What is Noboribetsu Onsen?
Noboribetsu Onsen is a popular hot spring resort located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. It is easy to access, taking about 15 minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. For those traveling by car, it is about 10 minutes from the Noboribetsu Higashi IC on the Doo Expressway and about an hour from New Chitose Airport.
Noboribetsu Onsen has been known as a healing place since the Edo period. It offers numerous accommodation and hot spring facilities, including day-use hot springs. The area also boasts tourist spots like “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley) and “Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe,” making it a place where you can enjoy a full day of activities.
How to Access Noboribetsu Onsen
- About 15 minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station
- By car:
- About 10 minutes from the Noboribetsu Higashi IC on the Doo Expressway
- About an hour from New Chitose Airport
Hot Spring Facilities and Accommodation Information
Noboribetsu Onsen features a variety of hot spring types, each offering different benefits that can be enjoyed at various accommodations. The following are some of the spring types and their respective benefits:
- Sulfur Springs: Effective for beautiful skin, atopic dermatitis, and chronic eczema
- Carbonated Springs: Effective for poor circulation and dry skin
- Acidic Springs: Effective for atopic dermatitis and diabetes
- Iron Springs (for drinking): Effective for iron deficiency anemia
Various accommodations provide unique hot spring experiences.
“Takimotokan”
Takimotokan boasts the “Kumoi no Yu” with its milky-white water, where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons.
“Noboribetsu Manseikaku”
Noboribetsu Manseikaku offers open-air baths where you can enjoy the famous waters with floating “yunohana” (mineral deposits).
“Hotel Mahoroba”
Hotel Mahoroba features a large bath on the basement floor where you can enjoy salt springs. It offers a variety of baths to give you a feeling of touring multiple hot springs.
“Noboribetsu Sekisuitei”
“Noboribetsu Sekisuitei” is known for its “Ginkgo Building” and “Sky Open-Air Bath,” where you can enjoy the unique milky-white waters of Noboribetsu Onsen.
Tourist Spots and Activities at Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring areas, known for its high-quality hot springs and rich natural surroundings. In addition to the various hot spring types and their benefits, the area offers many tourist spots and activities.
“Jigokudani” (Hell Valley)
“Jigokudani” is a symbolic tourist spot of Noboribetsu Onsen, showcasing active volcanic activity. The sight of hot steam and volcanic gas erupting, along with milky-white water flowing, is breathtaking. Visiting here will give you a sense of the “living Earth.”
“Mount Hiyoriyama”
Located next to “Jigokudani,” “Mount Hiyoriyama” is another natural attraction of Noboribetsu Onsen. This spot, where alpine plants bloom and wild birds chirp, is a perfect spot for nature lovers.
“Bear Park”
For families and animal lovers, “Bear Park” is a must-visit. You can see adorable bears up close and enjoy feeding experiences and shows.
Nature Walks
Exploring the nature around Noboribetsu Onsen is highly recommended. Walking through places like “Mount Hiyoriyama” and “Jigokudani,” where alpine plants bloom profusely, provides a refreshing experience for both body and mind.
Local Gourmet and Shopping at Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is known as one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring areas, and its charm extends beyond the hot springs. You can also enjoy local gourmet food and shopping. Here are some recommended gourmet foods and shopping spots at Noboribetsu Onsen.
Local Gourmet
Noboribetsu Onsen is blessed with fresh seafood from nearby fishing ports and rich natural surroundings. Be sure to taste the local delicacies when you visit.
Seafood Dishes
Restaurants around Noboribetsu Onsen offer dishes made with fresh seafood. Particularly, sashimi and sushi are exceptional.
Jingisukan
Don’t miss the Hokkaido specialty “Jingisukan” (grilled lamb). There are several “Jingisukan” specialty restaurants around Noboribetsu Onsen.
Onsen Tamago
“Onsen Tamago” (hot spring eggs) made using the hot spring water of Noboribetsu Onsen are also popular. They are characterized by their creamy texture and surprising simplicity in taste.
Shopping
Shopping is also one of the joys of visiting Noboribetsu Onsen, with many souvenir shops lining the streets. Here are some must-visit shopping spots.
Onsen Manju
“Onsen Manju” (hot spring buns), a local specialty, is a standard souvenir. They can be purchased at many shops in the hot spring town.
Local Crafts
Noboribetsu Onsen offers a variety of local crafts unique to Hokkaido. Wooden bear carvings and Ainu traditional crafts make perfect souvenirs.
Noboribetsu Onsen Original Goods
Shops in the hot spring town sell Noboribetsu Onsen-exclusive towels and soaps. You’ll find the perfect items for souvenirs.
Tips for Enjoying Your Trip
To enjoy Noboribetsu Onsen comfortably, it is important to prepare clothing and necessary items according to the season. Especially in winter, it gets extremely cold, so make sure to take thorough measures against the cold.
It’s also important to be aware of manners and precautions during your trip. When entering the hot springs, remember to take a shower beforehand and avoid putting towels in the bath water, among other basic manners.
