When you arrive at Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the first thing you see at the entrance is the large sign that says “Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu Jigokudani.” With the wooden railing beside it and the blue sky and white clouds overhead, seeing it in person feels really satisfying.
Following the wooden boardwalk straight ahead takes you right into this incredibly spectacular volcanic landscape. Looking to the side, the huge valley is covered in bare grayish-white and reddish-brown rocks. There are cracks everywhere, thick white steam keeps billowing out, and the air is filled with a strong sulfur smell. The feeling of actually being there is incredibly intense.
The most impressive part is the scenery on the distant hills, completely surrounded by forests that have turned red in the fall. It creates an extremely striking contrast with the barren yet dramatic volcanic terrain right in front of you. Looking up at the blue sky and then at the white steam drifting around the bare branches, you can take your time strolling along the entire path without feeling rushed at all. It really is the kind of place that makes you want to keep stopping to take photos.
The trails here are also very well maintained and easy to walk, so you can comfortably view the details of the volcanic crater from all kinds of angles. Watching everyone wander around and take in the scenery at their own pace, while listening to the wind and the sounds around you, really helps you relax. This feeling of not having to rush through an itinerary and just wandering around freely is exactly right. You can fully enjoy this natural wonder, and it really is a stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Noboribetsu.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) | Review by Jk
Other Reviews by Jk
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Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport is located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, and is known for its exceptional access to the city center-just about 5 minutes by subway to Hakata Station and around 11 minutes to Tenjin. Its convenience makes it a major gateway for both tourism and business travel.
The moment you step out of Fukuoka Airport, you'll be amazed by its unbelievably convenient location! It is definitely one of the most accessible international airports in Japan, or even all of Asia, and one of the closest to the city center. After landing and picking up your luggage, there’s no need to drag your large suitcase onto a train for an hour or two. Just take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal, hop on the Fukuoka City Subway, and in only two stops and five minutes, you’ll arrive right in the heart of the Hakata Station shopping district. You can even get to Tenjin to shop and eat ramen in under ten minutes! That incredibly fast transition from taxiing on the runway one moment to raising a glass in a downtown izakaya the next is so convenient and satisfying that it’s genuinely moving!
Besides its unbeatable transportation links to the city, Fukuoka Airport itself is also the ultimate base for one last major round of shopping, eating, and drinking before heading home! After its recent renovation, the domestic terminal feels just like a huge food-focused department store. The biggest attraction is the extremely popular “Ramen Runway,” which brings together top ramen shops from across Kyushu. Before boarding your flight, you can always satisfy your craving with another steaming bowl of authentic, rich tonkotsu ramen. The souvenir area is packed with options, from freshly baked crispy croissants and classic mentaiko to Hakata Torimon cakes and all kinds of Kyushu-exclusive sweets. It’s lively and so much fun to explore! Up on the outdoor observation deck, you can enjoy the cool breeze while watching huge passenger planes from major airlines frequently take off and land up close. The powerful roar of the engines, paired with the expansive Fukuoka skyline, brings the entire Kyushu trip to the most perfect conclusion! -
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ICHIRAN Souhonten -Headshop & Office-
Located within the headquarters of Ichiran, this is the main store of the renowned ramen chain which is not only present all over Japan, but also overseas, in places like New York, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Among the many famous tonkotsu ramen shops in Fukuoka, Ichiran is particularly popular.
Next to the canal in Nakasu, Hakata, Fukuoka, you can spot this incredible landmark covered in large red lanterns from far away. This is the sacred destination for countless ramen lovers across Japan—ICHIRAN's Main Shop! The entire dedicated building has an impressive presence. At night, rows of large red lanterns light up, reflecting against the canal streetscape and creating a bold and festive sight. As ICHIRAN's global headquarters, it has the signature "Flavor Concentration Booths" everyone knows, where you can focus entirely on savoring the ultimate combination of rich tonkotsu broth, smooth noodles, and secret spicy sauce. The first floor also features the extremely rare "ICHIRAN Yatai" space, where the lively, cheerful izakaya atmosphere lets you slurp noodles while gulping down ice-cold drinks—the satisfaction level is maxed out!
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Hakodate Station
Hakodate Station's commercial zone was renovated in 2016 with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. On the first floor is the "Hokkaido Shikisaikan JR Hakodate Store" offering a variety of local specialties and products, while the second floor features restaurants and an observation deck called the "Rotunda Deck" where visitors can take pictures of trains arriving and departing on the platforms.
This major station, the gateway to southern Hokkaido, has a sleek, modern exterior. The spacious, bright lobby gets plenty of natural light, and the layout is incredibly clean and efficient. Whether you've just arrived by limited express train and are ready to begin your adventure, or you're planning to take the streetcar to the slopes of Motomachi and then Mount Hakodate for the night view, this is the perfect starting point for the entire trip, making you feel both at ease and excited.
The wide, flat, curved plaza in front of the station has an incredibly expansive view. On clear days, you can look up and see blue skies, white clouds, and distant mountains. There's even a faint hint of the fresh, salty sea air unique to this port city, and just taking a deep breath feels refreshing!
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