Noboribetsu Onsen, the volcanic hot springs
- Published on : 10/07/2018
- by : J.L.
- Youtube
Noboribetsu
© Sung Shin Unsplash
Smells like sulfur!
Noboribetsu is a mecca of volcanic activity, and you can get up close and appreciate its magnificence for centuries. And its festivals are renowned for their warm atmosphere!
Famous Noboribetsu
Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Noboribetsu is just one hour from Sapporo's Shin-Chitose airport. This easy access makes it famous throughout Japan for its hot springs and volcanic landscapes.
In the Ainu language, noboribetsu means "dark-coloured river", and it's true that the rivers here are very special, as they are coloured, often milk-white, but above all hot, very hot indeed, between 45°C and 90°C! Don't even think about swimming in them, or just put your toes in the foot baths (ashiyu) provided.
Noboribetsu is one of the world's spas in Japan. Known since the Edo period (1603-1868), thanks to the volcanic activity of Mount Hiyori (377 metres), from which 10,000 tonnes of hot water are discharged daily from 9 different springs. These waters are reputed to cure all ills, and supply the onsen of all the establishments and hotels that have sprung up nearby, in the spa town below.
The valley of hell - Jigokudani
Noboribetsu's main attraction is undoubtedly Jigokudani, a volcanic site whose activity originates from Mount Hiyori. A wooden path leads you through the main crater, where numerous fumaroles and small streams of sulfurous water are visible. At the end of the path, the Iron Spring Pond is surrounded by a safety fence, as its temperature is so high, reaching 80 degrees!
There's also an observation post where you can admire the surrounding area in the best possible conditions to appreciate all its beauty - and during the autumn kôyô, it's even better.
Three other recommended places to visit adjacent to the Jigokudani Valley:
- River Oyunuma Natural Footbath: In the middle of the forest, take a break by soaking your feet in the River Oyunuma. The River Oyunuma Natural Footbath is set up so you can sit for a while and soak your feet in warm water rich in minerals good for skin and muscles.
Jigokudani at Noboribetsu Onsen
© Japan Experience
Jigokudani at Noboribetsu Onsen
© Japan Experience
- Oyunuma pond : A little further on, after a short stroll through the forest, Oyunuma pond awaits you, with its hot, steaming, even bubbling waters, sometimes gushing out at 130°C. These sulphurous waters emerge from an ancient crater that they have filled in.
- Okunoyu pond: much smaller than Oyunuma Pond, this small, light-blue pond forms small bubbles on its surface, and is surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Don't hesitate to take a look.
Advice : At night, the wooden walk is illuminated until 11 p.m., allowing you to discover the volcanic landscape in a whole new way! If you're spending the night in a hotel in Noboribetsu Onsen, a night out is recommended. Finally, end your day in an onsen!
Burning passions and festivals
As everywhere else in Japan, festivals are held all year round in Noboribetsu! During the last weekend in August, you can attend the Jigoku-matsuri, Noboribetsu's big festival, with a parade through the streets, the mikoshi procession, traditional dances and the Oni will even be out!
All summer long, on Thursday and Friday evenings, there are fireworks to magnify the city.
But you can also come here in the middle of winter, when all the volcanic activity will warm you up, as will immerse yourself in the onsen. Some fifteen ryokan in Noboribetsu. The coldest month? February. It's at this time that Noboribetsu's very own festival, Yu-matsuri, takes place. Bare-chested men 'fight' in teams, throwing boiling water at each other, all in thanksgiving for the blessings of nature, the sources of life.
Ôyunuma Pond
© Japan Experience
A little further afield..
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a sort of amusement park that resembles a reconstructed village from the Edo period, where you can discover and understand the culture and daily life of that time. You'll find ninja houses, a labyrinth, ninja, maiko and samurai costumes, a sword exhibition, an Edo house, ninja and oiran (courtesan) shows.
Discover Northern Japan with our tour! Hokkaido Road Trip
How do I get to Noboribetsu Onsen?
By train
Noboribetsu Onsen is located high above the town of Noboribetsu. You take a 20-minute bus ride from Noboribetsu JR Station (450 yen). The bus stop is in front of Noboribetsu Station and to reach Noboribetsu Onsen, get off at the Noboribetsu Onsen stop (登別温泉).
With the JR line, Noboribetsu is a stop on :
- JR Muroran line
- Limited Express Hokuto train (from Sapporo to Hokkaido)
- suzuran Express train (from Sapporo to Muroran)
All these routes are free with the JR Pass and the Hokkaido Pass!
Limited Express Hokuto train in Hakodate Station, during winter
© 掬茶, wikimedias
Travel tip: Noboribetsu Onsen can easily be visited in a day, so you can sleep outside the spa town and take public transport to get there! From Muroran or Noboribetsu, the journey is quick and the price of hotels and accommodation cheaper. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the resort's wonderful onsens!
Get your JR Pass for your trip through Japan!
By bus
The Donan bus company offers direct trips to Noboribetsu Onsen from :
- New Chitose airport (1,800 yen)
- Sapporo Station (2,500 yen)
- Muroran - Higashi Muroran (1050 yen)
As this region attracts many travelers, you'll need to reserve your seat to get on the bus!
By car
Noboribetsu and Noboribetsu Onsen are easily accessible by car, so you're not dependent on train and bus timetables, which can sometimes cut your stay short. Most hotels and accommodations have parking facilities, and you'll also find parking lots dotted around both towns.
Don't forget to have your driving license translated if it was issued in one of the following countries: France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan. If your license was issued in another country, you'll need an international license.
Get your license translated here!
Tips: Having a car gives you access to places around Noboribetsu that are difficult to reach by public transport or on foot. You can, for example, admire the magnificent Kuttara Lake, located right next to the Jigokudani Valley, and the Shikotsu-Toya Park with its two lakes.
Discover the Ainu culture:
Jigokudani by night, at Noboribetsu Onsen
© 663highland, wikimedias
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Address, timetable & access
Address
Noboribetsuonsencho
059-8701
Japan
Timetable
By train: from Sapporo, Muroran line, Noboribetsu station, then 15-minute bus ride.
