Just a short train ride from Sapporo, Noboribetsu is one of Hokkaido’s most famous onsen towns, known for its steaming “Hell Valley”, forest walking trails, and relaxing hot springs. It’s an easy destination to visit even without a car.
I visited Noboribetsu Onsen on an overnight stay, which gave me time to explore Hell Valley, relax at an onsen hotel, and experience the peaceful atmosphere after the day-trippers left. In this guide, I’ll show you how to visit Noboribetsu from Sapporo, what to see and do, and help you decide whether a day trip or overnight stay makes more sense for your itinerary.
Getting There: Sapporo to Noboribetsu
By Train:
Take the JR Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran from Sapporo Station to JR Noboribetsu Station (approx. 75 mins). You will need to reserve a seat.
- Note: You must transfer to a local Donan bus (15 mins) to reach the actual Onsen town. You can use an IC card or get a paper ticket at a machine in the new visitor center. Look for the bus headed for Noboribetsu Onsen.
By Bus:
By Direct Bus: The “Express Onsen-go” leaves daily from near Sapporo Station. It takes about 2 hours and costs 2,500 yen. Reservations are required.
Things to Do in Noboribetsu
Explore Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is Noboribetsu’s most iconic sight. It is a dramatic volcanic landscape filled with steaming vents. Wooden boardwalks wind through the valley so you can explore while keeping a safe distance from the geothermal activity. Several well-marked trails branch out from Hell Valley, connecting it to nearby ponds, forest paths and scenic viewpoints.
Soak in Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath
Located on a quiet path is Oyunumagawa Natural Foot Bath, where you can sit on logs and soak your feet in the warm river water for free. Remember to bring along a towel to dry your feet!
Enmado Temple Animatronic Show
Located right on the main shopping street of Noboribetsu Onsen, the Enmado Temple houses a giant mechanical statue of King Enma, the legendary judge of the underworld. Several times a day, this seemingly peaceful wooden figure comes to life in a dramatic animatronic performance. During the show, Enma’s face transforms from a calm expression into a bright red scowl, his arms wave, and he bellows a warning to onlookers to lead virtuous lives. While the performance only lasts about five minutes, it is a quirky, must-see local spectacle that perfectly captures the “hell” theme of the town.
Visit Noboribetsu Bear Park
Noboribetsu Bear Park is one of the main attractions in the town but often leaves visitors (including me) with mixed feelings. To get there, you take a scenic cable car ride up the mountain. You will be accompanied by a giant stuffed bear in the cable car. Admission to the park is ¥3,200 for adults and ¥1,600 for children (includes the ropeway).
At the top of the mountain is the bear park. It has a separate area for bear cubs. They are very carefree and playful. You are not allowed to feed them. Adult bears are kept in a different area, and visitors can buy food from vending machines to feed them. The bears seemed relaxed and calm – very different from the wild bears that have been in the news lately for attacking humans in Japan. They would hold their paws up to ask visitors for more food. I felt uncomfortable seeing visitors yelling at the bears while throwing food at them, so I didn’t spend much time observing the bears. The enclosures are concrete pits and lack grass and natural terrain.
Also in the bear park is the Brown Bear Museum, which is dedicated to the biology and history of the Ezo brown bear. You’ll see detailed exhibits on bear behaviour and their complex historical relationship with the people of Hokkaido. In the same building there is an observatory with magnificent views of Lake Kuttara and the town as well as a souvenir shop and cafe.
Glimpse into Ainu Culture (Yukara no Sato)
Just a short walk from the bear enclosures on the mountain summit, you’ll find Yukara no Sato, a recreated Ainu village. This “living museum” features traditional thatched-roof houses (cise) built with authentic materials. It’s a quiet, reflective space where you can see historical tools, traditional clothing, and learn about the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The Ainu have a profound spiritual connection to the brown bear (known as Kim-un Kamuy or the “God of the Mountains”), which adds an important layer of context to your visit to Noboribetsu.
