Hokkaido: Bear Park and Jigokudani Hell Valley Tour

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 Hokkaido’s 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 “Yukara no Sato,” 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 Noboribetsu’s 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 Hokkaido’s volcanic energy and the spiritual beliefs it shaped.