Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival 2025

Experience one of Hokkaido’s most thrilling and unique cultural events—the Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival)—held annually on the last weekend of August in the famous Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring town. This fiery celebration brings to life the legend that the lid of hell opens once a year, allowing the Great Demon King Enma and his demon entourage to emerge and parade through the town.

Event Highlights

Enma Parade: Witness the dramatic appearance of the Great Demon King Enma as he parades through Gokuraku Street, accompanied by a troupe of costumed demons.
Taiko Drumming: Traditional Noboribetsu taiko performances echo throughout the area, adding thunderous rhythm to the festivities.
Demon Mikoshi Procession: Junior high school students carry a demon-themed portable shrine, energizing the crowd with youthful spirit.
Demon Dance Shows: Fiery, theatrical performances of demon dances liven up the hot spring resort town.

This annual gathering is a must-see spectacle that showcases the folklore and fiery spirit of Noboribetsu.

Festival Dates

August 23rd (Saturday), 24th (Sunday), and 25th (Monday), 2025
Free Admission
Rain or Shine

Venue

Noboribetsu Onsen Gokuraku Street, Sengen Park, Jigokudani (Hell Valley), and Special Stage Areas

Address: 登別温泉町, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan

Festival History

1951: The Onsen Matsuri, predecessor to the Jigoku Festival, was launched following the designation of Shikotsu-Toya as a National Park.
1963–1964: The event was redesigned and officially named Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri in 1964.
2004: The festival was condensed into a two-day format.
2013: A three-day celebration was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary, with an early start to avoid overlapping into September.
2014: Fans from across Japan gathered for a special collaboration with the anime Hozuki’s Coolheadedness, known for its humorous depiction of hell.