See the View of Lake Kuttara
Don’t forget to head to the observation deck near the Bear Museum for a view of Lake Kuttara. This perfectly circular caldera lake is famous for having some of the clearest water in all of Japan. From the high vantage point of Mount Shihorei, the lake looks like a giant blue sapphire tucked into the forest. Even on a misty day, the sight of the steep caldera walls dropping into the still water is one of the most underrated views in the Noboribetsu area.
Visit Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, also known as Edo Wonderland, is a historical theme park that recreates an Edo-period village. The park features traditional architecture, costumed performers, and live shows like the Ninja Action Show and the Oiran (Courtesan) performance. While it is more of a themed attraction than a historical site, Date Jidaimura can still be an enjoyable stop for people interested in history or families with children.
You can rent costumes to explore the village as a samurai or princess. You can also test your shuriken throwing skills or navigate the optical illusions of Ninja Mystery House.
I didn’t have enough time to go to the park during my stay in Noboribetsu, but I definitely want to go next time!
Check the live show times as soon as you enter. In winter (Nov–March), the park closes earlier (4:00 PM), so it’s best to go in the morning.
Where to Stay: Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of Noboribetsu’s most well-known and historic onsen hotels, located right beside Hell Valley. It is famous for its expansive bathing facilities, which feature multiple types of mineral-rich hot spring waters sourced directly from the surrounding volcanic area.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, visitors can pay for day use of the baths. There is a separate entrance for day use visitors.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is a massive hotel that has many different kinds of rooms, from modern rooms with normal beds to traditional tatami mat rooms. During my stay there (I spent one night), I chose to eat the buffet dinner and breakfast. You can also opt for a kaiseki meal instead of the buffet. The buffet dinner has a wide variety of food, including Japanese options like sashimi, Western options, and ethnic food from international staff members’ countries.
What to Eat in Noboribetsu: Ramen and Sweets
Enmaken Ramen
If you’re visiting Noboribetsu, Enmaken is the go-to spot for a meal that leans fully into the town’s “hell” theme. This modern ramen shop is famous for its Enma Ramen, a fiery, Sichuan-inspired bowl featuring a rich miso-and-sesame broth packed with spicy minced meat. It’s designed to mimic the heat of the underworld. For those who can’t really eat spicy food (like me), they also serve a highly-rated non-spicy miso ramen and dumplings that are a favorite side dish among regulars.
Enmaken is usually open from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Hiyoridou (甘味 日和堂)
For a perfect sweet finish to your day in Noboribetsu, make your way to Hiyoridou, a small dessert shop across from 7-Eleven. Here you can find high-quality, handcrafted sweets. I tried the matcha tiramisu (690 yen) and really enjoyed it! The dessert features layers of light, creamy mascarpone balanced by the earthy richness of premium matcha powder.
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay in Noboribetsu: Which is Better?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether Noboribetsu is better as a day trip from Sapporo or an overnight stay. The answer depends on how much time you have and what kind of experience you want. Below is a clear comparison to help you decide.
Is Noboribetsu Onsen Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Sapporo?
Yes, Noboribetsu works well as a day trip, especially if you’re short on time and want to see Hell Valley without staying overnight.
On a day trip, you’ll have enough time to explore Hell Valley, walk to Oyunuma Pond or the footbath, grab lunch and even visit a public onsen before heading back.
The downside: You’ll miss the quieter atmosphere in the evening, and you won’t fully experience Noboribetsu’s onsen culture at a relaxed pace.
Is it Better to Stay Overnight in Noboribetsu?
Staying overnight is the more immersive and relaxing option, especially if you want the full onsen town experience. An overnight stay is ideal if you:
- Want to enjoy multiple onsen baths without rushing
- Prefer a slower, more atmospheric visit.
- Want to stay in an onsen or ryokan hotel.
- Want to see Hell Valley after most day-trippers leave.
- Enjoy buffet or traditional dinners at your accomodation.
The downside: Overnight stays are more expensive than a day trip, especially if you choose a higher-end onsen hotel.
