Noboribetsu Onsen

Last Updated: April 10,2024

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the best onsen resorts in Japan, which is located in the town of Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is renowned for its high-quality sulfuric hot springs, which are believed to have various health benefits, including relieving muscle and joint pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

Table of Contents

1. Noboribetsu Onsen Reviews

2. Noboribetsu Hotel Onsen

3. Attractions Near Noboribetsu Onsen

4. Noboribetsu Onsen Transportation Guide

1. Noboribetsu Onsen Reviews

Noboribetsu is located in a small town in the southwest of Hokkaido. The Noboribetsu area is a volcano-prone area. The abundance of geothermal heat and precipitation provides the conditions for the creation of hot springs, which are rich in a variety of trace elements that are formed when surface precipitation seeps into the ground and meets with hot magma.

The Noboribetsu Onsen is divided into 11 types according to the different components in the water: sulfur spring, salt spring, alum spring, mirabilite spring, gypsum spring, bitter spring, green alum spring, iron spring, acid spring, heavy grass spring, radioactive spring, etc. The temperature of Noboribetsu hot springs ranges from 45℃ to 92℃. Depending on the composition, various hot springs can not only treat certain physical ailments, but also have the effects of losing weight, beautifying, eliminating fatigue, and maintaining the body.

The source of Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido comes from Jigokudani, which is a famous scenic spot in Noboribetsu, so not only can you enjoy the steaming hot spring water in the open air, but you can also enjoy the spectacular view of Jigokudani.

Noboribetsu Onsen features a variety of baths, including indoor and outdoor, as well as foot baths where visitors can soak their feet while enjoying the picturesque scenery. The area surrounding the hot springs is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In summary, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the best and most popular hot springs in Hokkaido, and also one of the most representative hot spring destinations in Japan. It is known as the "Hot Spring Department Store".

2. Noboribetsu Onsen Hotel Recommendations

Which is the best onsen hotel in Noboribetsu? Where can you experience the Noboribetsu private onsen? There are 15 hotels around Noboribetsu Onsen, and you can choose your favorite Noboribetsu ryokan with private onsen depending on your situation to enjoy Noboribetsu hotel onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen private bath.

Noboribetsu Onsen Kyo Takinoya

Takinoya Onsen Hotel Noboribetsu is a renowned traditional Japanese ryokan nestled in the picturesque Noboribetsu Onsen area of Hokkaido, Japan. The ryokan provides guests with an authentic cultural experience, featuring traditional tatami-matted rooms, soothing hot spring baths, and exquisite kaiseki cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Takinoya in Noboribetsu Onsen is celebrated for its therapeutic waters, rich in minerals believed to have healing properties. Guests can indulge in a variety of traditional Japanese bathing experiences at Takinoya in Noboribetsu Onsen Hokkaido, including indoor and outdoor baths, as well as private baths for a more intimate relaxation session. Additionally, the ryokan offers various amenities and activities, including tea ceremonies, nature walks, and seasonal events, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating stay for visitors at Takinoya Noboribetsu onsen.

Address: Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, 162 162番地

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, founded in 1938, earned the moniker "the Guest House in Noboribetsu" after being selected as the lodgings for the emperor Showa. Noboribetsu Grand Hotel onsen features spacious indoor/outdoor public hot-spring baths. Guests can enjoy sauna facilities and opt for massages at an additional charge apart from the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel private onsen. They also have the option to stay in rooms with tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding or in rooms with carpeted floors and Western beds. Yukata robes, a fridge, and an electric kettle with green tea bags are also provided. Noboribetsu Onsen Noboribetsu Grand Hotel also provides Karaoke rooms, a souvenir shop, a coin-launderette, and an arcade.

For dining, alongside an on-site café and bar, the hotel serves a breakfast buffet featuring Japanese and Western options, while dinner includes dishes made with fresh local ingredients such as tempura and seafood.

Address: 154 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan

Dai-ichi Takimotokan

Located just a five-minute walk away from Jigokudani Hell Valley, Daiichi Takimotokan (meaning "first waterfall inn") is an enormous five-building complex that offers both modern and traditional-style accommodations. Noboribetsu Onsen Daiichi Takimotokan features the Grand Bath, Hokkaido's largest onsen, a sprawling hot spring complex consisting of 35 different baths fed by 5 mineral water source springs, all open 24/7. Additionally, This Noboribetsu Onsen hotel houses its own Kaiseki and Ramen restaurants, a buffet, and offers in-room dining services, as well as entertainment facilities which include karaoke and an arcade.

