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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Oni Hanabi in Hell Valley
Display of fireworks unleashed by the Yukijin demons
Noboribetsu International Tourism and Convention Association
Noboribetsu Onsen, located in the southwest of Hokkaido, is one of the top-rated hot spring resorts in Japan, known for its quality hot springs in many varieties of minerals such as sulfur. Here, you can enjoy the Jigokudani Demon Fireworks, a magnificent show involving hand-held fireworks inspired by the area’s folklore.
Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is the iconic 450-meter diameter, 11-hectare explosion crater created by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hiyori and the biggest tourists’ interest of Noboribetsu onsen, which supplies tons of hot springs to hotels and facilities in the town every day. Its name derives from the steam that rises from the surface, the strong smell of sulfur that surrounds the area, and the scenery of bubbling and boiling water—all of which resembles the hellish landscape where demons inhabit.
Every year during the summer, a fireworks show called the Oni Hanabi is held in the Jigokudani Observatory. The show is based on the legend that Yukijin, the demons who inhabit to guard the precious hot spring in Jigokudani, launch powerful fireworks like volcanic eruptions into the night sky, wishing for people’s happiness and driving evil spirits out. This show, which received the Prime Minister Award in the 24th Furusato Event Award in 2019, thrills the audience with the 10-meter-high flame which lights the area of Jigokudani in the darkness.
How to get there
From New Chitose Airport, take the highway bus to Noboribetsu Station (about 1 hour). Transfer to a local bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (about 30 minutes). Jigokudani is a 10-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Jigokudani Observatory: Noboribetsu-Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
