The town of Noboribetsu Onsen is a popular sightseeing destination, known for its rich volcanic activity, mineral-rich 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 be reached from Sapporo by train and local bus, direct highway 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 40 to 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. Road access to Oyunuma closes in winter, so the taxi option is seasonal. Check local trail conditions before walking.
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 purpose-built enclosures. Its brown-bear museum has displays about the animals’ biology, behavior, and history. Admission, including the round-trip ropeway ride, costs 3,200 yen for adults and 1,600 yen for children aged 4 through elementary school.
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 1,500 yen for children aged 3-12. Day-use admission is from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and visitors must leave by 9:00 pm. 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 at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 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, traditional games, and a changing program of stage performances, including samurai shows in winter. The park offers rental costumes for those who wish to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Admission is 3,300 yen for visitors of junior-high-school age and above, and 1,700 yen for elementary-school children. From Noboribetsu Station, buses calling at Noboribetsu Jidaimura-mae take about 6 minutes and stop beside the park. Alternatively, buses calling at Sanai Hospital/Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura stop on the main road, about a 10-minute walk away.
How to Get There
Noboribetsu Onsen can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. For a day trip, train plus local bus or driving are the most practical choices. Noboribetsu Station is separate from the hot-spring town, so allow time for the onward connection and plan your return journey before setting out.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, take the JR Limited Express Hokuto train bound for Hakodate that calls at Noboribetsu. The Limited Express Suzuran is another direct option. The journey takes around 1 hour and 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the service, and the standard adult one-way fare is 4,890 yen, including an ordinary reserved seat. Hokuto and Suzuran are all-reserved-seat trains, so arrange your seat reservation before boarding. From Noboribetsu Station, transfer to a Donan Bus service to Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal. Allow about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the route; the adult one-way fare is 450 yen. Allow extra time for the connection at the station.
The Limited Express Hokuto train
By Bus
The Donan Bus company operates the Kosoku Onsen highway bus directly from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen. The regular service leaves Sapporo Ekimae stop 7 at 1:40 pm and reaches Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal at 3:20 pm. Adult one-way fares range from 2,800 to 3,800 yen depending on the travel date. Online reservations are required at least 2 hours before departure. The regular return service leaves Noboribetsu Onsen at 9:30 am, so these buses do not provide a same-day round trip from Sapporo; use the train and local bus or drive for a day visit.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen by car, take the Do-o Expressway (E5) southbound towards Muroran. Allow around 1 hour and 40 minutes in good conditions, with extra time for traffic or winter weather. The standard one-way toll from Sapporo-Minami IC to Noboribetsu-Higashi IC is 2,640 yen for an ordinary car; joining the expressway elsewhere changes the total. From Noboribetsu-Higashi IC, 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. Last updated 23-Sep-2026.
