Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani): The Walk, Oyunuma and Parking

Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Jigokudani in Japanese, is the source of the hot springs of Noboribetsu: a crater about 450 meters across, full of vents and springs that steam, bubble and smell of sulfur. A path runs right down into it, and you can walk it in about ten minutes there and back. It is free and open at all hours, at the top of the Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring town.

1What is Noboribetsu Hell Valley?

Hell Valley is an explosion crater left by eruptions of Mt. Hiyori, about 450 meters across. All along the valley, hot water and steam pour out of vents in bare, yellow and gray ground, and the smell of sulfur hangs over everything. It looks like a vision of hell, which is how it got its name, and it feeds the hot springs of the town below.

A boardwalk and path lead down from the observation deck into the valley, close to the steaming vents.

Hell Valley is open at all hours and free.

2Oyunuma pond

Further up the hill is Oyunuma, a gourd-shaped pond about a kilometer around, where sulfur water at about 130°C wells up from the bottom and steam drifts across the surface. It is about a 30-minute walk uphill from Hell Valley, so I recommend driving; the Hell Valley parking ticket also covers the Oyunuma car park.

3Accessibility

According to the Noboribetsu tourism association, there is a wheelchair ramp, with a slope of up to 8%, from the park service center to the Hell Valley observation deck, about a minute's walk from the car park. The path beyond the deck has no steps but some steep sections, so it is safer to have someone to help. Check with the park service center before you go if you are unsure.

4How to get to Hell Valley

From Sapporo: just under two hours by car including a break. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Tomakomai and Muroran and exit at Noboribetsu-higashi IC; the toll from Sapporo-kita IC is 3,060 yen (2,140 yen with an ETC card). Tarumae Service Area, on the way, has an observation deck worth a stop.

From New Chitose Airport: about an hour on the same expressway, with a toll of 1,790 yen to Noboribetsu-higashi IC.

The Hell Valley car park costs 500 yen a day, and the same ticket is valid at the Oyunuma car park, so keep your receipt.

5Near Hell Valley

Hell Valley sits at the top of Noboribetsu Onsen, so it is easy to combine with a bath and the other sights of the town. Dai-ichi Takimotokan, the inn right below the valley, has a huge bathhouse with five kinds of spring water and windows looking out over Hell Valley. Noboribetsu Bear Park, at the top of the ropeway, has brown bears and a view over Lake Kuttara.

My Noboribetsu guide puts them together in one day, with lunch and where to park.

Noboribetsu Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: Hell Valley, Onsen and Where to ParkA local's day trip from Sapporo to Noboribetsu by car: Hell Valley, Oyunuma, the bear park and a day bath at Takimotokan, with tolls, parking and winter driving tips.

6FAQ about Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Q1. Is Noboribetsu Hell Valley free?

Yes. Walking the valley is free at any time. The car park costs 500 yen a day.

Q2. How long does it take to see Hell Valley?

About ten minutes for the walk down and back, or 30 minutes with time for photos and the observation deck. Add Oyunuma for another 30 minutes or so by car.

Q3. How do you get to Hell Valley from Sapporo?

Just under two hours by car on the Do-o Expressway to Noboribetsu-higashi IC.

Q4. Is Hell Valley open in winter?

Yes, it is open all year, but the paths can be icy in winter, so wear shoes with good grip.

Q5. Is Hell Valley wheelchair accessible?

There is a ramp from the park service center to the observation deck; the path beyond it has steep sections.