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Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan

Step into a Steaming Wonderland: Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Escape to Noboribetsu, a captivating town nestled in Hokkaido's volcanic heartland, where dramatic landscapes meet restorative hot springs. Known as "Hell on Earth" …

#hotsprings#volcanic#natural beauty#tourist destination#Hokkaido

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Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Noboribetsu.

Top Hotels in Noboribetsu

Top Flights to Noboribetsu

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Noboribetsu.

Tours

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

A dramatic volcanic valley of steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other geothermal features.

Noboribetsu Date Historic Village

A historical theme park highlighting the Edo period, featuring traditional buildings and cultural performances.

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe

A family-friendly marine park featuring a variety of aquatic life and shows in a castle-like setting.

Bear Park

A sanctuary for brown bears where visitors can observe and feed the animals.

Oyunuma Pond

A beautiful sulfuric pond known for its changing colors and misty surface.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Noboribetsu.

Currency

¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Noboribetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan is around 46,000.

Languages

Japanese, Japanese

Average weather

Noboribetsu

Jan

-1°-7°

Feb

0°-6°

Mar

3°-3°

Apr

10°2°

May

16°7°

Jun

20°12°

Jul

24°17°

Aug

26°19°

Sep

22°15°

Oct

16°8°

Nov

8°1°

Dec

2°-4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Noboribetsu.

What people love

Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, Japan is a popular destination known for its natural hot springs and stunning landscapes. Here are some pros of traveling to Noboribetsu:

Jigokudani (Hell Valley): One of the main attractions in Noboribetsu is Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley. This volcanic valley features steam vents, sulfurous streams, and rugged terrain, creating a unique and otherworldly landscape for visitors to explore.
Onsen (Hot Springs): Noboribetsu is famous for its natural hot springs, with numerous ryokans and resorts offering traditional Japanese bathing experiences. Relaxing in the healing waters of the onsen is a great way to unwind and rejuvenate during your trip.
Nature and Scenery: The surrounding area of Noboribetsu is characterized by lush forests, rivers, and mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, nature walks, and photography. The changing seasons offer different perspectives, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant foliage in autumn.
Cuisine: Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, dairy products, and agricultural produce, and Noboribetsu is no exception. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as seafood dishes, Hokkaido milk, and sweets made with local ingredients.
Cultural Experiences: Noboribetsu offers opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture, such as tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, and taiko drum performances. Visiting historical sites and participating in cultural activities can provide insight into the region's heritage.

Overall, traveling to Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, Japan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Noboribetsu in Hokkaido, Japan could include:

Weather: Noboribetsu can experience harsh winter weather with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, such as summer and winter, Noboribetsu can become quite crowded with tourists, leading to longer wait times and less peaceful surroundings.
Language barriers: While English may be spoken in some tourist areas, Japanese is predominantly spoken in Noboribetsu. This could pose challenges for travelers who do not speak the language.
Cost: Traveling to and staying in Noboribetsu can be expensive, especially during peak seasons. Accommodation, dining, and transportation costs can add up quickly.
Limited attractions: Noboribetsu is a relatively small town, so there may be limited attractions and activities compared to larger cities in Japan. Travelers seeking a wide variety of entertainment options may find Noboribetsu lacking in this regard.

Overall, while Noboribetsu offers natural beauty and unique attractions like hot springs and Jigokudani (Hell Valley), potential travelers should consider these cons before planning their trip.

Noboribetsu is a city located in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is most famous for its hot spring resorts and natural beauty. Here is a detailed history of Noboribetsu, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Historical Overview

Ainu Period: The area that is now Noboribetsu was originally inhabited by the Ainu people, the indigenous people of Hokkaidō. The name "Noboribetsu" is derived from the Ainu word "nupur-pet," which means "dark-colored river."
Edo Period (1603-1868): During the Edo period, the area began to attract attention for its natural hot springs. However, it remained relatively undeveloped until the Meiji era.
Meiji Era (1868-1912): The development of Noboribetsu as a hot spring resort began in the Meiji era. In 1857, a monk named Nambu Jikan is credited with discovering the healing properties of the hot springs, which led to an increase in visitors.
Taisho and Showa Eras: The area continued to develop, with more facilities being built to accommodate tourists. The town's growth was further boosted by the expansion of transportation networks, including railways.
Post-War Era: After World War II, Noboribetsu became a popular domestic tourist destination. The establishment of the Noboribetsu Onsen district attracted visitors seeking relaxation and therapeutic benefits from the hot springs.
Modern Era: Today, Noboribetsu is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The city is also known for its natural parks and unique geological features.

Significant Landmarks

Noboribetsu Onsen: This is the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaidō. The area boasts several types of mineral-rich waters believed to have healing properties. Noboribetsu Onsen is known for its "Hell Valley" (Jigokudani), a dramatic landscape of steaming vents and sulfurous streams.
Jigokudani (Hell Valley): This geothermal area is a major tourist attraction, known for its volcanic activity. The valley serves as a source of hot spring water for the nearby onsens.
Noboribetsu Bear Park: Located on the top of Mount Shihorei, this park is home to a large population of brown bears. It offers visitors an opportunity to see these animals up close in a controlled environment.
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura: Also known as the Noboribetsu Edo Wonderland, this cultural theme park recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period, offering various performances and samurai shows.
Oyunuma Pond: A hot water pond with bubbling mud, Oyunuma is another natural wonder in the area, fed by the geothermal activity of Hell Valley.

Historical Figures

Nambu Jikan: The monk who is traditionally credited with discovering the therapeutic benefits of Noboribetsu's hot springs in the 19th century.

Notable Events

Annual Hell Festival (Jigoku Matsuri): This festival, held in August, celebrates Noboribetsu's hot springs and features a parade with participants dressed as demons, representing the area's volcanic and geothermal activity.

Noboribetsu's combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical development has made it a key tourist destination in Japan, renowned for its hot springs and unique geological features.