Noboribetsu is the hot-spring town most Hokkaido programmes should include. Its source is Jigokudani, or Hell Valley: a volcanic crater of steaming vents, sulphur-coloured rock and boiling pools, crossed by boardwalks. The town's inns draw on several different types of spring water, and it lies about an hour by road from New Chitose Airport, which makes it the easiest onsen night in Hokkaido to reach. Note that this is a different place from the Jigokudani in Nagano, home of the snow monkeys.
What clients experience
- Hell Valley on foot. Boardwalks lead through the crater, with trails to a steaming pond and a natural footbath in the forest.
- An onsen night. Large resort hotels and smaller inns, with baths fed directly from the valley. Our onsen etiquette guide covers the briefing clients need.
- Autumn colour and winter snow, both of which change the valley's character completely.
Why it works in a programme
- Close to the airport. About an hour from New Chitose by road, so it works as a first or last night in Hokkaido.
- Easy to combine. Lake Toya and Shikotsu-Toya National Park are nearby, and Sapporo is within reach by road or rail.
- Group capacity. The large resort hotels can take groups that smaller onsen villages cannot.
How we build it
We usually place Noboribetsu as one night between the airport and Lake Toya or Sapporo, with the valley walk timed for daylight. Tattooed clients need a plan in advance; our onsen and tattoo guide explains the options. The wider Hokkaido itinerary is set out in our Hokkaido tours guide.
FAQ
What is Noboribetsu Jigokudani? It is a volcanic crater of steaming vents and boiling pools that supplies the hot springs of Noboribetsu Onsen. Boardwalks let visitors walk through it. It is not the Nagano Jigokudani known for snow monkeys.
How far is Noboribetsu from New Chitose Airport? About an hour by road, which makes it a convenient first or last night in Hokkaido.
Is Noboribetsu suitable for groups? Yes. Its large resort hotels can accommodate groups, and it combines easily with Lake Toya and Sapporo.
Want an onsen night at Noboribetsu in a Hokkaido programme? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
