Noboribetsu onsen is a popular hot spring town found on the outskirts of Noboribetsu city, in Hokkaido Prefecture. Famous for the Jigokudani Hell Valley, and numerous geothermal vents, the town has a strong connection to the demons of Japanese folklore. Because of the boiling sulphur pits, steaming vents, and fiery landscape, Jigokudani (Hell Valley) has long been associated with an “entrance to hell.” In the town, you’ll find oni (Japanese demons) statues, which act as guardians and mascots of Noboribetsu Onsen town.

Noboribetsu Onsen is best known as one of Hokkaido’s best hot spring towns. Many ryokans and hotels in town have their own onsen baths for their guests to enjoy. It’s a charming place to spend a night in Hokkaido.

Top Attractions in Noboribetsu Onsen

Jigokudani Hell Valley

Steam-filled volcanic valley with sulfur vents, hot springs, and trails

Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village

Ninja-themed amusement park in Noboribetsu

Lake Kuttara

Pristine, Circular Caldera Lake

Demon Shrine

The Demon Shrine is a small shrine located near the Jigokudani Hell Valley. The shrine is adorned by a red and a blue demon statue, and one of the several locations in Noboribetsu where you can find demon-related statues. For this reason, it is a popular photo spot among visitors.

Oyunuma Natural Footbaths

Flowing from the Oyunuma Pond, you can find the Oyunuma Natural Footbath (ashiyu). It's free to visit and can be found about a 5-minute walk away from the Oyunuma pond, or a two-minute drive. Bring a towel to dry off your feet as none are provided.

Explore Hokkaido

Top Attractions

Hokkaido Shrine

Popular shrine in Sapporo City

Lake Toya

Caldera lake with scenic views, islands, hot springs, and volcano.

Shirahige Falls, one of the many Off The track Japan destinations

Shirahige Waterfalls

Cascading waterfalls with stunning blue water

Shikisai No Oka

Hills of Seasonal Colours

Cape Soya

Japan's northernmost cape

Accessing Noboribetsu

You can get to Jigokudani and Noboribetsu-Onsen from JR Noboribetsu station, either by a bus, or a taxi to Noboribetsu-Onsen. The bus will cost 340JPY one way, while by taking a taxi, you can expect to be paying 2000-3000JPY one way. Buses are relatively frequent depending on the day and time, but there will usually be 1-2 buses departing from JR Noboribetsu Station an hour.

The Bus you will take will be operated by Donan.