Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu is a hot spring town in southwestern Hokkaido where you can soak in sulfur-rich baths and walk through the steaming volcanic valley of Jigokudani.
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Noboribetsu is a hot spring town in southwestern Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Its best-known sight is Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, where steam rises from vents and boiling pools beside a marked walking path. The sulfur-colored Oyunuma pond is nearby. The baths are the main reason to come, and many hot spring inns here have public bathing areas fed by sulfur-rich water.
The town suits couples, families and hikers who want a short volcanic walk and a long soak on the same trip. Plan one or two nights so you can walk the valley and still have time for the baths. Late spring through autumn is the best season for walking. Winter brings snow, and the steam is easier to see in cold air. Lake Toya is about an hour away by car if you want a longer day outside town.
Noboribetsu in five
- Wash before you enter the bathOnsen custom is to wash at the shower area before entering the shared bath, and to keep the small towel out of the water. Bathing is done without swimwear, so leave it in your room.
- Check the tattoo rule before you bookMany Japanese onsen restrict guests with visible tattoos. Ask the hotel about its policy when you book, and whether a private bath or cover patches are offered.
- Book a hotel with dinner includedMany hot spring hotels serve dinner at set times. Confirm the dinner time and bath hours before you check in.Where to stay
- Take the JR train and bus from Noboribetsu StationJR trains on the Muroran Main Line stop at Noboribetsu Station, and buses run from there to the hot spring district. Check the JR Hokkaido timetable before you plan the day.Getting around
- Register on Visit Japan Web before you landVisit Japan Web lets you submit the arrival and customs forms online before you fly. Save the QR codes on your phone, since immigration and customs use them at Japanese airports.Visas and entry
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check the MOFA list Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuarySnow, cold
- FebruarySnow, steam
- MarchThaw, cold
- AprilCool, quiet
- MayFresh green
- JuneMild, wet
- JulyMild, green
- AugustWarm, clear
- SeptemberClear, cooling
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCold, quiet
- DecemberSnow, cold
Right now in Noboribetsu
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
2
- Feels like
- 0°
- Humidity
- 77%
- Wind
- 3 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 34%
Noboribetsu
07:39 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today5°2°34%Tuesday: Clear. High 5°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 34%.
- Wed8°2°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 8°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu11°3°72%Thursday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Fri12°-1°77%Friday: Rain. High 12°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 77%.
- Sat0°-4°29%Saturday: Snow. High 0°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Sun-2°-4°12%Sunday: Snow. High -2°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Mon-1°-4°12%Monday: Snow. High -1°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 12%.
Updated 04:58 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- JulPacific Music FestivalSapporo, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Sapporoabout 1 to 1.5 hours by trainHokkaido's largest city, for food, museums and nightlife.Read the guide
- Lake Toyaabout 1 hour by carA caldera lake with a volcano on its shore and onsen towns around it.
- Shiraoiabout 30 min by carAn Ainu culture museum and village, a short drive from the hot springs.
Before you go to Noboribetsu
Rules for Noboribetsu, checked
- Many nationalities enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before you book, since the rules differ by passport.Source
- Register on Visit Japan Web and save the QR codes for immigration and customs before you fly.Source
- Declare the goods you carry on the arrival form. Japan restricts some foods, plants and medicines, so check the rules at Japan Customs.Source
- Onsen follow house rules: wash first, bathe without swimwear and keep the towel out of the water. Ask the hotel in advance if you have a tattoo.
Plan around Noboribetsu
Entry rules, regions and transport for a Japan trip
Read the guideHokkaidoThe island's regions, from Sapporo to the lakes
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains and buses to the hot spring town
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa-free rules, Visit Japan Web and customs forms
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a Hokkaido trip
Read the guideWhere to stayHot spring hotels and options near the station
Read the guideNoboribetsu FAQ
How many days do you need in Noboribetsu?
Two nights cover the hot spring district, the Hell Valley walk and a day trip to a nearby town. One night is enough for the valley walk and a bath if you arrive from Sapporo by train and keep the rest of the day simple.
Is Noboribetsu worth visiting?
Yes if you want hot springs, sulfur steam and a slow pace in Hokkaido. It is less useful if you want big-city food or nightlife, since most evenings centre on the hotels.
How do you get to Noboribetsu from Sapporo?
Take a JR train toward Noboribetsu Station, then a bus to the hot spring district. Check the timetable on the JR Hokkaido site before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Noboribetsu?
Summer and autumn are the easiest months, with mild days for walking the valley. Winter brings snow and steam over the baths, but walks are colder and more slippery.
Can you visit the onsen with tattoos?
It depends on the hotel. Many Japanese onsen restrict visible tattoos, so ask before you book and check whether a private bath or cover patches are offered.