Noboribetsu Oni Demons

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Oni 登別の鬼　The Demons of Noboribetsu

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Noboribetsu in southwestern Hokkaido is the location of the Noboribetsu, Karurusu, Kaminoboritbetsu hot springs, and has a rich variety of scenery including forests, lakes and marshes. It has been designated a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
The Noboribetsu hot spring is one of Hokkaido's best-known hot springs, and is surrounded by a virgin forest 200 meters above sea level. It has 9 different kinds of water, containing minerals such as sulfur, salt, and iron. The quality of these minerals results in the spa being ranked among the world's most exceptional hot springs.

In the northeastern part of the hot spring grow many sorts of broad-leafed trees, including oaks, and a bamboo grass called 'kuma-zasa.' The area is called Noboribetsu Primeval Forest, and has been designated as a natural monument. To the east is Mt. Shihorei, from which you can view Lake Kuttara, with its clear water said to be the second most transparent in Japan.



The most impressive scene at the hot spring is the 地獄の谷 Jigoku Valley (hell valley), where yellowy gray volcanic gas seeps from the surface of the rocks. This makes the whole place smell strongly of sulfur, and gives it an image like that of hell. The valley is a 450-meter-diameter mouth of a volcano, which produces 3,000 liters of hot water per minute.
source : jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/hokkaido

登別の湯を守る湯鬼神（ゆきじん）。登別温泉の様々なイベントに現われ人々の幸せを願い厄払いをしてくれます。　夏の間だけ繰り広げられる「地獄の谷の鬼花火」では、赤鬼と青鬼が地獄谷を舞台に道内では珍しい手筒花火を打ち上げ、太鼓の音色とともに舞い踊ります。

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Meet the Demons (Oni) of Hell Valley in Noboribetsu Onsen
Every year in summer, you can experience the fable of Hell Valley (Jigokudani) unfold before your eyes.


----- JR Noboribetsu Station Welcome Demon 登別駅前　歓迎鬼像

The Demon’s Fireworks (鬼花火 Onihanabi) burst into life at 8:30pm on Thursdays and Fridays from June 1 through to August 7 at the Hell Valley Observatory. The Yukijin (the demons who protect the hot springs in Noboribetsu) carry large burning torches in the shape of kanabo clubs shooting fireworks like volcanic eruptions along the path into Hell Valley, lighting up the night.
However,
before you enjoy this exciting event, you should first meet the many legendary inhabitants of Hell Valley to help you fully appreciate the festivities.
There are 11 demon spots in Noboribetsu and each of them is unique.

Yukijin 湯鬼神 Demon Guardian of the Hot Springs
The Yukijin are the stars of the show at the Onihanabi fireworks festival. At this time of the year they show up at festivals and events to drive away evil spirits and bring happiness to people.

You’ll see them carrying two symbolic weapons for these dual roles: a sword to protect people from evil spirits, and kagura bells to alert everyone of their arrival as they walk through the streets and drive away bad luck. Away from the festival, most of the demons you encounter carry a large spiked club called a kanabo – making the strong even stronger – and not someone you’d like to meet on a dark night.


----- Romance Demon 恋愛成就




Demon of Business Prosperity シンボル鬼　商売繁盛鬼像
Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange Demon 登別東高速IC前
Parent and Child Demons 歓迎親子鬼像
Praying Demon Shrine (Onizo Nembutsu) 鬼祠 -念佛鬼像
Sengen Park Demon 泉源公園の鬼っこ
Study Demon シンボル鬼　合格祈願
Yukake Hot Water Demon 湯かけ鬼蔵
- - - - - King Enma Shrine - King of Hell 閻魔堂

If you want to learn more about things to see and do in Noboribetsu Onsen, take a look at the Noboribetsu Tourist Onsen homepage.
- source : takimotokan.co.jp/english/news -

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Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival　登別地獄祭り　




Noboribetsu Onsen Festival　登別地獄祭り



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The festival is for appreciating the powerful water and various quality of “hot water,” and wishing for future prosperity and sound health. Various events are held, such as splashing buckets of hot water and mochi rice cake pounding dance for children.
- source : nihon-kankou.or.jp -


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wasabi from Noboribetsu
登別のわさび
This has started about 100 years ago, when the local doctor found a spring with very good and plentiful fresh water. He introduced the wasabi fields and used the wasabi as a kind of medicine for the villagers, to prevent food poisoning in the hot summer days. Now in the 4th generation, they keep these fields in good order and provide wasabi dishes of all kinds.

. Food from Hokkaido 北海道 .

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- - - - - Haiku and Senryu - - - - -

雪山に噴く湯ゆたかに登別
yukiyama ni fuku yu yutaka ni Noboribetsu

in the snow mountains
hot water sprouts plentiful -
Noboribetsu

清水寥人 Shimizu Ryojin (1920 - 1994)
Famous novelist



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