Columns of steam
Among coloured rock.
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A cluster of explosion craters in the Noboribetsu hot-spring area, on the western foot of the active Kuttara volcano, about 450 metres across and 11 hectares in area. Steam and hot water rise from it and feed the springs of Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's best-known hot-spring resorts. The craters were formed by repeated steam eruptions that began about 8,000 years ago, and the most recent activity here is put at about 200 years ago. It is a special protection zone in Shikotsu-Tōya National Park and has been a Hokkaido Heritage site since 2004. Wooden walkways lead among yellow, orange and grey rocks and columns of steam, with the smell of sulphur everywhere. A short walk away lies Oyunuma, a hot pond steaming over grey water; in autumn the valley's trees turn, and some walkways are lit at night. Entry is free and parking is paid. The valley is about a five-minute walk from the Daiichi Takimoto-mae bus stop, and some walkways close in winter. The town has public and hotel hot-spring baths, most of them separate for men and women and bathed in without clothing.
Among coloured rock.
Hot water.
Across the valley.
Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu
Yes, entry is free and parking is paid; some walkways close in winter.