Noboribetsu is Hokkaido’s most famous onsen town, built around a volcanic valley that pumps 10,000 tonnes of hot spring water per day from nine different mineral sources. The town sits 90 minutes south of Sapporo by train and makes for either a rewarding day trip or an overnight stay at one of the ryokans lining the main street. Most visitors come for Hell Valley and the onsen, but the area has enough to fill two full days if you look beyond the obvious.
Hell Valley (Jigokudani)
A crater formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, now a landscape of steaming vents, bubbling pools, and sulphur-crusted rock. Boardwalk paths wind through the valley, and the sulphur smell hits you before you see anything. The name is apt — the Japanese characters literally mean “hell valley” — but the reality is more fascinating than frightening. Steam rises from dozens of vents, the ground is warm underfoot in places, and the mineral deposits create bands of yellow, white, and rust across the rock.
The main lookout platform is a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal. From there, trails extend deeper into the valley toward Oyunuma Pond and the natural foot bath. The full walking circuit takes about 60-90 minutes at a comfortable pace.
Entry: Free and open year-round. The boardwalk is lit at night during certain seasons.
Best time to visit: Early morning before tour buses arrive (before 09:30), or late afternoon when the steam catches the low sunlight.
Official Noboribetsu tourism site
Oyunuma Pond and Natural Foot Bath
A 20-minute walk from Hell Valley leads to Oyunuma, a volcanic lake with water temperatures reaching 50°C. The surface steams year-round and the surrounding mud has a grey-blue colour from dissolved minerals. You cannot swim in the lake (it would burn you), but the outflow stream runs downhill to a natural foot bath where the water cools to a comfortable temperature.
The Oyunuma River Natural Foot Bath is one of the most pleasant free experiences in Hokkaido. Sit on the wooden benches, roll up your trousers, and soak your feet in mineral-rich water while surrounded by forest. Bring a small towel to dry off afterward — there are no facilities.
Access: Follow the Oyunuma Trail from Hell Valley (well-signposted). The path involves some steps and moderate inclines.
The Nine Hot Spring Sources
What makes Noboribetsu unusual among Japanese onsen towns is the variety. Nine different mineral compositions emerge from the volcanic ground, each with different properties and claimed health benefits:
| Source Type | Characteristics | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur (io-sen) | Milky white, strong egg smell | Skin softening, antimicrobial |
| Salt (shio-sen) | Clear, slightly salty taste | Warming, circulation |
| Iron (tetsu-sen) | Reddish-brown colour | Blood circulation, warming |
| Alum (myoban-sen) | Slightly acidic, astringent | Skin tightening |
| Sodium bicarbonate | Slippery feel, mild | Skin smoothing |
| Radium | Clear, odourless | General wellness (traditional belief) |
| Acidic | Sharp, tingling sensation | Skin cleansing |
| Miraban | Clear, mineral taste | Digestive (drinking spring) |
| Green alum | Greenish tint | Rare type, skin benefits |
The largest ryokans — particularly Dai-ichi Takimotokan — pipe multiple source types into separate baths, so you can experience several in one visit. Smaller ryokans typically use one or two sources. The sulphur springs are the most dramatic (milky white water with a strong smell), while the salt springs are the most warming.
Where to Bathe
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
The most famous onsen facility in Noboribetsu, with over 30 different baths drawing from seven mineral sources. The Grand Bath is enormous — multiple indoor pools at different temperatures, outdoor rotenburo baths, saunas, and cold plunge pools. Day-use visitors can access the facility without staying overnight.
Day use: Approximately 2,250 yen for adults. Open to non-guests from around 09:00-18:00 (check current hours).
Overnight: From approximately 15,000 yen per person including dinner and breakfast.
Tattoo policy: Tattoos are allowed. This is significant — many Japanese onsen ban visible tattoos, but Dai-ichi Takimotokan is welcoming to international visitors.
Official website | Check prices on Booking.com
Sagiriyu Public Bathhouse
A simple, affordable public bathhouse in the town centre. No frills — just good mineral water at a low price. Popular with locals and budget travelers.
Entry: Approximately 480 yen. Open daily.
Tattoo policy: Generally more relaxed than large hotels. Worth checking at the entrance.
Hotel Day Passes
Most ryokans in Noboribetsu offer day-use bathing for non-guests. Prices range from 1,000-3,000 yen depending on the facility. This lets you experience a high-end onsen without paying for accommodation. Ask at the hotel front desk for current hours and availability — some limit day visitors during peak check-in times.
Onsen Etiquette
If you have never visited a Japanese onsen before, the process is straightforward once you know the routine:
- Remove shoes at the entrance and use the provided slippers or go barefoot
- Separate by gender — men and women bathe in different areas (marked by blue/red curtains or kanji)
- Undress completely in the changing room. Lockers or baskets are provided for your belongings
- Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering any bath. Sit on the stool, use the provided soap and shampoo, and rinse completely. This is the most important rule — entering a bath without washing is considered extremely rude
- Enter the bath slowly — the water is hot (typically 40-43 degrees). Ease in gradually
- Keep the small towel out of the water — fold it on your head or place it at the bath edge
- No swimming, diving, or loud talking — onsen are for quiet relaxation
- Rinse and dry off before returning to the changing room
Tattoo note: Traditional Japanese onsen ban tattoos due to their association with organised crime (yakuza). In practice, Noboribetsu’s major hotels — particularly those catering to international visitors — are increasingly relaxed about this. Dai-ichi Takimotokan explicitly allows tattoos. Smaller bathhouses may be less flexible. If uncertain, ask at reception before entering. See our full onsen guide for more on etiquette and tattoo-friendly options across Hokkaido.
