Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu (登別) is a city in Iburi, Hokkaido, Japan. For most visitors the main target is the hot spring village of Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉), 6 km inland from Noboribetsu. The vast majority of (Japanese) tourists are drawn to the 11 types of water found in the local hot springs. Water contains sulfur and iron.

Understand
Noboribetsu comprises the nearby towns of Noboribetsu, Horobetsu and Washibetsu.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

By plane
The nearest airport is Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, served by Donan Bus direct to Noboribetsu (¥1,170). You can also take a train directly from the airport.

By train
Noboribetsu is located on the JR Muroran Line between Oshamambe and Tomakomai.

Several limited express trains stop at Noboribetsu: The Hokuto and Super Hokuto, on runs between Hakodate and Sapporo, and the Suzuran, on runs between Sapporo and Higashi-Muroran. From the station, take a local bus to the Onsen.

From Sapporo, Noboribetsu can be reached by limited express in about one hour at a cost of ¥4160. The run from Hakodate to Noboribetsu is about 2 hr 15 min at a cost of ¥6500.

By bus
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative than the train, these two companies run services from Sapporo:

Local buses leave from in front of the Noboribetsu JR station twice-hourly. Takes about 20 minutes to reach the Onsen.

Get around
The main sights of Noboribetsu Onsen can be seen easily on foot. Sensible footwear is highly advisable as this area gets a lot of snow. Some of the paths around Hell Valley can be impassable even in Spring.

Do
Get wet! The area boasts a huge number of hot spring resorts in all shapes and sizes. The majority are within walking distance from the bus station. If staying overnight it is de rigueur to wander around town dressed in yukata.



Buy
The town has plenty of souvenir shops and there is an abundance of demon related paraphernalia to take home. Bath salts are also very popular. Keep an eye out for locally made beer, the cans come in blue or red and have a demon motif.

Go next

 * Muroran
 * Shiraoi
 * Tomakomai
 * Chitose
 * Toyako
 * Sobetsu
 * Sapporo
 * Oshamambe
 * Hidaka