The town of Noboribetsu Onsen is a popular sightseeing destination, known for its rich volcanic activity, healing hot springs, and the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley.” In addition to its thermal baths, the area features museums, theme parks, and scenic walking trails. Noboribetsu Onsen can easily be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, or car.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu
The Main Attractions
Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is the primary source of Noboribetsu’s hot spring waters. This volcanic crater is characterized by its bubbling sulfuric ponds, steam vents, and rugged terrain. Visitors can explore the area via well-maintained walking trails and wooden boardwalks that provide close-up views of the geothermal activity. Jigokudani is a 15-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Oyunuma Pond
Oyunuma Pond is a hot water lake formed by a volcanic explosion long ago. The pond’s surface temperature is around 50 degrees Celsius, and it’s known for its bubbling waters rich in sulfur. A short trail from Oyunuma leads to a natural footbath where visitors can soak their feet in warm, mineral-rich waters. Oyunuma is a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Noboribetsu Bear Park is a unique attraction where visitors can observe Ezo brown bears native to Hokkaido. Accessible by ropeway from the town center, the park offers close-up views of the bears in a naturalistic setting. There are also educational exhibits about bear conservation. The round-trip ropeway ticket and park admission cost 2,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children aged 4-12.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan hot spring resort
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Noboribetsu, boasting a large variety of indoor and outdoor baths fed by different types of mineral waters. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can enjoy the day-use facilities. Admission for day visitors is 2,500 yen for adults and 1,250 yen for children aged 3-12. It’s located a short walk from the bus terminal.
Enmado Temple features a statue of Enma, the King of Hell, which animates and performs a short show every hour between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm. The temple reflects the town’s connection to Jigokudani and its “hellish” landscapes. Enmado Temple is a 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura historical theme park
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a historical theme park that recreates life in the Edo period. Visitors can enjoy ninja shows, samurai performances, and traditional games. The park offers rental costumes for those who wish to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Admission is 2,900 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children aged 7-12. The theme park is a 10-minute bus ride from Noboribetsu Station.
How to Get There
Noboribetsu Onsen can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. The fastest way to travel between these cities is by train, but taking a bus or driving offers scenic routes through Hokkaido’s countryside.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, take the JR Limited Express Hokuto train bound for Hakodate. The journey takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs 4,070 yen one-way. From Noboribetsu Station, transfer to a local bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal, which takes 15 minutes and costs 350 yen.
The Limited Express Hokuto train
By Bus
The Donan Bus company operates highway buses from Sapporo directly to Noboribetsu Onsen. Buses depart from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs 2,000 yen for a one-way trip. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Buses arrive at the Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal, conveniently located near the main attractions.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen by car, take the Hokkaido Expressway southbound towards Muroran. The journey should take around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 3,300 yen in toll fees. Take the Noboribetsu Higashi Interchange exit and follow local roads for about 10 minutes to reach the onsen area.
Driving allows flexibility to explore at your own pace and visit attractions en route. For more information on local driving, check our article on Car Rental in Sapporo.
Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by Anesthesia/pixta (1), HAPPY SMILE/pixta (2), keechuan/pixta (3), Dai-ichi Takimotokan (4), PixHound/pixta (5), Angkana Unthaya (6). All rights reserved.