Beyond the Onsen
Demon Statues and Oni Mythology
Noboribetsu embraces its “hell” theme with demon (oni) statues throughout the town. The largest guards the entrance to Hell Valley. The Enmado shrine features an automaton demon that performs a show several times daily — the face transforms from serene to demonic, which is more entertaining than it sounds. The Demon Fireworks Festival (Jigoku Matsuri) in late August features a parade of demon performers through the streets.
Bear Park (Kuma Bokujo)
A somewhat controversial attraction on the hilltop above the town, reached by ropeway. The park houses approximately 100 Hokkaido brown bears in enclosures. The ropeway ride itself offers good views of the town and surrounding mountains. Opinions among visitors are divided — some find the enclosures too small, others appreciate seeing Hokkaido brown bears up close. Make your own judgment.
Entry: Approximately 2,650 yen including ropeway. Open daily.
Date Jidaimura (Edo Period Village)
A theme park recreating an Edo-period town with ninja shows, samurai performances, and costume rental. More fun than educational, and primarily aimed at families and groups. About 15 minutes from the onsen area by car or bus.
Entry: Approximately 2,900 yen for adults.
Marine Park Nixe
An aquarium near Noboribetsu Station, about 10 minutes from the onsen area. Built in a Danish castle-style building (inexplicably). The penguin parade is the highlight — penguins walk through the park grounds twice daily. Useful if you have children or arrive early and need to fill time before checking into your ryokan.
Gokuraku Shopping Street
The main street connecting the bus terminal to Hell Valley, lined with souvenir shops, small restaurants, and convenience stores. Pick up onsen manju (steamed buns), try the local milk from the Noboribetsu dairy, and browse demon-themed souvenirs. Most shops close by 18:00.
Day Trip or Overnight?
| Day Trip | Overnight | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 3,000-5,000 yen (transport + day bath) | 15,000-40,000 yen (ryokan with meals) |
| Time | 4-6 hours on site | Check in 15:00, check out 10:00 |
| Experience | Hell Valley walk + one bath | Multiple baths, kaiseki dinner, morning soak |
| Best for | Tight schedule, budget | Full onsen experience, couples, relaxation |
Recommendation: If you can afford it, stay one night. The ryokan kaiseki dinner (multi-course Japanese meal featuring Hokkaido seafood and seasonal ingredients) and the morning bath before other guests wake up are worth the extra cost. If budget is tight, a day trip gives you Hell Valley, the foot bath, and a soak at Sagiriyu or Dai-ichi Takimotokan day-use — still a solid experience.
Where to Stay
| Ryokan | Budget | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dai-ichi Takimotokan | 15,000-30,000 yen/person | Onsen variety, tattoo-friendly | Booking.com |
| Bourou Noguchi | 30,000-60,000 yen/person | Luxury, private onsen in room | Booking.com |
| Hotel Mahoroba | 12,000-25,000 yen/person | Families, large facility | Booking.com |
See our Where to Stay in Hokkaido guide for more options.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | -8 to 0°C | Snow on the ground, steam from Hell Valley more dramatic, outdoor baths with snow falling = peak onsen experience |
| Spring (Apr-May) | 5-15°C | Cherry blossoms along the approach road (late April). Fewer crowds than summer. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 18-25°C | Demon Festival (late August). Comfortable hiking weather. Peak domestic tourism. |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 5-18°C | Foliage around Hell Valley (mid-October). The contrast of red leaves and volcanic steam is one of Hokkaido’s best autumn views. |
Best time overall: Winter for the onsen experience (snow + hot water is the quintessential image). Autumn for photography (foliage + steam). Spring and early summer for comfortable walking and fewer crowds. See our climate guide and best time to visit.
Getting There
From Sapporo
By train: JR Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station (approximately 75 minutes, 4,500 yen one-way). Covered by the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. From the station, take the Donan Bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (15 minutes, approximately 350 yen).
By highway bus: Direct bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Noboribetsu Onsen (approximately 100 minutes, around 2,000 yen). Fewer departures than the train but drops you in the onsen town directly. See our bus guide.
Guided tour: Day tours from Sapporo typically combine Noboribetsu with Lake Toya. Available via Klook (from approximately 4,000 yen).
From Hakodate
JR Limited Express (approximately 2 hours). Noboribetsu sits roughly halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate, making it a natural stop on a Hokkaido circuit.
From New Chitose Airport
JR train to Noboribetsu Station (approximately 50 minutes direct, or transfer at Minami-Chitose). Some airport shuttle services run directly to Noboribetsu Onsen — check with your ryokan.
Combine With
- Lake Toya — 40 minutes by bus. Volcanic crater lake, ropeway, onsen town. Makes a perfect 2-day circuit from Sapporo. See our Lake Toya guide.
- Hakodate — 2 hours by train. Continue south for night views and morning market. See our Hakodate guide.
- Shiraoi (Upopoy) — 20 minutes by train. National Ainu Museum and Park, opened 2020. The most comprehensive Ainu cultural experience in Hokkaido. See our culture guide.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Day Trip | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (from Sapporo) | 4,000-9,000 yen return | 4,000-9,000 yen return |
| Onsen bathing | 480-2,250 yen | Included in ryokan |
| Accommodation | N/A | 12,000-60,000 yen/person |
| Meals | 1,000-2,000 yen | Included (kaiseki dinner + breakfast) |
| Bear Park (optional) | 2,650 yen | 2,650 yen |
| Total | 5,000-14,000 yen | 16,000-70,000 yen |