Address: Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, 55

Hotel Mahoraba

Part of the Toho Resorts Company, the sprawling Noboribetsu Onsen Hotel Mahoroba is a Noboribetsu hotel with private onsen. It features sprawling and expansive outdoor and indoor hot spring baths along with beautifully furnished traditional and Western-style accommodations. This Noboribetsu Onsen ryokan even offers suites that have their own private open-air baths. As for dining, you can choose either buffet which is popular for offering Japan's "Big Three" crabs – horsehair, red king, and snow crabs – or kaiseki meals.

Address: Japan, 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, 65−65

3. Attractions to Explore Near Noboribetsu Onsen

In addition to enjoying the hot springs, visitors to Noboribetsu Onsen can explore nearby attractions such as Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a geothermal valley with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs, and Noboribetsu Bear Park, where they can observe Hokkaido's brown bears in both enclosures and within their natural habitat, etc. Noboribetsu offers plenty of opportunities to experience the healing powers of hot springs while immersing themselves in the region's natural beauty.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley): About 12-Minute Walks from Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Hell Valley, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is a captivating natural wonder renowned for its dramatic landscape of steaming vents, sulfurous streams, and volcanic activity. This geothermal valley, also known as Jigokudani, offers visitors a glimpse into the raw power of nature with its eerie atmosphere and otherworldly vistas. The valley's hot springs and mineral-rich waters have long been celebrated for their therapeutic properties. Visitors can explore the network of walking trails and observation points to witness the geothermal phenomena up close, making Noboribetsu Hell Valley a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Address: 無番地 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan

Noboribetsu Bear Park: About 11-Minute Walks from Noboribetsu Onsen

Deep within the “Bear Mountain” which sits in the deep forest of the Lake Kuttara area, is this small park dedicated to the breeding, observing, and studying of brown bears. Within the two main bear enclosures, guests can get up close to these stunning animals and even feed them. Other attractions include a duck race and a small stage show. The park also has a small museum containing a variety of taxidermized bears of all different ages and sizes. Feel free to stop by the park’s dining hall for a quick meal and its gift shop too!

Address: 224 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan

Lake Kuttara: About 15-Minute Drive from the Center of Noboribetsu Onsen

From the viewing platform above the Brown Bear Museum, marvel at the breathtaking sight of Lake Kuttara, one of the clearest lakes in Japan. Formed within a volcanic caldera in the shape of a near-perfect circle, it boasts a circumference of 8 kilometers (5 miles). The surrounding lush forest of Shikotsu Toya National Park, adds another layer of beauty to the scenery of this lake.

Address: Kojohama, Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido 059-0641, Japan

Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park): Around 26-Minutes Drive from Noboribetsu Onsen

This museum is dedicated to the Ainu: one of Japan's indigenous peoples, where visitors can stop at the Yukara Village: a recreation of Early Meiji Period Ainu homes, and check out the Yukara Village Ainu Lifestyle Materials Building, where tools, clothing, jewelry, and other cultural relics are preserved and on display.

Address: 2 Chome-3 Wakakusacho, Shiraoi, Shiraoi District, Hokkaido 059-0902, Japan

4. Transportation Guide to Noboribetsu Onsen

How to get to Noboribetsu Onsen? You can depart from Sapporo. And many visitors choose the transportation method of by bus. Here is our guide to getting to Onsen Noboribetsu.

Noboribetsu Onsen Bus

To travel to Noboribetsu Onsen Resort by bus, you have a few options depending on your starting location. Check some general guidelines on the bus to Noboribetsu Onsen:

From Sapporo: If you're starting from Sapporo, you can take a bus from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen Town. There are several bus companies operating this route, and you can check their schedules and fares online or at the Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal. The journey typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

From New Chitose Airport: If you're arriving at New Chitose Airport, you can also take a direct bus to Hokkaido Noboribetsu Onsen. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Again, you can check schedules and fares online or at the airport.

Local Buses: Once you're in Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, there are local buses that can take you to various attractions within the area. You can inquire about these buses at your accommodation or at the tourist information center.

Tourist Shuttle Bus: Additionally, there might be tourist shuttle buses available in Noboribetsu Onsen Hokkaido that take visitors to different points of interest in the area, including the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and other attractions.

Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen

To travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen, you have several transportation options:

Train: Take the train from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station. From Noboribetsu Station, you can take a bus or taxi to Noboribetsu Onsen. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Bus: There are direct buses operated by Donan Bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal to Noboribetsu Onsen. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Rental Car: You can also rent a car and drive from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Each option has its advantages depending on your preferences for comfort, convenience, and budget. If you have no idea about which transportation method to choose, don't hesitate to contact us for a private guided tour, to guarantee you enjoy the best Onsen in Noboribetsu without worries and troubles.

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