Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous onsen resort and one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, with nine distinct spring types flowing from the volcanic Jigokudani (Hell Valley). The resort town is arranged around a central street of grand ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), leading to the spectacular Jigokudani volcanic valley. Day visitors can use ryokan day-use bath facilities and explore the volcanic landscape on the boardwalk trail.
| Travel time | 1 hour 20 minutes by JR Limited Express |
|---|
How to get there
- Mode
- JR Limited Express
- Service
- JR Hokkaido Limited Express (Suzuran) from JR Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, then bus (20 min) to Noboribetsu Onsen
- Duration
- 1h 20min train + 20min bus
- Cost one way jpy
- 2870
- Cost usd approx
- 19
- Frequency
- Multiple daily departures
- Mode
- Express Bus
- Service
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus direct to Noboribetsu Onsen from Sapporo Station
- Duration
- 1h 40min - 2h
- Cost one way jpy
- 1800
- Cost usd approx
- 12
- Mode
- Car
- Route
- Expressway to Noboribetsu IC
- Duration
- 1h 15min - 1h 30min
Highlights
- Jigokudani (Hell Valley) — volcanic steam, sulphur vents, boiling pools, coloured mineral earth
- Oyunuma Natural Footbath — free outdoor foot onsen in a steaming river
- Day-use onsen bathing at a Noboribetsu ryokan (multiple options, no overnight required)
- Noboribetsu Bear Park (Kuma-boku) — brown bear sanctuary with cable car views
- Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura — Edo-period theme park with ninja shows
Tips for visiting
- Book ryokan day-use bath in advance, especially on weekends
- The Oni (demon) statues throughout Noboribetsu are a fun photo subject
- Combine with Lake Toya if driving — about 40km further west