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 | Review by Jk
Other Reviews by Jk
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Tennoji Park
An urban park located just steps from Tennoji Station, one of Osaka’s major terminal stations. This historic park opened in 1909 on the former site of the 5th National Industrial Exhibition, which was held in 1903. Its vast 26-hectare grounds are home to a variety of attractions, including Tennoji Zoo.
Cross the street and walk straight into Tennoji Park, and the whole scene instantly switches from a bustling metropolis to a super chill, European-style lawn! The craziest thing here is the ridiculously huge lawn area called “TEN-SHIBA.” Right in central Osaka, packed with skyscrapers, there’s somehow this whole wide-open stretch of lush green grass hidden away. Look up, and you can see Japan’s super-tall Abeno Harukas skyscraper right next to it as a backdrop. The visual impact of modern architecture mixed with nature is seriously unbeatable! On weekends, lots of locals and college students bring picnic blankets, grab some coffee or takeout fried chicken, and just lie on the grass doing nothing, soaking up the sun and enjoying the breeze. It’s so relaxing that you won’t want to move at all!
And Tennoji Park definitely isn’t some old-fashioned park where all you can do is take a walk. The whole park is super stylish and fun to explore! Neatly lined up on both sides of the lawn are a bunch of thoughtfully designed artsy cafés, Italian restaurants, and open-air beer bars. During the day, you can sit outside and enjoy brunch with the view. At night, once the lights come on, the atmosphere is at its peak. Having a drink while looking out at Abeno’s sparkling night view is super romantic. Head farther into the park, and it connects seamlessly to the hugely popular Tennoji Zoo and Keitakuen Garden, which is full of the tranquility of a Japanese garden. You can even walk from here all the way to Tsutenkaku to eat kushikatsu. The location seriously couldn’t be better! -
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Kansai International Airport
Many domestic and international flights carry nearly 28 million people a year at this western Japan’s entrance, Kansai International Airport. It is on an island about 5km off the coast of Senshu in Osaka Bay, famous as the world’s first marine airport on a completely man-made island. The airport code KIX is used as the familiar nickname “KIX.”
Kansai International Airport is definitely much more than just a place to catch a flight. It’s the perfect place for one last massive shopping and eating spree before heading home! The renovated duty-free area after security feels just like a huge luxury department store, packed with everything from Japan-exclusive snacks and matcha desserts to high-end beauty products and trendy souvenirs. If you’re not careful, you’ll spend all your JPY and max out your credit card. Even if you arrive early and have to wait for your flight, you won’t get bored at all. The terminals are full of incredible authentic food, including Osaka’s legendary Kamukura ramen, freshly fried crispy pork cutlets, and piping-hot takoyaki. You can stuff yourself one last time before boarding and end your entire Kansai trip on an unbelievably satisfying high note!
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Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most prominent shrines in Hokkaido, is located in Chuo District, Sapporo City. Its history is long, which began in 1869, when the Emperor Meiji directed to enshrine “Kaitaku Sanshin (Developing Three Deities)” here as a place of faith for pioneers.
The moment you step into Hokkaido Shrine, you’re instantly struck by its incredibly quiet and sacred atmosphere! It’s basically the top shrine in all of Hokkaido. The entire shrine is surrounded by towering old-growth trees, and the air is unbelievably clean and fresh. One deep breath wakes you right up. The crunch of the gravel under your feet instantly calms the restless feeling you get from constantly scrolling on your phone. And what’s really crazy is how rich the wildlife is. As you’re walking, a super nimble wild squirrel will often suddenly dart out on a nearby tree, poking its head around looking for nuts. They’re seriously so cute and soothing to see up close!
When you reach the main shrine, the dark wood paired with the green copper roof looks unbelievably cool, both solemn and full of that calm, commanding aura of ancient Japan. After praying, you definitely can’t just turn around and leave. You have to head straight to the Rokkatei teahouse next door! They have Hangankan mochi that’s exclusive to this shrine, freshly grilled right in front of you. It’s piping hot in your hands, with a lightly charred exterior and a hint of buckwheat aroma. When you bite into it, it’s incredibly soft and chewy, and the red bean filling is just the right amount of sweet. Enjoy it on a nearby bench with a hot cup of free roasted tea, and you’ll feel completely recharged in body, mind, and spirit! -
