Recommended Autumn Leaf Spots by UU Hokkaido

To the footbath at the river, autumn leaves and through to Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

When people talk of "the season of autumn leaves and hot springs" in Hokkaido, many locals think of Noboribetsu Hot Springs. However, there are surprisingly few people who know much about the autumn leaf trails at Noboribetsu Hot Springs. Here, you can see the autumn leaves of Mountain Ash, Betula Birch and Japanese Sumac in all their glory. Let's go at once.
Please check out Noboribetsu waling MAP. How about taking a roughly 6km stroll though autumn leaves and experiencing a footbath starting at Onsen Street and passing through ③④ Jigokudani (Hell Valley) to ② the Oyunuma Observatory, Oyunuma, Oku no Yu and ① the natural footbath which are located behind Onsen Street.

Autumn leaves of Jigokudani
Mt Hiyori (377m above sea level) located deep in Jigokudani, is the source of Jigokudani and is famous for its 9 different springs. Jigokudani is an explosion crater created by the eruption of Mt Hiyori, but there are tourist trails and wooden roads have been developed so you can easily observe the crater, fumaroles, the high temperature hot spring gushing out from the vents and the smells of the gas. Although there are no trees, if you proceed through the walking trail connected to the Oyunuma, you'll find Nanakamado Square and the autumn leaves experience begins.

Autumn leaves of Oyunuma
Oyunuma is an autumn leaves spot which is filled with the colour of red and yellow in a hot spring swamp at the foot of Mt. Hiyori. Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, here you can take off your shoes, lift up the hem of your pants and experience a natural footbath. Please bring a towel to wipe your feet. The river itself, being a natural footbath, is a unique experience. It is also a valuable autumnal leaves footbath experience.