JP · Hokkaido · 42.42°N 141.10°E

noboribetsu

Sulphurous hot springs and a steaming volcanic valley above the bath town.

Best time
June–July and September–October for the walking trails, with autumn colour in October. January–February pairs snow with hot baths, though some trails close.
How long
1–2 nights
Getting there
Fly from KL to New Chitose Airport (about 7.5 hours on a seasonal direct flight, or via Tokyo). A direct bus reaches Noboribetsu Onsen in about 75 minutes, or take the train to Noboribetsu Station and a 15-minute bus up the hill. Japan is an hour ahead of KL.
Save postcard
JP · Hokkaidonoboribetsu42.42°N 141.10°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Sulphurous hot springs and a steaming volcanic valley above the bath town.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingNoboribetsuJP, Hokkaido
KLnoboribetsu
≈ 5,856 km from KL, as the crow flies
Oyunuma, a boiling sulfuric pond in the Noboribetsu volcanic valley, emitting steam, surrounded by autumn foliage.

Photo: lumoplank · CC0

1 / 3

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Hokkaido's best-known hot spring town, built at the foot of a steaming volcanic valley. Walk the boardwalks through Jigokudani, soak for a long time, and have an early night.

Makan

  1. Enma yakisobaFiery red fried noodles named after the king of hell, the town's own dish.Map ↗
  2. Hokkaido dairyMilk puddings and soft serve made with Hokkaido milk, for in between baths.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. JigokudaniBoardwalks over a pale, steaming crater valley full of vents and bubbling pools. The name means Hell Valley.Map ↗
  2. OyunumaA hot, sulphur-grey pond a short forest walk beyond the valley, with a warm stream below where you can soak your feet.Map ↗
  3. Onsen bathsThe hotels draw on several different springs, so the bigger ones have pools of different colours and minerals.Map ↗
  4. Lake ToyaA round caldera lake about an hour's drive away, easy to pair with a night here.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Stay up in Noboribetsu Onsen itself; the railway station is about 8 km downhill.
  • The airport bus needs a reservation, so book a seat before you fly.
  • Onsen basics: wash before getting in and no swimwear. Some baths turn away visitors with tattoos.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.