Jigokudani Hell Valley

Part of Mount Hiyori, an active volcano, the valley can be accessed by a very safe wooden trail. Visitors can satisfy their curiosity when observing the incessant plumes of smoke emanating from the ground, the surrounding hot air blowing against the skin as if in 'hell'.

From the valley, there are attractive hiking trails through the wooded hills above Noboribetsu. It takes about 20 minutes on foot to approach another natural phenomenon: the sulfur lake Oyunuma, formed by a volcanic eruption, the surface water temperature is close to 50 degrees Celsius and can reach 130 degrees Celsius in the depths below. Just across the lake, there is a smaller, more muddy lake with similar features. Around, you can also see two geysers named Tessen-ike and Taishi Jigoku.

The Oyunuma flows into a warm volcanic river called the Oyunumagawa, and in summer and autumn the leaves are red, the area is a pleasant place suitable for hiking and nature sightseeing. Because it is a hot spring area, visitors can end a day of walking by resting and soaking their feet directly into the hot spring along the way.

Visitors coming here can enjoy the beauty of spring flowers, fresh green trees of summer, snow of winter, but especially autumn is beautiful with its colors, and this area has been selected. is one of Japan's top 100 autumn leaf viewing spots.