EDITORIALS
Noboribetsu Onsen is not only about Hell Valley! Let's go deeper and have fun!
Noboribetsu Onsen is also famous for Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which is accessible from the hot spring resort area. The steam coming out of the fumaroles on the rock face, combined with the scent of sulfur, will make you feel like a tourist.
The promenade makes it easy to stroll around, and it is also a powerful place to take pictures. However, if you have come all the way to Noboribetsu Onsen, why not go a little deeper and visit Oyunuma?
Oyunuma is the site of an explosive crater that once erupted Mt. It is about 1 km in circumference and 22 m deep, and sulfur spring water of about 130°C is gushing out at the bottom of the swamp.
The sight of steam rising from the surface of the swamp is a sight not easily seen elsewhere. Nearby is another swamp called Okunoyu, which is a small but even more intense hot water kiln and is filled with the scent of thick sulfur.
If you want to see and photograph the entirety of Oyunuma, we recommend going to the Hiyoriyama Oyunuma Observatory. The mountain path climbs up the mountain about 300 meters, but it is well maintained, so light clothing is fine. The scenery is especially spectacular during the fall foliage season.
Now, if you have come to Oyunuma, here are some points of interest that you should not miss. The hot spring water overflowing from Oyunuma has turned into a river, which is also known as the Oyunuma River. It is a rare sight to see a river flowing with hot spring water and even steam, isn't it?
Moreover, there is a place where you can use the Oyunuma River as a footbath. There is a promenade along the river, so you can walk along the path. About 500 meters from Oyunuma, the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath will appear.
It feels so magical to soak your feet in the river and feel warm and fluffy in the midst of nature. The temperature varies depending on the season and weather, but on average it is usually around 40 degrees Celsius. Please come prepared with a towel and wear clothes that allow you to go below the knees to experience this special experience.
By the way, those who visit by car will park at the Oyunuma Parking Lot, which charges a fee. The ticket you receive here can be used in common at the Jigokudani parking lot at the entrance to Jigokudani, so be sure not to lose it.
Also, please note that the Oyunuma parking lot is closed in winter (usually from early December to late April), and the promenade to the Oyunuma River natural footbath may also be closed!
If you would like to know more about the atmosphere of Noboribetsu Oyunuma Natural Footbath, please check out our TouTube channel "Howatto Yumeguri Hokkaido"!
<Cooperation for this report
Noboribetsu International Tourism & Convention Association
Location: 60 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0143-84-3311
Official website: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/
Facebook: https: //www.facebook.com/noboribetsuonsen
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Tortoise Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm "Bubaneko," a writer with many connections to sightseeing spots and facilities in Hokkaido. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.