Noboribetsu Onsen

Introducing Noboribetsu Onsen

Nobiribetsu Onsen is the most popular onsen resort in Hokkaidō, boasting over 30 hotels and bath houses clustered tightly together along a narrow, winding street, but it’s not as atmospheric as you might expect – with convenience stores, hotels and souvenir shops packed with fun sculptures of animals and demons. The water originates from a volcanic sulphurous ‘hell’ not far above. Some of the higher-end spas are as nice as Japan has to offer. There are various interesting hikes around the surrounding hills and sulphur vents. The tourist association office (84-3311; 60 Noboribetsu onsen machi; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun) has English maps, hotel locations and good English info on the bathing hours.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009