Nestled in southwestern Hokkaido, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring resorts—famous for both its intensely mineral-rich waters and its dramatic natural setting. Formed by volcanic activity, this region offers a surreal, almost otherworldly experience where visitors can truly feel the heartbeat of the Earth. At the center of it all is Jigokudani, or “Hell Valley,” a striking geothermal landscape that combines awe-inspiring sights with deep relaxation.
Easily accessible in about 90 minutes by car or express bus from Sapporo, Noboribetsu is a perfect escape for those seeking a brief yet transformative break from everyday life. As you journey south, you’re greeted by changing scenery—lush mountain roads, riverside views, and the slow unfolding of nature’s beauty—all setting the tone for what’s to come.
Upon arriving in Noboribetsu, the first thing you’ll notice is the scent of sulfur in the air, hinting at the volcanic power beneath your feet. This aroma leads you directly to the area’s highlight: Jigokudani, a 450-meter-wide crater rimmed with steam vents and boiling mud pools. A well-maintained boardwalk makes it easy to explore on foot, right from the hot spring town. As you venture deeper into the valley, the sound of hissing steam and the increasingly potent sulfur smell surround you, making the landscape feel almost supernatural. From the observation deck, you’ll take in a view so surreal it feels like stepping into another world—one that photos alone could never fully capture.
After your stroll through Hell Valley, the ultimate reward awaits: soaking in Noboribetsu’s diverse range of hot springs. The area is rare in that it offers a variety of spring types all in one location—including sulfur, iron, acidic, and saline springs. Each has distinct healing properties and sensory characteristics, turning your soak into something akin to a “hot spring tasting experience.” Among the most popular are the sulfur springs, said to soften and beautify the skin, and saline springs, which deeply warm the body and are especially favored by those seeking relief from fatigue and cold sensitivity.
Accommodations in Noboribetsu range from large-scale traditional hot spring inns to smaller, tranquil ryokan, offering a wide variety of choices. Some inns even feature both indoor and open-air baths sourced from multiple hot springs, allowing guests to enjoy a full hot spring tour without ever leaving the premises. As you unwind in your room, savoring a meticulously prepared kaiseki meal made with the seasonal bounty of Hokkaido’s mountains and seas, you’ll find yourself in a moment of complete separation from everyday life—a true “reset” for the body and mind.
While soaking in the onsen is at the heart of the Noboribetsu experience, the town holds another unique charm: its playful and powerful “oni” (Japanese ogres or demons). Considered the guardians of the area, these oni appear throughout the town—in statues at entrances, at bus stops, and even on bridge railings—adding a whimsical yet deeply cultural element to the local scenery. Their strong yet endearing presence becomes a memorable symbol for all who visit.
Venturing beyond the baths, visitors can also enjoy forest trails ideal for “shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing) or visit geysers where hot spring water bursts forth from the earth, close enough to touch. These natural experiences engage all five senses, allowing guests to connect more deeply with the spirit of the land. Early morning or twilight walks, especially, offer a mystical atmosphere where the geothermal breath of the earth is quietly felt beneath the hush of the surroundings.
Noboribetsu is not merely a destination to bathe—it is a town that lives and breathes with geothermal energy. Here, the land itself shares its warmth, offering an opportunity to relax both body and soul. When you’re seeking not just a trip, but a tuning of your inner rhythm, this onsen town becomes the perfect choice.