Visit the famous Noboribetsu Jigokudani in Hokkaido to see the volcanic crater remains

After soaking our feet at the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Oyunumagawa, our family headed to the famous Noboribetsu Jigokudani in Hokkaido. This is a highly representative natural wonder and a must-visit spot when you come to Noboribetsu Onsen.

The parking fee here is shared with the Oyunumagawa parking lot, so you can use the same parking ticket to enter the paid parking area. After parking the car, we got out and walked. The weather was perfect—clear blue skies. The first time we visited Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the weather was poor, which actually made it feel more like a “hell valley.”

There is no entrance fee to enter Noboribetsu Jigokudani. At the entrance, you’ll find a visitor information center where you can take a rest, and there are restrooms across the street. We planned to check out the information center on our way back.

Jigokudani features wooden boardwalks, making it very easy to explore on foot. Areas outside the boardwalk are off-limits, as there are steam vents and unstable terrain that can be dangerous.

We walked to the Tessen Pond, a small geyser located near the center of Jigokudani. In the past, some visitors threw coins into the pond to make wishes, so there are now signs asking people not to throw coins anymore.

he walking paths here are smooth and well-maintained. There is also a wheelchair-accessible slope from the park service center to the Jigokudani observation deck, making it possible for visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the volcanic landscape.

On our way back, we returned to the entrance to visit the information center. Inside, there are topographic maps and landmarks of the Noboribetsu Onsen area, as well as displays of giant hornet nests, giving us a glimpse into the local ecosystem.