Noboribetsu

Sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers. Included in the Japanese Ministry of Environment`s top 100 areas of fragrance and scenery!

The small, crowded enclosures in which the bears are kept may be disturbing to Western visitors.

Aquarium built like a Danish castle, with a small amusement park bolted on.

Theme park about Edo era.

A roughly 1-km-circumference volcanic lake formed by an eruption of Mt Hiyori. Sulphurous water rises from springs around 130°C at the bottom of the lake, while the surface is typically around 40–50°C. A particularly atmospheric extension of the Hell Valley walk, with several short paths and viewpoints around the lake.

A 377-metre active volcano immediately above Oyunuma, still emitting white volcanic smoke. Short trails and viewpoints around Oyunuma provide views of the volcano and the surrounding volcanic landscape

One of Japan's best-known hot-spring resorts, centred on the volcanic springs of Jigokudani. The compact town has numerous ryokan, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops, and is particularly atmospheric in the evening when staying overnight.

This famous hotel makes a credible claim to being the largest spa in Asia. ¥2,250 gets you one day's access to the 29 large baths, the largest of which is nearly 4,950 m² in size. Day-visitors must exit before 9pm.