue to Oyunuma River natural hot spring, which is another 10-15 minutes on foot.
There is a short distance from Jigokudani to Oyunuma. You can drive to Oyunuma Parking in about 5 minutes, and from there, you can easily access Oyunuma, Taisho Jigoku Pond, and Oyunuma River natural hot spring by walking through the virgin forest. It’s a beautiful and enjoyable hike that I highly recommend.
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