Tokyo Weekender January 2017

JIGOKUDANI
“HELL VALLEY”
IN NOBORIBETSU,
HOKKAIDO
The appropriately named Hell Valley is
just a 20-minute walk from the Noboribetsu
Onsen town, providing magnificent
landscapes clouded in bursts of ominous
steam. There are several walking
trails around the hills and valley incorporating
the various local sights and natural
attractions. Nearby volcanic activity
is the source of the area’s hot steam
vents, spring waters, and Oyunuma, a
sulfurous pond (with a temperature of
around 50 degrees Celcius) that creates
natural hot streams flowing through the
forest – perfect for a mid-hike footbath to
revive tired feet. The most popular time
to visit is around mid-October when the
autumn colors reach their peak, and just
before the first snow fall arrives. Whilst
the hot springs are open all year round,
take into account that some of the higher
trails might not be accessible during the
winter months.
HOW TO GET THERE If you’re arriving
at New Chitose Airport you can take
an Airport Limousine Bus directly to the
Noboribetsu Onsen, or drive from Sapporo
City in approximately 90 minutes.
www.noboribetsu-spa.jp
EDO TOWNS MAGOME AND
TSUMAGO IN THE KISO VALLEY,
NAGANO
Magome and Tsumago are old post towns along
Nakasendou, an ancient road connecting Tokyo and
Kyoto during the Edo period. Both towns have preserved
their historical charms, with electrical wires
and modern conveniences mostly hidden from view,
creating an almost authentic Edo atmosphere (don’t
worry, the ryokan inns are up to speed with all mod
cons). The high end of Magome offers panoramic
views over the mountains, but while picturesque, it
has a more touristy feel in comparison to Tsumago,
which boasts a shrine, temple and castle amongst
its assets. If trekking in the outdoors is your thing,
then you can follow an eight-kilometer walking trail
connecting the two towns, with a handy luggage
forwarding service offered at each of the local
tourist offices. Download an English hiking map
at tinyurl.com/TWnakasendou-hike
HOW TO GET THERE Despite the rural setting,
there are multiple ways to access the area. Highway
buses to Magome run from Nagoya (90 minutes)
and Tokyo (around 4.5 hours), or you can take the
shinkansen followed by local trains to Nagiso via Nakatsugawa.
Local bus services and taxis also operate
between the towns and nearby stations.
TOKYO WEEKENDER | JANUARY 2017 | 23