Noboribetsu Onsen, Onsen area in Noboribetsu, Japan
Noboribetsu Onsen is a hot spring area in the city of Noboribetsu, in southwestern Hokkaido, fed by sulfur, chloride, and alum springs. It sits next to Jigokudani, a raw volcanic valley where the ground steams, the soil shifts between red, yellow, and white, and the air carries a strong sulfur scent.
People began using the springs at Noboribetsu during the Edo period, over 300 years ago, drawn by the waters said to treat skin and other conditions. A man named Kinzo Takimoto later built the first shelter near one of the springs, which eventually grew into the resort area known today.
Oni, the demons of Japanese folklore, appear throughout Noboribetsu as statues along the paths, at entrances, and inside Jigokudani. These figures tie the volcanic landscape to old stories about fire and the underworld, and spotting them has become a natural part of any visit.
Most ryokans and hotels in the area offer bath access to day visitors, not only overnight guests, so soaking is possible without a reservation to stay. The Jigokudani trail is easy to walk on wooden boardwalks, but sturdy shoes are a good idea given the uneven ground around the steam vents.
Oyunuma, a large sulfuric lake in Jigokudani, stays warm year-round from volcanic heat below, and its surface takes on a milky blue color from the minerals dissolved in the water. Along its shore, there are foot bath pools fed by the same hot water, where visitors can soak their feet while looking at the lake.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
