Noboribetsu Onsen
Hell Valley and Hokkaido's Healing Waters
Noboribetsu Onsen's therapeutic waters have been revered for centuries by the indigenous Ainu people, who called the area 'Nupur-pet' meaning 'dark, murky river' due to the mineral-rich waters. The modern hot spring resort began developing in 1858 when entrepreneur Takimoto Kinjiro recognized the waters' medicinal potential and built the first bathhouse. The area's volcanic activity, centered around the spectacular Jigokudani (Hell Valley), provides an extraordinary variety of spring waters.
The resort gained national prominence in the Meiji era (1868-1912) when the Japanese government designated it a 'national recuperation hot spring' for treating wounded soldiers. Its reputation grew further when Emperor Meiji's personal physician praised the waters' healing properties. By the early 20th century, Noboribetsu had become one of Japan's most prestigious onsen destinations, with grand ryokan (traditional inns) serving wealthy visitors seeking therapeutic treatments.
Today, Noboribetsu Onsen pumps approximately 10,000 tons of hot spring water daily from Hell Valley, offering nine of Japan's eleven recognized spring water types - the most variety of any single onsen town in Japan. The resort town balances traditional ryokan hospitality with modern facilities, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Hell Valley remains the dramatic centerpiece, with its otherworldly landscape of steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling pools creating an unforgettable onsen experience.
Key Highlights
- Hell Valley (Jigokudani) with active volcanic features and walking trails
- Nine distinct types of mineral waters - most variety in Japan
- 10,000 tons of natural hot spring water produced daily
- Historic ryokan offering traditional onsen experiences
- Oyunuma hot spring lake and forest walking paths
- Year-round bathing in outdoor rotenburo with mountain views
Access Information
Location
Noboribetsu Onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Noboribetsu Station (JR Muroran Main Line) - 15 min by bus to onsen town
- • Noboribetsu Onsen bus terminal - central location in onsen town
Opening Hours
Hell Valley observation area: 24 hours; Visitor center: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Individual ryokan and public bath hours vary (typically 24-hour access for guests, 11 AM - 8 PM for day-use visitors).
Admission Fee
Hell Valley free access; Day-use onsen bathing: ¥500-2,000 depending on facility; Overnight ryokan stays: ¥15,000-50,000+ per person with meals
How to Get There
From New Chitose Airport
Take Donan Bus Airport Liner directly to Noboribetsu Onsen (60 minutes, ¥1,500). Buses run approximately every 1-2 hours. This is the most convenient option. Alternatively, JR train to Noboribetsu Station (50 min) then local bus (15 min).
1 hour
From Sapporo
Take JR Limited Express Super Hokuto or Super Tokachi to Noboribetsu Station (70 minutes, ¥5,290), then Donan Bus to Noboribetsu Onsen (15 minutes, ¥350). Or take highway bus directly from Sapporo to onsen town (1 hour 50 minutes, ¥1,950).
1.5-2 hours
From Hakodate
Take JR Limited Express Super Hokuto northbound to Noboribetsu Station (105 minutes, ¥6,380), then local bus to onsen town (15 minutes, ¥350).
2 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Hell Valley Walking Trail
The 10-minute walking trail from the onsen town to Hell Valley's main observation platform is a must-see. Steam vents, sulfurous fumaroles, and bubbling hot streams create an otherworldly landscape. The 1-kilometer loop trail around the valley takes 20-30 minutes. Early morning visits (6-8 AM) offer dramatic steam effects in cool air. The valley is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Nine Spring Water Types
Noboribetsu offers sulfur, salt, iron, alum, radium, acidic iron, bicarbonate, magnesium, and gypsum spring waters. Different ryokan and baths feature different combinations. Dai-ichi Takimotokan and Yumoto Noboribetsu offer the most variety. Try multiple baths to experience different therapeutic properties: sulfur for skin, salt for warming, iron for anemia.
