Meet the 'Yukijin' Guardian Demons of Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido's Premier Hot Spring Town!|Domingo

Meet the 'Yukijin' Guardian Demons of Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido's Premier Hot Spring Town!

All around Noboribetsu Onsen town, you'll spot various demons. These are known as 'Yukijin,' guardian demons of the hot springs who are believed to burn away misfortune and grant wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness. This time, we'll introduce you to the unique Yukijin statues hiding throughout Noboribetsu Onsen town!

SPOT 1 Welcoming Demon Statue (In front of JR Noboribetsu Station)

Welcoming Demon Statue

First up is the demon that welcomes tourists in front of JR Noboribetsu Station. During the Noboribetsu Hell Festival, held on the last Saturday and Sunday of August each year in the onsen town, it appears as a portable shrine, livening up the festivities.

SPOT 2 Welcoming Demon Statue (In front of Noboribetsu Higashi Interchange)

Welcoming Demon Statue

For those arriving by car via the Do-O Expressway, an impressive 18-meter-tall, 18-ton welcoming demon awaits at the exit of the Noboribetsu Higashi Interchange. It points the way to Noboribetsu Onsen town!

SPOT 3 Symbolic Demon (For Success in Exams)

Symbolic Demon (For Success in Exams)

Located on Gokuraku Street, the main street of Noboribetsu Onsen town, this demon holding an open book is said to bring good luck for passing exams. Before a big test or certification exam, why not make a wish for success here?

SPOT 4 Symbolic Demon (For Success in Love)

Symbolic Demon (For Success in Love)

These two demons standing cozily side-by-side are a statue for success in love. Their adorable appearance is sure to warm your heart. If you have a romantic wish, why not ask them for their help?

SPOT 5 Symbolic Demon (For Business Prosperity)

Symbolic Demon (For Business Prosperity)

With a kanabo (spiked club) inscribed with "Business Prosperity" in one hand, this demon statue is for those seeking success in business. It seems like this "beckoning demon," rather than a "beckoning cat" (maneki-neko), could bring great fortune.

SPOT 6 Yukake Kizo (Water-Pouring Demon)

Yukake Kizo

Standing next to the Noboribetsu Tourist Association on Gokuraku Street is the 'Yukake Kizo.' Use the ladle to pour the hot spring water flowing from its side onto any part of your body that is in pain or unwell, and pray for good health and recovery from all ailments through the healing powers of the onsen.

SPOT 7 Welcoming Parent-Child Demon Statues

Parent-Child Demon Statues

This heartwarming statue features a 5-meter-tall parent demon and a 2-meter-tall child demon holding hands. It's sure to warm your heart, just like the hot springs.

SPOT 8 Enma-do Hall

Enma-do Hall

This hall houses the 'King Enma Karakuri Float,' which was created to commemorate the 30th Noboribetsu Hell Festival. You can watch a mechanical performance six times a day. During the Noboribetsu Hell Festival, you can enjoy watching King Enma parade through the onsen town.

SPOT 9 Onihokora - Nenbutsu Kizo (Demon Shrine - Chanting Demon Statues)

Onihokora - Nenbutsu Kizo

This is a popular spot for commemorative photos. It is said that the small shrine located between the 3.5-meter-tall red demon statue and the 2.2-meter-tall seated blue demon statue enshrines the 'Nenbutsu Kizo' (Chanting Demon Statue), which dates back to the Edo period.


When in Noboribetsu Onsen town, you can't miss popular spots like Jigokudani (Hell Valley) or 'Sengen Park,' where you can see a geyser. But how about taking a leisurely stroll through the onsen town to find the Yukijin guardians?

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