Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen, also known as Noboribetsu Onsen Town, located in Noboribetsu in the southwest of Hokkaido, is one of the most representative hot spring areas in Japan and is also considered to have the highest quality and most popular hot springs, earning the title of “Japan's No. 1 Hot Spring.” Noboribetsu Onsen Town, boasting eleven different types of hot springs and surrounded by volcanic scenery and more than 20 hot spring hotels along the street, is a paradise for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Small inn in Noboribetsu Onsen Town

Hot spring hotel in Noboribetsu Onsen Town

Best Things to Do in Noboribetsu Onsen

1. Enjoy Hot Springs

The temperature of the hot spring in Noboribetsu is between 45℃ (113℉) and 92℃ (198℉), and the water contains a rich variety of microelements, which is very suitable for the human body. Noboribetsu hot springs not only can cure some illnesses, but some of them can also have the amazing effects of weight loss and beauty care. Just soak for a few hours, and you can wash away all your fatigue and feel full of energy.

Indoor hot spring

Outdoor hot springs

2. Walk around the Onsen Town

After soaking in the hot springs, a leisurely walk around the entire hot spring district is a great choice. At the east exit of Noboribetsu Station, a huge 18-meter-tall (59-foot) demon statue stands there, welcoming visitors. On the shrine dedicated to the god of hot springs, a 3.5-meter-tall (11.5-foot) red demon standing statue and a 2.2-meter-tall (7.2-foot) blue demon sitting statue can be found. These demon statues symbolize the unique culture of Noboribetsu. Moreover, the hot spring district is lined with many restaurants and souvenir shops, where you can enjoy delicious food and shopping to your heart's content.

Tourists in Noboribetsu Onsen Town

Food in Noboribetsu Onsen Town

3. Enjoy the Jingisukan grilled lamb in BBQ “NOBOJIN”

The image of Hokkaido cuisine that people have in mind is probably “seafood.” However, in addition to seafood, the local people have been eating something called Jingisukan grilled lamb since childhood. BBQ “NOBOJIN” is a well-known restaurant where you can enjoy the most authentic and delicious Jingisukan grilled lamb. The lamb has no gamey taste and is especially tender; paired with vegetables, the first bite will definitely surprise you.

Business hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Last order: 21:30
Average price per person: 1,580 yen

Best Hot Spring Hotel to Stay Overnight in Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu's famous hot spring hotel

Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya is the most recommended hot spring hotel in Hokkaido, which retains the features of traditional Japanese hotels while boasting a sense of openness found in modern resort hotels. The hot spring water at Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya comes from Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a volcanic crater that is over 10,000 years old. Soaking in the open-air hot spring on the fifth floor while watching snowflakes falling from the sky and experiencing the fusion of ice and fire is a very unique and unforgettable experience.

Reference price: 50,000 - 80,000 yen per night, including hot spring bathing. 
Note: There are only 30 rooms, so please book in advance.

How to Get to Noboribetsu Onsen

1. From Chitose

From New Chitose Airport, take the Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen and you will reach Noboribetsu Onsen in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

2. From Sapporo

From Sapporo Station, take the Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen and arrive at Noboribetsu Onsen in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

3. From Noboribetsu

From Noboribetsu Station, take the bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen and it only takes about 15 minutes to reach there.

Opening time:

All day

Nearby Attractions

1. Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Noboribetsu Hell Valley

The entrance to Noboribetsu Hell Valley is about a 10-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen. As its name suggests, Noboribetsu Hell Valley is filled with the smell of sulfuric acid all year round, with white smoke from the crater and no plants growing, just like a scene from hell.

2. Noboribetsu Bear Park

The Noboribetsu Bear Park can be reached by cable car from the Noboribetsu Onsen. Here, visitors can not only observe more than 1,600 brown bears up close but also visit the world's only brown bear museum.

3. Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village

It takes about 15 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Onsen to reach Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village. It is a historical theme village where you can find Edo-era (1603 - 1868) streetscapes and buildings of the Ida clan, a famous samurai family in Japan. You might even run into ninjas or samurai by chance!