| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Shopping Experience | Outlet Malls |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Child seats and children's meals are not included. Passengers who wish to use them should request this in advance.
Children aged 0-2 years old can ride for free without occupying a seat; please inform us in advance when registering; children aged 3 years old and above are treated the same as adults
The tour fee only includes the bus fee. Lunch and entrance fees are not included in the tour fee. Please confirm and understand in advance.
If there are less than 1 person participating on the day, the tour will be cancelled (if there are less than 1 person 5 days before departure)
If you are traveling with a small car driver who is also a tour guide, only Chinese-speaking services will be provided. Please be aware of this in advance.
Children under 5 years old are free of charge for Bear Ranch admission. Please do not order the Children's Bear Ranch package. Our company will not refund if you place an order by mistake. Please understand.
Please meet at least 10 minutes before the bus departs. No refunds will be given for those who cannot join the tour due to personal reasons, lateness, or other reasons. The tour guide will not contact you before the tour, so please be sure to arrive at the meeting point on time for check-in.
Due to seasonal variations in itineraries, boarding locations outside of Sapporo may not be able to access all itinerary attractions. Please be sure to reconfirm the itinerary sequence and boarding time when choosing a boarding location outside of Sapporo.
You can get on and off the bus freely during the trip. The product price remains unchanged. If necessary, please inform us in advance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
The name "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley) accurately describes Noboribetsu's dramatic volcanic landscape. It's a large, explosion crater that constantly emits sulfurous fumes, steam, and boiling hot water from numerous fumaroles and hot springs. The barren, rocky terrain, combined with the intense geothermal activity, creates an otherworldly scene reminiscent of a hellish realm, hence its evocative name.
Visiting Noboribetsu Hell Valley offers a unique opportunity to witness raw geothermal power. You can walk along designated trails through a dramatic volcanic crater, observing active fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and hot streams up close. The powerful sulfurous scent and the steam rising from the ground create an immersive, almost primeval atmosphere, providing a stark contrast to Hokkaido's serene natural beauty.
To fully appreciate Noboribetsu Hell Valley's main attractions, including the walking trails and viewpoints, a visit duration of approximately 60 to 90 minutes is generally recommended. This allows enough time to comfortably stroll through the volcanic landscape, take photos, and experience the various geothermal features without feeling rushed, fitting well into a day tour itinerary.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley is commonly accessed via bus from major hubs like Sapporo or Noboribetsu Onsen. Many visitors opt for organized day tours, which provide convenient round-trip transportation by comfortable tour buses directly from Sapporo. Public buses also connect Noboribetsu Station to the Hell Valley area. For self-drivers, parking facilities are available nearby.
At Noboribetsu Hell Valley, visitors can expect to see various geological wonders. The main crater itself showcases active fumaroles emitting sulfurous gas, boiling hot springs, and mud pots. Key sights include Tessen-ike (Iron Kettle Pond), a geyser that erupts periodically, and Oyunuma Pond, a volcanic lake filled with sulfurous hot water. The surrounding barren, reddish-brown cliffs complete the dramatic scenery.
Yes, Noboribetsu Hell Valley features well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the volcanic terrain up close. The main trail loops through the crater, offering close views of the fumaroles and hot springs. An extension leads to Oyunuma Pond, where you can experience a natural footbath in a hot stream. These trails are designed for easy access, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the unique environment.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley's volcanic activity is evident through constant emissions of steam and sulfurous gases from numerous vents and cracks in the earth. Visitors will observe bubbling hot springs and mud pots, and experience the distinct smell of sulfur in the air. The landscape itself, with its eroded, rocky formations and reddish hue, is a direct result of thousands of years of volcanic processes.
Noboribetsu Hell Valley offers numerous unique photo opportunities. The main observation deck provides a panoramic view of the entire crater with its rising steam. Along the walking trails, you can capture close-up shots of the bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and the vibrant colors of the volcanic rock formations. The contrast between the rugged, active landscape and the surrounding lush forest makes for striking and memorable photographs.