Before checking into our most expensive stay in Hokkaido, we decided to visit a place as planned in our itinerary. We decided to visit the Hell Valley first before we proceed to check in at the hotel in the afternoon. Official check in time is 3pm anyway so we might as well make good use of our time.
We parked our car right outside the entrance to the Hell Valley. There is a paid parking space available for visitors. Hell Valley is well known for its displays of hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. It is the source of the natural spring water for the Onsen Hotels in Noboribetsu.
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| Okay...okay we get the idea...Hell Valley. |
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| Once inside there will be a walking trail to follow.... |
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| Cross the barrier and it will land you in Hot Soup! |
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| Intense Volcanic Activity In Front... |
After about 10-15 minutes walk later, we have a chance to see an active geyser close up. Contrary to what I understand about geysers, the bubbles due to intense heat at boiling temperatures don't gush out all the time. Instead it happens intermittently and at its peak hot water and steam can burst out in great force. Well, something new that I have learned today :). Overall, I feel that this place is quite a good place for a leisurely walk given the comfortable weather in Noboribetsu even it is during summer. We basically only completed the short trail only which took us about 45 mins. The trail is actually a long one and if ventured deeper inside, we would have found a hot spring river and lake as well.
As it was already close to noon, we did not spent too much time at the hell valley. and we decided to head for lunch by noon. Furthermore, wifey and I wanted to allow more time to relax in the luxurious Boro Noguchi Noboribetsu Onsen Hotel.
As it was already close to noon, we did not spent too much time at the hell valley. and we decided to head for lunch by noon. Furthermore, wifey and I wanted to allow more time to relax in the luxurious Boro Noguchi Noboribetsu Onsen Hotel.
We headed for lunch at the only seafood restaurant located in the main street of Noboribetsu Onsen Dori which is less than 10mins walk from Hell Valley's car park. We ordered scallop curry rice, clam soup and sea urchin rice bowl. All I can say here is the food is really delicious and fresh!! Honestly I never actually eaten such big clams and scallop before. It was certainly one of the most satisfying lunch ever.
More to come.....
Click on LINK to Day 3 Part 1
Click on LINK to Hokkaido Travel Blog (Overview)
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