What other travelers are saying about Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Great experience walking around the hell valley with a free foot hot bath along the way. The view is amazing and love the trivia along the path. Easy walk with lovely nature that is great escape from the city.
More about Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
The name "Jigokudani" translates to "Hell Valley" in English due to the area's boiling water, steam plumes, and desolate, otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of what one might imagine hell to look like.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani was formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Hiyori and Mount Kuttara. The area is rich in sulfur and other minerals, which are brought to the surface by volcanic activity.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani can be visited throughout the year. However, each season offers a different experience: spring and summer for lush greenery, autumn for colorful foliage, and winter for a snowy landscape contrasted with the steam from the hot springs.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is accessible by train and bus from Sapporo, the nearest major city. Visitors can take a train to Noboribetsu Station and then a bus directly to Noboribetsu Onsen Town. From there, Jigokudani is within walking distance.
Yes, Noboribetsu Jigokudani is safe to visit, but visitors should stay on the designated paths and follow any safety signs or instructions to avoid getting too close to the hot steam vents and sulfurous streams.
We visited Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani) as part of an organized bus tour, and it was a great stop. Around 30–60 minutes is enough to walk the wooden paths, take photos, and enjoy the unique volcanic scenery. The view of the steaming rocks and colourful ground is truly impressive and gives a good sense of Hokkaido’s geothermal nature.
As the name suggests, there’s a strong sulfur smell in the air, it’s natural and part of the experience, but some people might find it a bit intense.
Visiting with a tour is very convenient since parking can be limited and the area fits well as a short stop between other sights. Definitely worth seeing once. It feels like standing on another planet or in one of the old Power Rangers Sets.
No words needed. Must-Go place in Hokkaido.
Hell Valley is simply incredible — with sulfur gas, steam, and boiling spring water erupting from the earth, the whole place truly lives up to its name. It’s like standing at the edge of the underworld.
I visited just a few days ago, and the weather was absolutely perfect. Since I went on a Monday morning, it wasn’t too crowded, which made the experience even better.
The only downside was that the hiking trail was closed, which was a bit of a letdown…
But still — no question about it — I’d come back here in a heartbeat.
100% planning to visit again.
I visited Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley for the first time at the beginning of winter around 5 p.m.
There were still many travelers. The weather was very cold, and the strong smell of natural gas filled the air.
The scenery was stunning — a true wonder of nature with steam rising from the ground. The sunset made the atmosphere even more magical.
Parking costs 500 yen for a personal car.
Toilets are available, but no Wi-Fi service here.
impressive and wonderful at the same time to walk around in this vulcanc area. It's great to watch and also a perfect and interesting place to visit for the whole family.
when I was there it was a bit foggy, which made it even look a bit mystic too.
