Explore Noboribetsu: Top Attractions and Itinerary
Transportation to and Around Noboribetsu
Getting to Noboribetsu
From Sapporo to Noboribetsu
By Highway Bus: The journey takes about 90 minutes and costs around ¥2,500. Reservations are required.
By Train: There are many train options, but after arriving at Noboribetsu JR Station, you need to transfer to a bus to reach Noboribetsu Onsen-cho (where hotels and attractions are concentrated). The journey takes about 65 minutes and costs ¥4,780. For more details, click here.
From New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu
By Highway Bus: The journey takes about 75 minutes and costs around ¥1,800. Reservations are required.
By Train: There are many train options, but after arriving at Noboribetsu JR Station, you need to transfer to a bus to reach Noboribetsu Onsen-cho (where hotels and attractions are concentrated). The journey takes about 68 minutes and costs ¥3,380. For more details, click here.
Getting Around Noboribetsu
From Noboribetsu JR Station, you can take a bus to Noboribetsu Onsen-cho for 350 yen, with a travel time of 15-20 minutes. You can find the timetable here.
Where to Stay in Noboribetsu
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
The hotel is located at the end of the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, closest to Jigokudani, featuring an onsen with a direct view of the valley and a swimming pool with slides that’s perfect for families with children. The hotel is quite large, consisting of four buildings: East, South, West, and the Main building, with the East and South buildings being newer.★★★ Location 9.1 | Facilities 9.0 | Value for money 8.1
Hotel Mahoroba
The hotel is centrally located on the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, very close to the entrance of the Bear Park. It features the largest open-air bath in the Noboribetsu area.★★★ Location 8.5 | Facilities 8.3 | Value for money 7.5
Noboribetsu Day Trip Itinerary
- Arrive in Noboribetsu from other cities in the morning and take some time to stroll and shop in the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Choose a restaurant for lunch. (1-2 hours)
- Walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho to the “Bear Park” and take the ropeway up the mountain for sightseeing. (1 hour)
- After descending, choose a ryokan to enjoy the hot springs, with “Dai-ichi Takimotokan” recommended. You can request a free shuttle from the Bear Park to the hotel entrance. (1.5 hours)
- Once you’ve finished soaking, walk to “Jigokudani” for sightseeing (0.5 hours without snow, 1 hour with snow). Enter the Oyunuma trail from Jigokudani, passing the “Oyunuma Lookout” and “Natural Footbath” before returning to the Onsen Street. (2 hours)
- Take a bus or other transportation from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho to your next destination.
Noboribetsu 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Noboribetsu from other cities. After checking in, you can either enjoy a soak in the hot springs or explore the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho (1-2 hours)
- Savor dinner at your ryokan. (1-2 hours)
- After dinner, take a nighttime stroll to “Jigokudani.” The boardwalk in Jigokudani is known as the “Path of Demon Fire” at night, creating a captivating atmosphere (not scary). (1 hour) Return to the hotel for a soak and then rest.
Day 2
- After breakfast, head to the Oyunuma trail for hiking and take a moment to admire Jigokudani during the day. Pass by the “Oyunuma Lookout” and “Natural Footbath” before returning to the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho. (2 hours)
- You can walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho to the “Bear Park” and take the ropeway up the mountain for sightseeing. (1 hour)
- Take a bus or other transportation from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho to your next destination.
Top Attractions in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Noboribetsu’s most famous landmark, Jigokudani (Hell Valley), is a volcanic crater valley filled with swirling mist and the strong smell of sulfur year-round. A wooden boardwalk allows for easy exploration of the valley’s unique landscape. From the back of Jigokudani, you can hike along the trail to the Oyunuma Lookout and River Oyunuma Natural Footbath.
Hours: Open 24 hours, but the boardwalk lights turn off at 10:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Recommended visit time: Jigokudani (0.5h without snow, 1h with snow); Jigokudani + trail loop + footbath (2-3h)
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, just exploring Jigokudani is enough. The boardwalk is easy to walk, but in winter, the stairs can get icy and very slippery, so proceed with caution.
- The trail to Oyunuma offers great views. Some sections may be closed in winter, but you can still reach the footbath. The footbath is a natural hot stream that stays warm even on the coldest winter days. It’s recommended to bring your own towel to dry your feet.
Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho to the Jigokudani entrance
Selected Video: Daytrip to Noboribetsu ONSEN
Selected Photo:
by Nopparuj Lamaikul
Noboribetsu Onsen-cho
The Noboribetsu Onsen-cho is compact, and you can walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes. Along the way, you’ll find shops selling local specialties, restaurants, and several onsen ryokan (traditional hot spring inns). The area is famous for its unique “demon” mascot, which represents its rich cultural heritage.
Selected Video: 登別温泉 観光ＰＲ動画
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still enjoy the onsen with day-use options:
First Takimotokan
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (entry closes at 6:00 PM)
Admission: 2,250 yen for adults, 1,100 yen for children; 25% off after 4:00 PM
Noboribetsu Manseikaku
Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM / 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM (entry closes at 6:00 PM)
Admission: 1,100 yen for adults, 550 yen for children
Noboribetsu Bear Park
The entrance to the bear park is located near the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, and you’ll need to take a ropeway to reach the mountaintop. The park is divided into three areas: the First Ranch (male bears), the Second Ranch (female bears), and the Baby Bear Ranch (open from May to early December). Inside the park, you’ll find a Brown Bear Museum, bear performances, and even a duck race (you can buy a 200 yen ticket to place a bet, and there are small prizes for winners). The view from the rooftop observation deck is also quite nice.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (summer); 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (winter)
Admission: 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children (includes round-trip ropeway fare). Available for booking on Klook.
Recommended visit time: 30minutes - 1 hour
Transportation:
- The bear park offers a free shuttle bus service to and from hotels in the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho. You can ask your hotel reception to call for it.
- You can also walk to the ropeway station from the Noboribetsu Onsen-cho (located across from the 7-Eleven convenience store).
Website: Noboribetsu Bear Park Official Website
Selected Video: 旅館の朝ごはんとクマ牧場
Optional Attractions in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
This is a small aquarium focused on showcasing marine life from northern seas. Although it’s not very large, it is located close to Noboribetsu JR Station and features shows like dolphin, seal, and sardine performances, as well as a penguin parade. It’s a great spot for animal lovers to visit.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission:3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children. Available for booking on Klook.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Transportation: A 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu JR Station
Website: Marine Park Nixe Official Website
Selected Video: 登別マリンパークニクスのショーに癒されました
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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