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Jigokudani (’n–’J) or "Hell Valley" is a spectacular, appropriately named valley just above the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, which displays hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. It is a main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters.

From the valley, there are attractive walking trails through the wooded hills above Noboribetsu. If you follow them for about 20 to 30 minutes, you will get to Oyunuma, a sulfurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius and a smaller, even hotter, mud pond nearby.

Flowing out of Oyunuma is a river called Oyunumagawa. Still hot, the river flows through the forest, making for an out-of-this-world sight. It is possible to follow the river for several hundred meters and enjoy a natural foot bath (ashiyu) along the way.

The autumn color season in Noboribetsu usually reaches its peak in mid October, adding further colors to the already spectacular scenery. During winter, some of the walking trails in the hills above the Jigokudani might not always be passable.

Getting there and around

The Jigokudai is located directly north of Noboribetsu's hot spring town, a five minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal.

How to get to and around Noboribetsu

Hotels around Noboribetsu

Top rated in Noboribetsu
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    • Kashoutei Hanaya
      Mid-range
      Featuring natural hot-spring baths and fresh Japanese meals, Kashoutei Hanaya Ryokan offers spacious rooms overlooking the Oyunuma River. Relaxing massages and exciting horse-riding activities are on offer. Guests can choose a classically furnished Western room or a Japanese room with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon beds. Each room includes a satellite TV, an air humidifier/purifier and a private toilet. Bathing facilities are shared. Located in Hokkaidofs famous Noboribetsu hot springs area, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal. The ropeway (cable car) to Noboribetsu Bear Park is a 10-minute walk away, and Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura historical theme park is a 10-minute drive. The 24-hour reception provides luggage storage services, and free parking is offered.
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    • Ryotei Hanayura
      Luxury
      Situated in Noboribetsu and only 45 km from Lake Toya, Ryotei Hanayura features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This 4-star ryokan offers a lift and a housekeeping service. The ryokan has family rooms. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At the ryokan, all units are allergy-free. The ryokan offers a buffet or Asian breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Higashi-muroran Station is 27 km from Ryotei Hanayura, while Muroran is 33 km from the property. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 69 km from the accommodation.
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    • Sola St Inn Noboribetsu 2min walk from Noboribetsu station
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Noboribetsu, 49 km from Lake Toya and 19 km from Higashi-muroran Station, Sola St Inn Noboribetsu 2min walk from Noboribetsu station offers barbecue facilities and air conditioning. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 7.9 km from Noboribetsu Jigokudani. The property is non-smoking and is set 25 km from Muroran. This holiday home comes with 5 bedrooms, a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a bidet. Providing free private parking, this 1-star holiday home also features free WiFi. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance. Guests at the holiday home can enjoy skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden. Muroran Irie Stadium is 25 km from Sola St Inn Noboribetsu 2min walk from Noboribetsu station, while Muroran Aquarium is 29 km away. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 67 km from the accommodation.
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    • Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu
      Luxury
      Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu provides rooms with free WiFi in Noboribetsu, situated conveniently an 8-minute walk from Noboribetsu Jigokudani. The property is around 1.3 km from Noboribetsu Bear Park, 3.5 km from Noboribetsu Date Historic Village and 100 metres from Noboribetsu Onsen. The ryokan offers a hot spring bath and a 24-hour front desk. At the ryokan, each room includes a wardrobe. All rooms come with a shared bathroom with a hair dryer. At Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu, all rooms have air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. An Asian breakfast is served every morning at the property. Dinner features traditional Japanese kaiseki (multi-course) meal. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 55 km from the accommodation.
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    • Dai-ichi Takimotokan
      Luxury
      Boasting various hot spring baths, hot tubs and an indoor swimming pool, Daiichi Takimotokan is historic accommodation with Japanese-style guest rooms. Entertainment facilities like karaoke rooms and game centres are on site. Free WiFi is available at every guest room and the public area. With a relaxing ambiance, each room is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. Guest rooms are located in 4 separate buildings on site based on room type. Facilities like flat-screen TV and fridge are provided. Guests can unwind in a yukata robe with a cup of tea and seating cushions. The Takimotokan features relaxation rooms next to the large spa and swimming pool area, and rejuvenating treatments are on offer at the on-site massage salon. Free luggage storage services are provided. The property is a 5-minute walk from Jigokudani hot springs, and a 12-minute drive from Lake Kuttara. There is a bus stop right in front of the property, which is a 15-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Station. Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet or traditional Japanese multi-course meals for dinner, depending on the room. Some plans let the guests savour the delicious course meals in the privacy of the guest room.
