Hokkaido - Noboribetsu Onsen 登別温泉

Oyunuma Hot Spring Pond and Mt. Hiyori in the background

It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but I am so glad we decided to go to Noboribetsu. Jigokudani and the surrounding attractions were wildly beautiful and presented hundreds of stunning photographs (and tourists). The above of Oyunuma Hot Spring has been used effectively to incite the jealousy of many friends. :D

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Rivulets of sulphur

A smell best described as 'rotten eggs' permeated Jigokudani due to the sulphur-rich steaming water. Where rivulets dried out, bright yellow sulphur deposits were left behind.

Oyunuma Brook Natural Footbath

Happy Feet

The Oyunuma Footbath was by far my favourite location in Noboribetsu. It was teeming with tourists, but there was enough stinky water for everyone to soak their equally stinky feet after the long hike. I am not convinced of the claimed health-giving properties, but my feet definitely enjoyed the cloudy blue water.

Our time in Hokkaido was far too short, but I would definitely recommend any of these nature spots over Sapporo, which was not too different from any other Japanese city. In which case, one might as well maximise time in Hokkaido by visiting natural attractions unavailable in more urban parts of Japan.