Noboribetsu Onsen登別温泉
What you can do here
See Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
The remains of an explosion crater about 450 metres across and 11 hectares in area. A ramp suitable for wheelchairs leads to the viewing deck.
Oyunuma pond
A gourd-shaped pond about 1 km round, formed by an eruption of Mount Hiyori. Sulphur spring water at about 130°C gushes from the bottom; even the surface is around 40–50°C.
The natural footbath on the Oyunuma River
Soak your feet in a river of hot-spring water overflowing from Oyunuma. It is on the walking trail, right by Taisho Jigoku, and free.
The geyser in Sengen Park
Beside the hot-spring river running down from Jigokudani, a geyser erupts with a roar and a cloud of steam about every three hours.
Take a day-use bath
Some inns and bathhouses admit non-staying guests. The association's day-use list shows where you can bathe.
Popular and not to be missed
- Nine kinds of spring water
- Nine types of water, including sulphur, salt and iron springs, have earned Noboribetsu the nickname "department store of hot springs".
- 10,000 tonnes of hot water a day
- Most of the water rises in Jigokudani, formed by volcanic activity about 10,000 years ago: some 10,000 tonnes of it every day.
Good to know before you go
- RulesIf you have sensitive skin, avoid long soaks in the salt, alum and acidic springs, and rinse with plain water after an acidic bath.
- What to wearThe iron spring turns brown on contact with air, and will tint a white towel reddish.
- Wheelchairs & pushchairsThe ramp to the Jigokudani viewing deck has a maximum gradient of 8%. The tourist information centre also has a ramp for wheelchairs and pushchairs at its entrance.
- Getting thereAbout 15 minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Direct express buses take about 1 hour from New Chitose Airport and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Sapporo (some need booking).
How to take an onsen bath
Check the tattoo policy first → Undress in the changing room → Rinse and wash before you get in → Ease into the bath → Keep towels and hair out of the water → Dry off before the changing roomSee each step
- 1
Check the tattoo policy first
Rules on tattoos differ widely between facilities and you may be refused, so check ahead. Some inns have private baths you can reserve, or in-room baths, that guests with tattoos can use.
- 2
Undress in the changing room
Leave your clothes in a basket or locker in the changing room. Swimwear is not worn. Taking photos in the bathing area is prohibited.
- 3
Rinse and wash before you get in
Before getting into the bath, pour hot water over yourself with a bucket (kakeyu) and wash your body clean at the washing area.
- 4
Ease into the bath
Get in slowly rather than jumping in. Do not swim or splash. Avoid drinking alcohol before bathing.
- 5
Keep towels and hair out of the water
Do not put your towel in the bath; rest it on your head or on the edge of the tub. Tie up long hair.
- 6
Dry off before the changing room
When you get out, dry your body well before you go back into the changing room.
Events through the year
- FebNoboribetsu Onsen Yu MatsuriHeld around Setsubun. Young men in loincloths drench each other with spring water in the "hot-water battle" (spectators only).
- Jun–Jul, SepDemon fireworks in Hell ValleyAt the Jigokudani viewing deck, the yukijin (hot-spring demon gods) send fireworks into the night sky. In 2026 it ran on set dates in June, July and September.
- AugNoboribetsu Hell FestivalAt the end of August. King Enma parades down Gokuraku-dori in the hot-spring town, with Noboribetsu drumming, a demon mikoshi and demon dancing.
Dates change from year to year. Check the official site before you go.
Go further from here
Things to enjoy nearby and places to head to next.
- A short ride awayKarurusu OnsenA small hot-spring village 8 km from Noboribetsu Onsen, long known for its healing water and designated a National Health Resort hot spring.
- A short ride awayOther hot-spring townsKusatsu has strongly acidic water, and in Beppu you can tour the "hells". Every hot-spring town has its own water and its own way of enjoying it.See the theme "Hot springs"
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Noboribetsu Onsen
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