Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival

Held every year on the last weekend of August in Noboribetsu Onsen, the Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival is a grand event that reenacts the legend of Enma, King of Hell, arriving at the hot spring town with his demons after the cauldron lid of Hell Valley is opened.

The highlight of the festival is the “Enma Karakuri Float,” a towering structure about 6 meters high. Watching the massive figure of Enma Daio parading through the hot spring streets with his demons is truly awe-inspiring. The float also features mechanical tricks worth noting. Another powerful spectacle is the “Oni Mikoshi Abare Nerikomi,” where about 100 young men carry a giant 1-ton red demon statue through the streets. In addition, there are unique processions such as the student-carried Oni Mikoshi from Noboribetsu Junior High School and the Women’s Mikoshi.
Festival-goers can also enjoy the Oni Odori Grand Parade, where dancers wearing demon masks perform to the rhythm of Jigoku-bayashi, and the audience is encouraged to join in.

Each year, the festival also features lively stage events including brass band and taiko drum performances. The two-day celebration culminates in a spectacular fireworks display launched over Hell Valley.