Oyunuma Lake & Forest
A 20-minute walk from the main onsen area leads to Oyunuma, a 50-meter diameter hot spring lake maintaining 40-50°C temperature. The adjacent forest trail offers a peaceful 2-kilometer nature walk (45 minutes) past smaller hot spring ponds. Free foot bath (ashiyu) at Oyunumagawa River uses naturally cooled spring water - bring a towel.
Choosing Accommodation
Traditional ryokan like Takimotokan, Kashoutei Hanaya, and Bourou Noguchi offer premium experiences with kaiseki meals and private baths. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Yumoto Noboribetsu provide excellent baths at better value. Budget option: day-use bathing at public bath Yuttarikan (¥500) or hotel day-passes (¥1,000-2,000). Many ryokan offer day-use lunch-and-bath packages.
Photography Tips
Hell Valley's steam is most photogenic in early morning or late afternoon light. Autumn foliage (late September-October) frames the volcanic landscape beautifully. Winter snow creates stunning contrasts with steaming vents. The illuminated valley at night (sunset until 9 PM) offers dramatic long-exposure opportunities. Bring a lens cloth - steam creates condensation on camera lenses.
Winter Bathing Experience
Outdoor rotenburo (open-air baths) are magical in winter as snow falls around you while soaking in hot mineral water. Most ryokan maintain outdoor baths year-round. The temperature contrast is intense - move slowly between hot water and cold air. Winter illumination events in Hell Valley (December-February) add special atmosphere.
Local Cuisine
Ryokan kaiseki dinners feature Hokkaido specialties: king crab, sea urchin, local beef, and seasonal vegetables. The onsen town main street has casual restaurants serving Hokkaido ramen, seafood donburi, and bear meat (kuma-niku) dishes. Onsen manju (steamed buns) make popular souvenirs. Convenience stores provide budget meals.
Onsen Etiquette Essentials
Remove all clothing before entering onsen (small towel can be brought but not in water). Wash thoroughly at shower stations before bathing. Tattoos may restrict entry at some facilities - check in advance or use private family baths. Most ryokan have separate men's/women's baths with rotating schedules to try both. Bring your own bath towel or rent (¥200-500).
FAQ
What is Hell Valley and how long to explore it?
Hell Valley (Jigokudani) is a volcanic crater valley with steaming vents, sulfurous streams, and boiling pools that supply the hot springs. The main walkway takes 20-30 minutes, while the full hiking trail to Oyunuma Pond takes about 1-1.5 hours round trip.
Can I visit Hell Valley at night?
Yes, the main Hell Valley viewing area is illuminated until 9:30 PM, creating a dramatic atmosphere with steam rising under lights. Night visits are especially atmospheric in cooler months. The pathway is well-lit and safe, though the full hiking trail is only recommended during daylight.
Which onsen hotels offer day-use bathing?
Many hotels offer day-use bathing including Dai-ichi Takimotokan (largest bath variety), Yumoto Noboribetsu, Hotel Mahoroba, and Takimoto Inn. Prices typically range from 1,000-2,500 yen. Towel rental is usually available. Hours vary but many offer day-use from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
What are the different types of hot spring water?
Noboribetsu features nine different water types including sulfur, iron, salt, and acidic springs. Each type has different colors, smells, and claimed health benefits. Sulfur springs are most common and smell of eggs. Many large hotels offer multiple bath types in one facility.
Is it appropriate to have tattoos at onsen here?
Most traditional onsen hotels in Noboribetsu prohibit visible tattoos. Some larger hotels may allow small tattoos or provide cover-up tape. The public bathhouse Yumoto Noboribetsu is generally more flexible. Private family baths are available at some facilities if you have tattoos.
How long should I stay in Noboribetsu?
Most visitors stay 1-2 nights to fully experience the onsen culture and explore the area. A day trip is possible to visit Hell Valley and try one day-use bath, but staying overnight lets you enjoy evening and morning baths when facilities are less crowded.
What is Oyunuma Pond and is it worth visiting?
