Welcome to
Noboribetsu
Hokkaido: Bear Park and Jigokudani Hell Valley Tour
- Duration3 hours
- Max Travelers6 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryCultural Tours, Gondola Cruises
Overview
Explore the natural wonders and spiritual heritage of Hokkaido on a guided tour that includes Noboribetsu Onsen and the stunning Noboribetsu Bear Park. Start with a scenic ropeway ride offering breathtaking mountain views before delving into the Bear Park to learn about the ecology of brown bears and their significance in Ainu culture. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its bubbling sulfuric vents and geothermal formations that have inspired local beliefs about the afterlife. This immersive experience blends education with exploration, providing deep insights into nature and spirituality in Hokkaido.
– Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen and Bear Park
– Scenic ropeway ride with panoramic views of Lake Kuttara
– Explore Jigokudani’s unique volcanic features and cultural significance
– Gain insider knowledge on Ainu traditions and wildlife ecology
Gallery
What's included
Exploration of Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Visit to Noboribetsu Bear Park
Ropeway ride
Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen
What's Not included
Private transportation
Itinerary
The Noboribetsu Ropeway carries visitors up the forested slopes to the summit of Mount Shihorei, where sweeping views stretch across the mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Kuttara. The short ride offers not only scenic beauty but also a gateway to cultural and wildlife experiences at the Bear Park located at the top.
At the summit station lies the Noboribetsu Bear Park, home to Hokkaidou2019s iconic brown bears. Here you can safely observe these powerful creatures up close while learning about their biology, behavior, and importance in Ainu culture, where the bear was revered as kimun kamuy, the god of the mountains. The park also features the Bear Museum and u201cYukara no Sato,u201d an area dedicated to traditional Ainu heritage, making it both educational and unforgettable.
The dramatic volcanic landscape of Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is the source of Noboribetsuu2019s famous hot springs. Bubbling ponds, steaming vents, and sulfurous terrain create a surreal atmosphere that inspired Japanese visions of the afterlife. Walking through the valley reveals striking geothermal features such as the Tessen Pond, where boiling water bursts from the earth, offering a powerful reminder of Hokkaidou2019s volcanic energy and the spiritual beliefs it shaped.
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.