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Noboribetsu Onsen Day Trip: Jigokudani 'Hell Valley' And a Natural Hot Spring Footbath!

Noboribetsu Onsen Day Trip: Jigokudani 'Hell Valley' And a Natural Hot Spring Footbath!

Last updated: 16 December 2020

Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido is well known for its 9 different types of hot springs. There are lots of sights to see centered around these hot springs. Jigokudani (literally, "Hell Valley"), for example, exudes both gases and hot water, and Oyunuma, a super high-temperature spring, accumulates sulfur.

In order to see these springs for ourselves, I decided to take a guided tour of Noboribetsu. It even ended in a natural footbath! This was truly the best tour I've ever experienced!


*Taisho Jigoku and Oyunuma River Natural Footbath will be closed off from Nov 6, 2016. (You can walk up to Oyunuma). Date of reopening not yet decided. (As of May, 2018)

Gateway to hell! Walking through Noboribetsu Jigokudani Hell Valley

I booked my tour through the Noboribetsu Gateway Center, which provides guided tours and activities such as nature walks in the town of Noboribetsu Onsen. Of their different course options, I went with their “Geyser Watching” walking tour, which takes you to the geysers and ancient forests of Noboribetsu Onsen in about 2 and a half hours.

▲I took a guided tour with Mr. Kobayashi of Noboribetsu Gateway Center.
▲I took a guided tour with Mr. Kobayashi of Noboribetsu Gateway Center.
▲Once we met with Mr. Kobayashi in the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, the tour was under way!
▲Once we met with Mr. Kobayashi in the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, the tour was under way!

Our first stop was the classic point of Noboribetsu, Hell Valley. Though only a few minutes away, we leisurely strolled for 15 minutes while listening to the guide’s explanations along the way.

▲Standing and talking in front of the trademark oni (demons) of Noboribetsu.
▲Standing and talking in front of the trademark oni (demons) of Noboribetsu.

At the top of Sengen Park is an observation deck that overlooks Hell Valley.

A Hell Valley is a desolate stretch of land where no plants grow, strewn with rocks, gravel, and the remnants of volcanic activity. Water, hot steam, and volcanic gases leak from the ground in some areas, and geysers may erupt in the others.

▲You can view all of Hell Valley from this observation deck.
▲You can view all of Hell Valley from this observation deck.

There are 24 sources of water currently in use throughout the hotels of Noboribetsu Onsen. Six of them are here in Hell Valley, and the characteristics of each of these sources is very diverse.

▲In this photo Mr. Kobayashi explains the magnificent landscape.
▲In this photo Mr. Kobayashi explains the magnificent landscape.

We continue along the footpath through the mountains, onto the side street, and down the stairs. Here we reach the observation space at the bottom of Hell Valley. A small company called Yakushido sits in one corner, with an alum spring gushing right out from the side.

▲The amount of hot water coming from Sagiriyu is small, so it can only be enjoyed at these day-trip bathing facilities.
▲The amount of hot water coming from Sagiriyu is small, so it can only be enjoyed at these day-trip bathing facilities.

I was told a story of some sulfur miners during the Meiji era who damaged their eyes while working at Noboribetsu. Legend has it when they washed their eyes at this alum fountain, they were miraculously healed. Because of this, it is also referred to as “water of the eyes”.

After this we climbed the stairs returning to the original road, and continued with our guided tour.

▲Along the walkway were the remnants of a hot spring which had dried up 40 years ago. It is said the children here used to boil eggs in the water to sell to tourists for pocket change.
▲Along the walkway were the remnants of a hot spring which had dried up 40 years ago. It is said the children here used to boil eggs in the water to sell to tourists for pocket change.

Next, we came to a fork in the road. We continued down a tree-lined path that leads into the middle of Hell Valley.

A desolate landscape devoid of any plant or animal life at all spread as far as the eye could see. It truly felt like walking through hell. A small river in the middle of Hell Valley flows with the water of various hot springs pouring in and mixing with the flow.

