Noboribetsu

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Japanese Macaque standing on rocks near a hot spring in Hokkaido, Japan.
Mark Dubery, Pexels

Noboribetsu, located in Hokkaido, Japan, offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and rejuvenating hot springs. Visitors come to experience the therapeutic onsen baths and explore the dramatic geothermal activity of Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, where steam vents and bubbling pools create an otherworldly atmosphere.

While Noboribetsu is primarily a destination for relaxation in its hot springs, opportunities for social interaction are found within the large onsen resorts and public bathhouses. The town center features various shops and restaurants where visitors can experience local cuisine. Additionally, the annual Noboribetsu Hell Festival in late August provides a lively atmosphere with parades and festivities.

Top 5 Things to do in Noboribetsu

Activities in Noboribetsu center around exploring its dramatic volcanic landscapes, experiencing rejuvenating hot springs, encountering local wildlife, and immersing oneself in historical Japanese culture.

1. Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is a volcanic crater remnant that serves as the primary source of Noboribetsu's hot springs. Visitors can walk along well-maintained boardwalks, observing steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and sulfurous streams that create a striking, otherworldly landscape. The air is filled with a distinct sulfur smell, emphasizing the raw power of nature. This spot offers dramatic views, particularly impressive when contrasted with snow in winter or vibrant foliage in autumn. Night illuminations enhance its magical atmosphere.

Cost: Admission is free. Parking at the main car park costs approximately 500 JPY per day.

Transport: Jigokudani is a short walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal, typically around 15 minutes. Buses from JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal cost approximately 340-450 JPY and take about 15 minutes.

2. Soak at Oyunuma Pond and Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath

Beyond Hell Valley, a scenic walking trail leads to Oyunuma Pond, a sulfuric lake emitting thick steam with a unique milky blue color. Continuing along the trail, one discovers the Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath, where a hot spring river flows. Dipping one's feet into the warm, mineral-rich waters is a pleasant and relaxing experience after exploring the volcanic terrain.

Cost: Access to Oyunuma Pond and the natural footbath is free. Parking near Oyunuma Pond, if driving directly, costs approximately 500 JPY.

Transport: The Oyunuma Pond and footbath are accessible via a 20-30 minute walk from Jigokudani. This area is also a 30-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

3. Experience a Traditional Onsen Bath

Noboribetsu is renowned for its diverse hot spring waters, with many large ryokan (Japanese inns) and hotels offering day-use access to their extensive bathing facilities. These onsens feature various types of mineral-rich waters, each believed to offer unique therapeutic benefits. Enjoying an onsen provides a deeply relaxing and culturally immersive experience, perfect for unwinding after exploring the town's natural wonders.

Cost: Day-use passes for hotel onsens typically range from 1,000 to 2,250 JPY. For example, Noboribetsu Grand Hotel is around 1,500 JPY, and Dai-ichi Takimotokan is between 1,700 and 2,250 JPY. There is also a public bathhouse, Yumoto Sagiriyu.

Transport: Most onsen hotels and public bathhouses are concentrated within the Noboribetsu Onsen town, which is accessible by a 15-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Station (approx. 340-450 JPY) or a 15-minute taxi ride (approx. 2,000 JPY).

4. Visit Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a historical theme park that transports visitors back to Japan's Edo period. The village features traditional buildings, shops, and street performers. Guests can watch live ninja and samurai shows, explore period-accurate homes, and even rent costumes to immerse themselves in the atmosphere. It offers an engaging experience for both adults and children, blending entertainment with historical insight.

Cost: Adult admission is approximately 3,300 JPY, with children's tickets at around 1,700 JPY. Discounts may be available for advance tickets or web coupons. Parking for passenger cars is 500 JPY.

Transport: The park is approximately a 10-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Station, costing around 300-420 JPY, with services departing every few hours. A taxi from Noboribetsu Station takes about 10-12 minutes and costs roughly 1,500 JPY.

5. Observe Brown Bears at Noboribetsu Bear Park

Perched atop a mountain, Noboribetsu Bear Park provides an opportunity to observe Hokkaido's native brown bears. Access to the park is via a scenic ropeway, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Kuttara. Inside the park, visitors can see bears in various enclosures, learn about them at the Brown Bear Museum, and even participate in bear feeding. While a popular family attraction, some visitors may find the captivity setting a consideration.

Cost: Adult admission, which includes the round-trip ropeway fare, is approximately 2,600-2,650 JPY. Children's tickets are around 1,300 JPY. Parking at the ropeway station costs 500 JPY.

Transport: The park is accessible by ropeway from Noboribetsu Onsen Town. To reach the ropeway station, take a bus from JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal (approx. 340-450 JPY, 15 minutes), then walk 5-10 minutes to the ropeway station. A taxi from Noboribetsu Station to the park's ropeway station is approximately 2,000 JPY for a 15-minute ride.

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