Noboribetsu Onsen Guide: Hot Springs, Access, and Top Things to Do
What Is Noboribetsu Onsen? One of Hokkaido’s Best Hot Spring Resorts
Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) is located in Noboribetsu City in southwestern Hokkaido and is known as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations.
With volcanic activity at its source in the area called Hell Valley (Jigokudani), it’s a hot spring resort where you can enjoy abundant water and a wide variety of mineral types.
It’s popular not only with travelers from across Japan but also with international visitors, and you can experience many different baths worthy of its nickname, the “department store of hot springs.”
In this article, we’ll introduce Noboribetsu Onsen’s highlights, how to enjoy it, and practical tips for your visit.
Hot Spring Types and What Makes Noboribetsu Onsen Special
A “Department Store of Hot Springs” With Many Mineral Waters
Noboribetsu Onsen is often called a “department store of hot springs,” known for its variety of mineral waters such as sulfur springs, chloride springs, and acidic springs.
Each accommodation offers a different style of bath, making hot spring hopping (yumeguri) a fun way to compare waters.
- Sulfur spring: Known for its distinctive sulfur aroma.
- Saline (chloride) spring: Known for mineral-rich waters containing salt.
- Acidic spring: Known as one type of hot spring water.
- Iron-rich spring: Known for waters containing iron.
Depending on the facility, there may also be other types of hot spring waters available.
Hell Valley (Jigokudani): Noboribetsu’s Iconic Landmark
The biggest highlight of Noboribetsu Onsen is Hell Valley (Jigokudani).
This is the remains of an explosive crater, about 450 meters in diameter and around 11 hectares in area, where steaming hot spring water and vapor burst from the ground, filling the air with the scent of sulfur.
Because its rugged landscape looks like “hell,” it’s called Jigokudani, meaning “Hell Valley.”
Boardwalks and paths are maintained throughout the area, making it a rare spot where you can feel volcanic energy up close.
Plan for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to walk around; some sections have uneven footing, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
How to Enjoy Noboribetsu Onsen
1. Stay in the Hot Spring Town and Enjoy Yumeguri (Hot Spring Hopping)
Noboribetsu Onsen is lined with many ryokan and hotels, and you can stay overnight while enjoying different mineral waters.
Many facilities also offer day-use bathing, making it popular to visit multiple baths in one trip.
Recommended hot spring facilities
- Noboribetsu Grand Hotel: Known for its dome-shaped Roman-style grand bath and garden open-air baths.
- Dai-ichi Takimotokan: One of the iconic accommodations in Noboribetsu Onsen, with many different baths available.
2. Walking Spots Around Hell Valley
When you visit Noboribetsu Onsen, be sure to walk the Hell Valley trails.
Within walking distance of Hell Valley is Oyunuma Pond (Ōyunuma), a crater lake where rising hot spring steam is a major highlight.
At Ōyunuma River Natural Footbath (Ōyunuma-gawa Tennen Ashiyu), where hot spring water flows into the river, you can enjoy a free footbath while surrounded by forest.
Along the main street of the hot spring town, Gokuraku Street (Gokuraku-dōri), you’ll also see oni (demon) statues and the Karakuri Enma Hall (Karakuri Enma-dō), making your stroll even more fun.
3. Onsen Eggs and Local Street Food
Shops in the hot spring town are famous for “onsen tamago” and “onsen boiled eggs,” cooked using heat from the hot spring source.
Minerals from the hot springs infuse the eggs, creating a mild, rich flavor.
Along Gokuraku Street, you’ll also find local treats such as dairy soft-serve and honey soft-serve, making it easy to enjoy food sampling as you explore.
Nearby Attractions Around Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Bear Park
From the center of the Noboribetsu Onsen town, take the ropeway (gondola) up near the summit to visit Noboribetsu Bear Park (Noboribetsu Kuma Bokujō), where you can observe Ezo brown bears up close.
Feeding experiences and the popular “human cage” exhibit—where you can watch bear behavior from very close range—are especially popular, making it a great choice for families.
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is an aquarium known for its Danish-castle-inspired exterior.
Highlights include dolphin shows and penguin parades, along with exhibits of many marine creatures.
It’s within walking distance of JR Noboribetsu Station, so pairing it with Noboribetsu Onsen makes for a fuller sightseeing day.
How to Get to Noboribetsu Onsen
By Public Transportation
- From New Chitose Airport: About 1 hour 10 minutes by JR limited express. Then about 15 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station.
- From Sapporo: About 1 hour 10 minutes by JR limited express. Then about 15 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station.
- Direct bus: Highway buses also operate from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen (about 1–2 hours, depending on the service).
By Car
From New Chitose Airport, it’s about 1 hour to Noboribetsu Higashi IC via the Dōō Expressway, and about 10 minutes from the interchange to the hot spring town.
Paid parking (typically a few hundred yen for standard cars) is available around the hot spring town and major attractions, making rental cars a convenient option.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Multilingual Support
Tourist facilities and hotels in Noboribetsu Onsen provide guidance and brochures in English, Chinese, and Korean.
At the tourist information center near the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal, you can also ask for help in multiple languages.
Free Wi-Fi and Other Facilities
Many hotels and major sightseeing spots in the hot spring town offer free Wi-Fi.
Near the entrance to the Hell Valley walking trails, you’ll also find public restrooms and parking.
Summary
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s top hot spring destinations, offering diverse mineral waters, the dramatic scenery of Hell Valley, and nearby attractions like the bear park and aquarium.
Whether you visit on a day trip or stay overnight, enjoy hot spring hopping and outdoor nature experiences—Noboribetsu Onsen is a perfect place to unwind.
