What other travelers are saying about Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Beautiful valley views in a surreal way. There’s pavement that you could follow to see all the mud and smoke coming from the pits. If you have time there’s some hiking trails around the area. I did one leading to the back side and there’s foot bath full of people. It took about 40 minutes because I did many stops to take pictures.
I came around beginning November so there were beautiful autumn foliage in the background.
Very nice walk around natural hot springs and you will find plenty of restrooms and shops on the way there. There is no waiting but usually a lot of people. If you’re lucky you can maybe see some deers walking
Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area. There’s sulfurous steam vents all around the valley and it’s the source of the hot spring water used by the locals and the onsens. There’s trails all around and easy to access and find. Went during the winter time so beware not to slip.
Worth making the trip for. Impressive geothermal area with decent facilities scattered throughout. Nice trails and good viewpoints. Also worth it to walk to Lake Onuyama. Good gift shops and support town (incl. restaurants and convenience stores).
Hokkaido will lose a part of its magic if one misses the visit to this place. But one needs to be prepared to endure navigating through hilly forest walk. The highlight of the trip is threading to a hot spring stream where one will not regret removing their shoes and soaking their bare feet in the sulphuric smelling and warm flowing stream. The tiredness from walking is easily alleviated by the absorbing beauty of the surroundings.
