Visiting Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido will prove to be the single greatest choice of your life. Noboribetsu Onsen is Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. Nestled within the Iburi Region, you can find Noboribetsu in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. It’s a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Sapporo and an hour’s drive from New Chitose Airport.
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most popular and renowned spa towns, located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. It is celebrated for its therapeutic hot springs, stunning natural scenery, and traditional Japanese hospitality.
Hotels in Noboribetsu Onsen
Dai-chi Takimotokan has five of the ten different mineral springs officially recognised in Japan. This includes a Sulphur Spring, an Alum Spring, a Ferrous Sulphate Spring, and a Sodium Spring. On the other hand, the rooms are classic and designed in the typical Japanese minimalist style.
If you are not staying at this particular ryokan (Japanese-style inn), but want to delight in the Onsen experience, you can still do so. For a small fee, you could enjoy the five Onsens, and there is no need to bring your towels as they provide everything. 5,000 square meters of hot, natural spring water eagerly awaits your arrival, and there is no doubt that, once you leave the Onsen, you are sure to feel refreshed, revitalised, and renewed!
Hotel deals in Noboribetsu – Booking.com
Restaurants in Noboribetsu Onsen
There are various restaurants to dine at when in Noboribetsu Onsen. One such restaurant is Fukuya Soba Noodle. Here, you can order an array of famous Japanese soba dishes, either hot or cold. This restaurant is very small yet does not feel crowded. Be aware that Fukuya Soba Noodle is only open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes English explanations so you don’t order a dish without having some kind of clue as to what you can expect.
Dai-Chi Takimotokan has excellent options for dining, but for a true Japanese experience, try Kaiseki! Delight in the hotel’s traditional way of serving food. Kaiseki means that you are being served multiple courses of Japanese dishes. However, this style of dining needs to be booked in advance. So do make sure to include this dining option with your booking.
Hotel deals in Noboribetsu – Booking.com
Hot Springs in Noboribetsu
Hot springs, also called Onsen, are plentiful in Noboribetsu. As mentioned previously, the Dai-chi Takimotokan has 5 of the 10 different mineral springs that have been officially recognised in Japan. One of the springs is 5,000 square meters! Natural hot springs are known for their healing properties due to their mineral-rich waters. This includes the Sulphur Spring in Dai-ichi Takimotokan, perfect for blood circulation. On the other hand, the Alum Pring targets dry skin while the Ferrous Sulphate Spring relieves atopic dermatitis.
The town boasts a wide variety of hot spring baths, including both public and private options. The most famous is the “Hell Valley” (Jigokudani), a volcanic valley with hot steam vents and sulphurous streams that create a unique and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can enjoy a range of baths, including indoor and outdoor baths, as well as foot baths. Some baths feature different minerals and temperatures, each believed to have various health benefits. Note that the different Onsens are divided by gender and you are expected to be completely naked.
Hiking in Noboribetsu Onsen
Beyond the hot springs, Noboribetsu Onsen is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The area is characterised by lush forests during the summers, dramatic cliffs, and pristine rivers. In the fall, the changing leaves create a breathtaking display of autumn colours for you to marvel at. Finally, during the winter, the only thing you’d want to do is to bathe in the natural hot springs.
Besides lounging in the hot springs, travellers can explore the town’s hiking trails, nature walks, and other outdoor activities. The Noboribetsu Bear Park is another popular attraction where you can see Hokkaido Brown Bears up close. Moreover, there is plenty of sightseeing to do. Even in the streets, which are manicured with quaint restaurants, souvenir shops, and several ‘demon’ statues.
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about how to explore the magical UNESCO site of Shirakawago in Japan.
Spring into the Onsen Experience
Noboribetsu Onsen is a beloved destination for those seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a taste of traditional Japanese culture. Its unique natural features, coupled with the benefits of hot spring bathing, make it a must-visit location in Hokkaido for travellers looking to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of Japan. So, grab that towel and get naked because these natural springs are there to envelop you with amazing health benefits, you just need to go!