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    • Oyado Kiyomizuya
      Mid-range
      Just 1.5 km from Hokkaidofs Jigokudani hot springs area, Oyado Kiyomizuya offers Japanese-style rooms with a Japanese tea maker, private bathroom and futon beds. Massages and public hot-spring baths are featured. The traditionally decorated rooms at Oyado Kiyomizuya Ryokan have tatami (woven-straw) floors and a fridge. The en suite bathroom includes a bathtub and Western toilet. About a 15-minute walk from Noboribetsu Genshirin primeval forest, the hotel is 7 km from Bear Park. Lake Kuttara is also 7 km away. Free wired internet access is provided in the lobby. Breakfast and dinner are served in guests' rooms or private dining rooms, and must be booked with the room as a meal plan (meals and dishes cannot be ordered individually).
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    • Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
      Luxury
      Noboribetsu Grand Hotel offers accommodations with indoor/outdoor public hot-spring baths and free WiFi at the lobby. Guests can refresh in the sauna rooms and request relaxing massages for an extra cost. JR Noboribetsu Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. Noboribetsu Bus Station is a minute's walk away from the hotel. Guests can choose to stay in rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding or in rooms with carpeted floors and Western beds. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. The en suite bathroom features a bath tub and free toiletries. Japanese Yukata robes, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included as well. Guests can sing their favourite tunes at the karaoke rooms or purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop. A coin-launderette is on-site and a game room can be enjoyed as well. Free parking is available. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet consisting of healthy Japanese and Western dishes. Dishes prepared with fresh local seasonal ingredients, including tempura and seafood are served at the dinner buffet. There is a caf? and a bar on-site as well. Hotel Grand Noboribetsu is a 10-minute walk from Jigokudani Valley and Noboribetsu Bear Farm. Noboribetsu Date Historic Village is a 10-minute drive away. A shuttle from JR Sapporo Train Station can be arranged upon prior request, for an extra cost.
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    • Noboribetsu Guest House AKA & AO
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Noboribetsu, 19 km from Higashi-muroran Station, Noboribetsu Guest House AKA & AO provides accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a terrace and a bar. This 1-star hostel offers a shared kitchen, a concierge service and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 25 km from Muroran. All units are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the hostel every room is equipped with a shared bathroom and bed linen. Buffet and continental breakfast options are available daily at Noboribetsu Guest House AKA & AO. The area is popular for skiing, and bike hire is available at the accommodation. Noboribetsu Jigokudani is 7.7 km from Noboribetsu Guest House AKA & AO, while Muroran Irie Stadium is 25 km away. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 67 km from the hostel.
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    • Hotel Mahoroba
      Luxury
      Situated in Noboribetsu, Hotel Mahoroba boasts an on-site public hot spring facility which features over 30 different baths and spas. Guests will find free private parking on site and free WiFi access in common areas. The hotel is a 15-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Station. Some rooms at this hotel feature an open-air bath. Guest rooms are air-conditioned, and are equipped with a TV, an electric kettle, a green tea set and refrigerator. You will also find an air purifier/humidifier and yukata robes provided in the room. Rooms feature an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Free toiletries, slippers, hairdryers and toothbrush sets are provided. The hotel features a karaoke facility in the basement floor and a convenience store on the ground floor. Massage and relaxation services are available at an additional charge, while drink vending machines can be found on site. Restaurant Liberty offers a variety of Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes, while Green Terrace boasts fresh seasonal vegetables. Traditional Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals are also offered at this hotel. Noboribetsu Jigokudani is 700 metres from Hotel Mahoroba, while Noboribetsu Bear Park is 1.4 km away. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, 54 km from the property.
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    • adex Inn
      Mid-range
      Located in Hokkaidofs famous Noboribetsu hot spring areas, adex Inn is a 14-minute drive from JR Noboribetsu Station. Guests staying can soak in the hot spring bath. Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is just a 2-minute walk from the hotel while the popular Noboribetsu Bear Park is a 15-minute drive away. Guests can also make a 10-minute drive to the Date Jidaimura Village and enjoy a step back in time. adex Inn offers 24-hour access to the public hot spring bath at the Daiichi Takimotokan located across the road. Guest rooms are simply furnished and come with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and a working desk. The private bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.
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