The Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri is a unique summer festival themed around the town's famous Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a volcanic crater filled with bubbling sulphurous springs. Participants parade through the town dressed as demons (oni) and Emma, the Buddhist king of hell, in elaborate costumes, drawing crowds of onlookers and photographers. Traditional drum performances, mikoshi portable shrine processions, and a lively night parade illuminate the spa resort streets. The festival is a playful nod to the town's identity as Hokkaido's most celebrated onsen destination.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Summer
- Month
- Late August
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Noboribetsu
Highlights
- ◆Colourful demon and oni costume parade
- ◆Night illumination parade through the hot spring town
- ◆Traditional taiko drum performances
- ◆Mikoshi portable shrine procession
- ◆Access to Jigokudani Hell Valley viewpoints nearby