▲The various ingredients of the hot springs form a grayish color when combined, hence the color of the water.
▲The various ingredients of the hot springs form a grayish color when combined, hence the color of the water.

Mr. Kobayashi: “Question time: what is the name of the river that flows through hell?”
Me: “Um, ‘Hell River?’”
Mr. Kobayashi: “You know, I always ask this question during tours. Most people get it right on their first try, but...”
Me: “Oh... is that so... I’m sorry, I have no idea...”
Mr. Kobayashi: “It’s the River Styx.”

▲I silently gazed at the Sanzu River, or “River Styx,” suddenly feeling a bit silly about my answer.
▲I silently gazed at the Sanzu River, or “River Styx,” suddenly feeling a bit silly about my answer.

After recovering from my brief embarrassment, we crossed the Sanzu River right into the world of Hell. At the end of the path lies Tessen Pond.

▲ At 2-3 meters diameter, it has the appearance of a small pond, but is actually a geyser from which the hot springs gush forth.
▲ At 2-3 meters diameter, it has the appearance of a small pond, but is actually a geyser from which the hot springs gush forth.

As the hot water accumulates the pond lets out some steam, and the hot water gradually flows out. However every ten minutes or so, the hot water erupts right from the pond as if pushed out by a pump! (The time intervals and amount of water are not always constant.)

It is such an interesting sight, watching the water burst forth like that. The metallic odor of sulfur also wafts out with the steam.

"The main source of this hot spring is the same alum spring as before, which is said to be good for the eyes." At these words, I wanted to jump in.

“But,” he continued, “that doesn’t necessarily mean it can magically cure eye diseases or near-sightedness.”

On second thought...

After experiencing the power of this “hell on earth” a bit longer, we headed to Oyunuma.

On to Oyunuma and Okunoyu

We continued along the mountain path which was now dense with primitive forest. Since it was a mountain path, there were many steep slopes and staircases to climb.

▲We were off to enjoy “forest bathing” – right outside the world of hell devoid of any green.
▲We were off to enjoy “forest bathing” – right outside the world of hell devoid of any green.
▲Along the pathway was Nanakamado Square, where plenty of Nanakamado, or Japanese Rowan Plants, were in bloom.
▲Along the pathway was Nanakamado Square, where plenty of Nanakamado, or Japanese Rowan Plants, were in bloom.
▲One of those long staircases…
▲One of those long staircases…
▲On the way down from the mountain, you can see Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama where smoke rises
▲On the way down from the mountain, you can see Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama where smoke rises

On the way down the mountain, a few minutes from Hell Valley, you can see Okunoyu. It was created by the remnants of the eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama, and lies just across Oyunuma. Several of Noboribetsu's hotels source their hot water from here.

▲An abundant amount of sulfur comes out from the bottom of the Okunoyu. The surface temperature ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, and can reaches as high as 110 degrees at its deepest point!
▲An abundant amount of sulfur comes out from the bottom of the Okunoyu. The surface temperature ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Celsius, and can reaches as high as 110 degrees at its deepest point!
▲View from the observation deck on the banks of the swamp
▲View from the observation deck on the banks of the swamp

The area from which the water erupts is not consistent, and has burst forth from different parts of the spring, including sometimes from right underneath the deck! Because of this, certain parts of the observatory are off-limits, since it is hard to predict if and when that might happen again.

▲The water from Okunoyu flows as far as Oyunuma, which is 100 meters away.
▲The water from Okunoyu flows as far as Oyunuma, which is 100 meters away.

Just like Okunoyu, Oyunuma is a sulfur spring with a surface temperature of 40-50 degrees Celsius, yet can gush out water as hot as 130 degrees. During the Meiji Era, people even built rafts on these hot swamps above the sulfur deposits below. I was shocked at how people could have worked under such extreme conditions. It was like working in a sauna!

