Sobetsu

Hell Valley is the main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters and also an iconic hot spring in Hokkaido. The so-called "Hell Valley" is, in fact, a remnant of a crater, pervaded all year long by volcanic gas spewing from the surface of the gray and yellow rocks. The surrounding air is filled with a strong smell of sulfur, and the place is thought to resemble a scene of hell. The main attraction is the eerie volcanic valley, the center of which can be accessed by a walkway specially built for tourists.

Lake Toya, which is situated in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, belongs to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Formed after frequent volcanic eruptions in the area, the wide lake appears especially vast in contrast with the relatively low-lying outer rim of the mountains. The neighboring Mount Showa-Shinzan is still active to this day and can still be seen spewing white smoke from its surface. Along the shore is the famous Lake Toya Hot Spring, one of the few hot springs resorts in Hokkaido.

The Usu Volcano is located near Lake Toya and is a very active active volcano. In fact, Usu Volcano has appeared more than 10,000 years ago, and has erupted frequently in the past 100 years. After each outbreak, a new volcano will grow nearby. There are now mountaineering cable cars on the hills, as well as a number of volcanic trails that overlook the volcanoes.

The Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch is located on the Showa New Mountain. The Showa Johor Bahru is an active volcano that erupted in the early years of the Showa era. It is classified as a rare rock-type volcano in the world, and geothermal white smoke can still be seen in the reddish-brown mountains. There are about 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears in the Showa New Mountain Bear Ranch. The ranch is large, and the brown bears are divided into several relatively fixed areas according to their age groups. If the visitor wants to get close to the lovely brown bear, you can go to the "cage" specially set in the brown bear territory to experience it.