Oyunuma is a natural hot water pond at 40-50°C with a milky blue-gray color, located about 20 minutes walk from Hell Valley. A footbath using the pond water is available nearby. The forest trail is scenic and worth the walk if you have time and mobility.
Can I walk in the snow to Hell Valley in winter?
Yes, the main pathway to Hell Valley is cleared and maintained in winter, making it accessible year-round. Wear proper winter boots with good grip as paths can be icy. Winter visits are spectacular with snow contrasting against steaming vents, but dress warmly as sulfur smells require outdoor exposure.
Are there any free footbaths in the area?
Yes, there's a free footbath called Yukake Footbath near the entrance to Hell Valley, perfect after walking. Another footbath is located near Oyunuma Pond. These natural hot spring footbaths are popular rest spots and great for those not ready for full onsen bathing.
What should I bring to a Japanese onsen?
Most hotels provide towels, yukata robes, and toiletries. Bring only yourself and perhaps your own small towel if preferred. Remove all clothing before bathing. Tie long hair up. Wash thoroughly at shower stations before entering baths. Don't bring phones or cameras into bathing areas.
How do I get from Sapporo to Noboribetsu?
Limited express trains from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station take 70-75 minutes and cost around 4,500 yen. Highway buses take about 2 hours and cost 1,980 yen. From Noboribetsu Station, take a local bus 15 minutes to the onsen district. Some hotels offer shuttle services.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Each season offers unique appeal. Winter (December-February) provides snowy landscapes and the contrast of hot baths in cold weather. Autumn (October-November) offers colorful foliage. Spring has fresh greenery. Summer can be crowded. Avoid major Japanese holidays when hotels fill up quickly.
Is Noboribetsu suitable for families with children?
Yes, many hotels welcome families and offer family baths or rooms with private baths. Noboribetsu Bear Park and Marine Park Nixe aquarium provide child-friendly activities. Hell Valley is stroller-accessible on the main path. Teaching children proper onsen etiquette beforehand helps everyone enjoy the experience.
What is the white or colored water in some baths?
The milky white, brown, or greenish water colors come from different mineral contents. Sulfur creates milky white water, iron creates brown water, and certain minerals create greenish tints. These are natural colors from genuine hot spring water, not added substances. The color and opacity indicate authentic onsen water.
Can I drink the hot spring water?
Some designated drinking fountains around town offer drinkable hot spring water, particularly at Yumoto Noboribetsu public bathhouse. However, don't drink from the bathing pools. The drinking water is claimed to aid digestion, but taste is quite mineral-heavy and sulfurous. Try small amounts first.
What other attractions are near Noboribetsu Onsen?
Noboribetsu Bear Park features brown bears and a cable car with views. Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is an Edo-period theme park. Marine Park Nixe has aquarium shows. Lake Kuttara offers pristine caldera lake scenery. All are within 15-30 minutes. These make good combinations with onsen bathing.
How crowded do the onsen baths get?
Baths are busiest 7:00-9:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 AM. For quieter experiences, try afternoon bathing or late evening (after 9:00 PM). Day-use visitors mostly come midday. Larger hotels like Dai-ichi Takimotokan have extensive facilities that feel less crowded even during busy times.
Are mixed-gender baths available?
Traditional onsen are strictly separated by gender with separate male and female bathing areas. Mixed bathing is not common. However, some hotels offer private family baths that can be reserved for couples or families. Outdoor baths (rotenburo) are also gender-separated unless specified as family-use.
What should I wear walking around the town?
Most hotel guests wear the provided yukata robe and geta sandals when walking around the onsen town, especially in the evening. This is perfectly acceptable local custom. Bring a jacket for winter. During the day, regular clothes are fine for sightseeing Hell Valley and attractions.
Is there luggage storage if I'm on a day trip?
Coin lockers are available at Noboribetsu Station and some at the bus terminal near the onsen district. Many day-use onsen facilities also offer luggage storage for bathing guests. Hotels may allow luggage storage even if not staying overnight, though policies vary so ask in advance.
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