▲This photo shows the wide Oyunuma swamp with Mt. Hiyoriyama as a backdrop.
▲This photo shows the wide Oyunuma swamp with Mt. Hiyoriyama as a backdrop.
▲We took a short break at the restroom area of Oyunuma. It was a good chance to catch our breath.
▲We took a short break at the restroom area of Oyunuma. It was a good chance to catch our breath.

Ending on the right foot with a healing natural footbath!

After that, we headed to the highlight of the trip: the Oyunuma River Natural Foot Bath! The water that overflows from Oyunuma Swamp comes down as a sizable river called the Oyunuma River. Along the banks you can enjoy a natural footbath.

About 10 minutes along the way we came upon Taisho Jigoku, a hot springs of about 10 meters long, created by a small eruption from the time of the Taisho Era. The water from here also flows down, joining with the Oyunuma River.

▲Taking in the view from a small observation deck.
▲Taking in the view from a small observation deck.

Until 2011, the amount of water erupting from the bottom of this marsh increased and decreased so frequently, at some points it seemed to practically explode, spurting the hot water all around. I may seem calm here, as the water hadn't done anything of the sort, but I remained wary just in case.

▲The various types of water flow irregularly through the springs of Taisho Jigoku, resulting in a wide array of colors. The surface may appear white, blue, or gray on some days, and yellow or green on others.
▲The various types of water flow irregularly through the springs of Taisho Jigoku, resulting in a wide array of colors. The surface may appear white, blue, or gray on some days, and yellow or green on others.

After checking out Taisho Jigoku, we headed to Yunokawa River.

The wooden boards lining the path made it comfortable and easy to walk, however there were many places without a fence, so caution is advised.

A short 5 minute walk from Hell Valley brings you to the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath.

Mr. Kobayashi lent me an aluminum sheet to sit on since it was wet.

▲Sitting on a wooden deck stretching over the river.
▲Sitting on a wooden deck stretching over the river.

We took off our shoes and socks, rolled up our pants, and headed down to Yunokawa!
“Ouch!”
It was so much hotter than I expected, I couldn’t help but let out a little yelp. But though it started off feeling hot and tingly, I acclimated within a couple of minutes.

▲Burning up with excitement!
▲Burning up with excitement!

We headed towards the gray-colored river. Because of the color, it is difficult to see the bottom, so proceed with extreme caution.

The area we walked through only reached our calves, but other parts of the river can reach high enough to even wet your pants! And it’s not just the depth, but there are also certain spots in which the temperature is much higher, too!
Indeed it was a “hot water river!”

Here we are enjoying this hot water footbath in the middle of the forest. The fatigue from walking for nearly two hours had completely washed away! Also, this place maintains it beauty throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter, so it is truly a wonderful location to visit anytime!

After the footbath, we returned to the hot spring town from which we started in a matter of 20 minutes. And with that, the guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen was complete.

▲Each guest even received a postcard!
▲Each guest even received a postcard!

Walking amongst all these springs and geysers, feeling the power of the volcanic activity spread before my very eyes, it was as if I had uncovered the mysteries of the earth.

I truly believe that Noboribetsu Onsen is a hot spring to be noted indeed.
And above all, nothing replaces the authentic, magical experience of enjoying a natural footbath right in the river. This geyser watching experience at Noboribetsu Onsen was truly magnificent – one of the best experiences of my life.

*The guided tour is only provided in Japanese and English.


Geyser Watching Period: March-April, Daily at 10:30AM and 2:00PM
Length: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, Reservation required
Cost: Adult (Middle School age and above) 5000 Yen, Children (3 years – elementary school age) 3500 Yen (Tax included)
Tour Times: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM
Business Hours: 8:30AM – 6:00PM
Closed: Always open

  • Noboribetsu Gateway Center
    登別ゲートウェイセンター
    • Address 〒059-0551 北海道登別市登別温泉町26 道南バス登別温泉ターミナル内/Dōnan Bus Noboribetsu-Onsen Terminal, Noboribetsu Onsencho 26,
    • Phone Number 0143-84-2200

Written by : Nobuhiro Kawashima

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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