Noboribetsu Hell Valley (地獄谷 Jigokudani) is a stunning geothermal valley located in the city of Noboribetsu, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. This unique landscape is characterized by its boiling hot springs, mineral-bleached rocks, and plumes of steam rising from the ground, creating an almost infernal atmosphere reminiscent of a “devil’s valley.” It is one of the most spectacular natural destinations in the region and an excellent example of subterranean volcanic activity visible at the surface.
The site is easily accessible from Noboribetsu Station and can be explored on foot via walkways that wind through the most interesting areas. In addition to admiring the impressive terrain and fumaroles, visitors can enjoy the hot springs fed by these natural sources, which supply the city’s onsen (hot springs). The experience offers a captivating blend of steam, sulfurous aromas, and vibrant colors.
Jigokudani has a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covers an area of nearly 11 hectares, making it one of Japan’s largest and most active volcanic landscapes. Around 10,000 tons of hot spring water gush from its subsoil daily, supplying the city’s numerous onsen (hot springs), with temperatures that can exceed 130°C underground and range between 40 and 50°C in surface pools. This intense activity manifests itself in fumaroles, bubbling pools, and thermal rivers rich in minerals such as sulfur, iron, and sodium, which are responsible for both its dramatic appearance and the therapeutic properties of its waters.
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