japantemple – Gutless Travel

We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan is definitely one of mine. It was such a great break from the city life. Standing across the valley, staring into the smoking valley with its lush green scenery, I knew that exploring the world would be something I’d want to do for the rest of my life. I spent two days there. I went to Jigokudani, also known as Hell’s Valley, and Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe.

Lodging

There are many hotels in Noboribetsu and near Jigokudani. I stayed at Noboribetsu Manseikaku in a single room with breakfast + dinner (both were buffets). They also have indoor and outdoor onsen. The outdoor onsen view was breathtaking. Tattoos are not allowed. Fortunately, the hotel sells tattoo cover ups (stickers to cover your tattoo), which I had to do.

For more information on the hotel, please visit:
https://noboribetsu.manseikakuhotels.com/en-us

Noboribetsu Manseikaku is a 10-15 minute walk to Jigokudani, and across the bus stop to go to the Marine Park Nixe. The hotel also coordinates a bus in the morning to go to Sapporo.

Spot all the demon statues

Throughout Noboribetsu, you can find different demon statutes, all with meanings to them. I was shocked to have seen such a tall demon statue on my way to the hotel. There are other tall demons standing and sitting on your walk to Jigokudani. But there are also small, cute demons for success in love, exams, and business.

By the way, I don’t think I found ALL of the demon statues. I didn’t know how many total were there. It would be a great little scavenger hunt of the place to spot them all.

JIGOKUDANI OR HELL’S VALLEY

Noboribetsu is famous for its hot springs, which come from Hell’s Valley. Above the valley are the Jigokudani-Oyunuma Walking trails. Be prepared to walk deep into the forest: wear sunscreen, bug repellant, and comfortable shoes; and bring a bottle of water.

If you have not seen my bee “attack” story, click here.

There are a few maps before entering any of the pathways so make sure to take a photo just in case.

OYUNUMA LAKE

After a hundred and more steps, I reached a part of the valley looking out to Oyunuma Lake.

I still had to walk towards the pond from the valley. To save some time, it is also possible to drive there. But a walk through the valley would definitely be a great experience. It’s almost like hiking. Well, I guess I’ll consider that a hike.

The walk back to my hotel was about 25-30 minute by foot (on my pace) along the road. It may have been shorter if I had walked through the valley again, but since it was almost dark I did not want to risk getting lost in the woods with no flashlight.

The trail to Oyunuma Foot Bath can also be accessed from the lake.

OYUNUMA BROOK NATURAL FOOT BATH

After my first failed attempt to go to the foot bath, I actually decided not to go anymore. However, after spending half the day at the Marine Park Nixe, I had some time to head there so I put on the direction on Google map and walked over from the hotel. When I got there, there were so many tourists with their shoes off and feet in the water. Do not worry about the water being dirty, the river flows. I had spent about 40 minutes there, with my foot on and off the hot water. Definitely relaxing!

Oyunuma Natural Foot Bath Scenery:

MARINE PARK NIXE

Getting to Marine Park Nixe was easy. There is a bus stop across Noboribetsu Manseikaku and there will be signs. Otherwise, you can also ask the friendly people there. Most likely you will meet another tourist who has been there or will be heading there.

They have seals, turtles, penguins, dolphins etc. Their main attraction is the Penguin Parade. The only reason I went to the park! My love for penguins have made me travel across the ocean to see them up close and out of their cage lol. Not kidding. The penguins will walk on a carpet and you can watch them waddle through.