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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken by tourists)
- Climate: Humid continental
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 48,000
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Noboribetsu is spring through autumn for hiking and festivals, or winter for snowy hot spring experiences.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, and UK can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days for tourism. Others may require a visa obtained in advance. Japan does not generally offer visa on arrival. E-visa options are expanding but travelers should check current requirements before travel.
About Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu is a renowned hot spring town located in Hokkaido, Japan, celebrated for its rich volcanic landscape and therapeutic onsens. The town’s most iconic feature is Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," a dramatic volcanic crater emitting steam and sulfurous gases, offering visitors a glimpse into the earth’s geothermal power. Noboribetsu’s natural hot springs have been attracting visitors for centuries, prized for their healing mineral waters. Beyond relaxation, the town offers a unique cultural experience with traditional ryokan inns, local cuisine, and festivals. Its proximity to Sapporo makes it an accessible retreat for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, wildlife parks, and cultural museums that showcase Ainu heritage. Noboribetsu’s blend of natural wonders, wellness, and cultural richness makes it a compelling destination for tourists looking to experience authentic Japanese hot spring culture and volcanic landscapes.
Top Attractions
1. Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – A volcanic crater with steaming vents and sulfurous streams, offering dramatic landscapes and walking trails. 2. Noboribetsu Onsen – A collection of hot spring baths with various mineral compositions, perfect for relaxation and healing. 3. Noboribetsu Bear Park – A wildlife park where visitors can see and feed brown bears native to Hokkaido. 4. Date Jidaimura – A historical theme park recreating the Edo period with samurai shows and traditional crafts. 5. Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe – A seaside aquarium featuring marine life exhibits and dolphin shows.
Popular Activities
Visitors can indulge in hot spring bathing, hiking around volcanic landscapes, and exploring local wildlife at the bear park. Cultural experiences include visiting the Edo-period theme park and learning about Ainu traditions. Seasonal festivals and markets offer opportunities to engage with local crafts and cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nature walks, photography of geothermal phenomena, and relaxing footbaths in town.
Noboribetsu Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Hokkaido
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Noboribetsu is spring through autumn for hiking and festivals, or winter for snowy hot spring experiences. Pack comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing in cooler months, and swimwear for onsen baths that allow it. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and bathing etiquette in onsens. Carry cash as some small businesses may not accept cards. Safety is high, but be cautious around volcanic areas and follow posted warnings.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $45
Highest Price Tour: $250
7 Available Tour Excursions in Noboribetsu
Hike up one of Japan's most active volcanoes! Learn about past volcanic eruptions of Mt. Usu and discover the nature of Lake Toya! Visit the best viewpoint of Lake Toya and get some photos! This tour differs by not just hiking the volcano, but also by visiting Lake Toya and the Toyo-Usu Geopark Center. There you can learn about the volcano you climbed, its recent volcanic eruption in 2000, its lasting effects on the local area, and Lake Toya's nature and geology. This tour also has a max number of 4 people, keeping the groups small ensures more time for each customer to enjoy the tour and not to be rushed. Also, it ensures safety whilst hiking on the mountain. We also includes pick-up and drop-off which other tour companies do not provide. The tour is suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors, is interested in volcanoes and their destructive power and anyone who loves lakes.
Price: $150.95
Duration: 6 hours
For approximately 10 weeks in winter, ice stalactites and stalagmites up to three meters long and high form in an ice cave on the Noboribetsu River. These rare formations are the product of a unique combination of geology and climate, creating a natural wonderland. The hike in on snowshoes and is 8 kilometers in all, and includes some gentle climbing through fir and native forest. This tour is a great way to experience snowshoeing to a truly memorable destination.
Price: $190.32
Duration: 6 hours
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a theme park in Noboribetsu that reproduces the customs and culture of the Edo-Jidai (Edo period), Here, you can enjoy viewing samurai residences, ninja trick houses and various stores that represent the Edo period. By the end of the day, you might as well call yourself a resident of the village.
Price: $19.69
Duration: 1-8 hours
This tour is available for single travellers and groups. Your guide can speak fluent English and Japanese and has experience guiding around Noboribetsu. Free pick-up and drop-off allow you to enjoy the tour stress-free and a delicious lunch and hot drink will give you plenty of energy to complete the tour.
Price: $131.26
Duration: 5 hours
Explore the natural wonders and spiritual heritage of Hokkaido on a guided tour that includes Noboribetsu Onsen and the stunning Noboribetsu Bear Park. Start with a scenic ropeway ride offering breathtaking mountain views before delving into the Bear Park to learn about the ecology of brown bears and their significance in Ainu culture. Witness the dramatic landscapes of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) with its bubbling sulfuric vents and geothermal formations that have inspired local beliefs about the afterlife. This immersive experience blends education with exploration, providing deep insights into nature and spirituality in Hokkaido. - Guided tour of Noboribetsu Onsen and Bear Park - Scenic ropeway ride with panoramic views of Lake Kuttara - Explore Jigokudani's unique volcanic features and cultural significance - Gain insider knowledge on Ainu traditions and wildlife ecology
Price: $180.48
Duration: 3 hours
Usuzan is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan having last erupted in 2000. This volcanic mountain completely transformed after the eruption and the scars can still be seen today. On this hike you will be able to see Usuzan's volcanic activity with the many fumaroles that jet out from the craters. Starting off in woodland, you will ascend through different types of forests up to the 500-metre-high summit where you will be greeted with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei. Your guide will teach you about the the nature that you will see and explain about the history of Usuzan and it's effects on the surrounding area. This rewarding hike is a great introduction to Hokkaido's best nature!
Price: $190.32
Duration: 5 hours
Welcome to Noboribetsu Bear Park, a one-of-a-kind zoo located atop the scenic Shikotsu-Toya National Park! With our admission ticket, you will have the opportunity to witness the majesty of the Ezo brown bear, a native species of Hokkaido. But our park is not just any ordinary zoo. In addition to the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close, you can also take a ride on our rope way, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a faster route to the bear park.
Price: $34.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Noboribetsu’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood from Hokkaido, including crab, salmon, and sea urchin. Signature dishes include kaiseki ryori (traditional multi-course meals) served at ryokan inns, featuring local seasonal ingredients. Visitors should try Noboribetsu’s onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) cooked in natural hot spring water. Dining customs emphasize presentation and seasonal harmony. Noteworthy restaurants include local izakayas serving Hokkaido specialties and ryokan dining rooms offering authentic Japanese meals.
Getting Around
Noboribetsu is accessible by train from Sapporo via the JR Muroran Line, taking about 90 minutes. Local buses and taxis provide transport within the town. Walking is convenient for exploring the main hot spring areas. Transportation costs are moderate; train tickets from Sapporo typically cost around 2,000 yen one way. Renting a car is optional but can be useful for exploring surrounding areas.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Noboribetsu is spring through autumn for hiking and festivals, or winter for snowy hot spring experiences. Pack comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing in cooler months, and swimwear for onsen baths that allow it. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and bathing etiquette in onsens. Carry cash as some small businesses may not accept cards. Safety is high, but be cautious around volcanic areas and follow posted warnings.
Culture & Customs
Noboribetsu reflects traditional Japanese hospitality with emphasis on respect, politeness, and cleanliness. Visitors should bow when greeting and speak softly in public spaces. Important festivals include the Noboribetsu Onsen Festival celebrating hot spring culture. Bathing etiquette requires washing before entering communal baths and no tattoos are allowed in many onsens. Gift-giving and seasonal greetings are valued customs.
