Noboribetsu's Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is an active volcanic crater landscape where boiling sulphurous water bubbles year-round, but in winter the steam clouds become thick and theatrical against the cold air. Pathways through the valley are lit from dusk, allowing visitors to walk among steaming vents and red-tinged rock formations under the winter sky. The contrast of snow-covered surroundings and scalding geothermal activity is visually dramatic. Nearby onsen ryokan allow guests to soak in medicinal waters after the walk, making this a complete sensory winter evening.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- December to February
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Noboribetsu
Highlights
- ◆Steaming volcanic vents dramatically thickened by winter cold
- ◆Illuminated evening walking path through active crater terrain
- ◆Striking contrast of snow and hot sulphur geology
- ◆Gateway to Noboribetsu's renowned onsen ryokan district
- ◆Oyunuma natural boiling pond visible from lookout point