Wanderyn
Jigokudani
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · JP

Jigokudani

Getting around: This Jigokudani is in Noboribetsu, not Sapporo; from Sapporo take a JR train to Noboribetsu Station (about 1.5 hours), then a bus (about 15 minutes) to Noboribetsu Onsen town, where the valley is a short walk.
Hours: Open trail and viewing area, accessible daylight hours, free to enter (some sections lit for evening viewing).

Jigokudani, meaning 'Hell Valley,' is a volcanic crater within Noboribetsu Onsen town, its steaming vents, bubbling pools, and sulfurous smell giving it its dramatic name and feeding the many hot spring baths in the surrounding ryokan. Walking paths circle the valley's edge for close views of the volcanic activity, and it's especially striking around dusk when the steam catches the fading light.

The valley is the reason Noboribetsu became one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring destinations, so most visitors combine the walk here with an overnight or day-use stay at one of the onsen inns in town.

Jigokudani FAQs

What does Jigokudani mean?

'Hell Valley,' named for its steaming volcanic vents, bubbling sulfurous pools, and dramatic barren landscape.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the viewing trails are free and open to the public.

How far is Noboribetsu from Sapporo?

About 1.5 hours by JR train, plus a further short bus ride into Noboribetsu Onsen town.

Can I bathe in the hot springs here?

The valley itself isn't for bathing, but it feeds the hot spring water used by the many ryokan and public baths in Noboribetsu Onsen town nearby.

How long should I plan for a visit?

About 1 hour for the walking trail, though most visitors extend the trip with an onsen stay.

Your travel graph
Ready to plan Jigokudani?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.