Day 5 of our vacation ~ I felt a tinge of sadness when we reached a familiar crossroad in Sapporo. Just 3 days ago, we took a right turn heading towards Tomita's lavender farm in Furano City. But today is the second last day of our trip and we take a left turn towards Noboribetsu city instead. The first sight that greeted us was a huge red monster that was the mascot which welcomed us to the city! (FYI, the photo is more blue than red because it was taken in the tour bus...)
In fact, Noboribetsu is well known as Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort as it is home to numerous sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers. Thus earning its Japanese name of "jigokudani", translated to English as "hell valley".
We walked down a long path deep into hell valley to witness a baby geyser. Here you can see the vigorously bubbling pit. They really stink!!
There may be many volcanic pits here, but no worries its very safe! Technology for detecting earthquakes is highly advanced. For a country raked with natural disasters, few Japanese actually die from such incidents, as their scientists are able to detect and make pretty accurate predictions.
What's a hell valley without monsters right? That's why monsters play a large part in the daily life of Noboribetsu city. Check out the cute monstrous toilet signs!
Most of us Chinese fear the seventh month (i.e. hungry ghost festival) and view it as a highly inauspicious season. So it was surprising to learn that the Japanese dance, sing and make merry during their hungry ghost celebrations. Through their song and dance they wish to convey to their ancestors that they are living well and that their ancestors do not have to worry for them. Honestly, I prefer the Japanese version of the afterlife! Don't you?
When in Japan, do what the Japanese do. We ended off the night in Noboribetsu with much laughter and fun with the monsters! (>_<)
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