A hot spring town beside a steaming volcanic valley.
Worth a day?
Yes. The day is a short limited express ride to Hell Valley, a steaming volcanic valley crossed by wooden walkways, then a bus to the hot spring town. It is a poor choice for travelers who want a city day with shops or nightlife.
Pick your pace
Noboribetsu works as a slow day or a full one. Choose the pace that fits yours and the stops that suit it come first. Nothing is removed.
Pick one and the stops reorder. Nothing is hidden. Clear
Short stops and plenty of time to sit.
A day in 3 stops
In the order that suits your pace.
- 1.5 hAfternoon
Demon statues and the hot spring street 鬼A small street with demon statues, foot baths and snack shops.
- 2 hMorning
Jigokudani Hell Valley walk 地A boardwalk through a steaming volcanic valley with colours and hot streams.
- 2 hAfternoon
Noboribetsu hot spring day bath 湯Several hotels sell a bath-only ticket. The water comes in many colours and types.
How to get there
FastestJR Hokkaido, Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran → JR Noboribetsu Station
- Time
- 70 min
- Changes
- None
- Seat
- Reservation needed
- Take the Hokuto or Suzuran limited express from JR Sapporo Station to JR Noboribetsu Station.
- At the station forecourt, board a Donan Bus for Noboribetsu Onsen (one source names route NA or NB).
- Get off at the onsen stop, then walk or take a taxi to Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
Coming back. Take the Donan Bus from the onsen back to JR Noboribetsu Station, then a limited express to Sapporo. One source suggests the 16:00 or 17:00 bus, and one notes a last bus from the station around 20:47; check the Donan Bus and JR timetables before you go.
Typical times. Check the timetable before you go.
Stay a night
Sleep in Sapporo and come by train for a day trip, since the trip takes about 70 minutes each way; stay a night at Noboribetsu Onsen only if you want to use the hot spring baths in the evening.
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