Noboribetsu Onsen

One of Hokkaido's iconic onsen areas, Noboribetsu's onsen use Jigokudani and other springs as their sources, offering an abundant supply of many kinds of spring water. The first onsen stall was built here in 1858, and the area now accommodates over 10 onsen hotels. The nearby area features picturesque locations, parks, and other places related to the onsen. Discover and sample the numerous footbaths around the town, or dip your feet in the onsen river, a popular natural footbath flowing from Oyunuma Lake.
Tradition says that demons called Yukijin protect the waters of Noboribetsu Onsen, and you can spot a total of 11 demon monuments interspersed throughout the area as symbols of the onsen. The town has events, souvenirs, food, and other items related to the demons.
Many onsen hotels allow you to briefly bathe in their onsen, making the location enjoyable for a one-day return journey from Sapporo.

Access Info
From JR Sapporo Station, take the Super Hokuto Limited Express or similar train for 1 hour 10 minutes and get off at JR Noboribetsu Station. Alternatively, take the Onsen Express run by Donan Bus from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal for 1 hour 40 minutes and get off at Noboribetsu Onsen.

Main Attractions in Noboribetsu Onsen
(1) Jigokudani
The largest source in Noboribetsu Onsen, more than 10,000 tons of water gush out every day. Don't miss the geysers and fumaroles, which you can watch from a promenade that takes about 20 minutes for one circuit.
Free to visit, 15 minutes by foot from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Stop.
(2) Oyunuma Lake
This gourd-shaped lake about 1 km in circumference was formed after a volcanic eruption from the Kuttara Volcano. The lake spews out hot, pungent sulfurous spring water at temperatures ranging from 40 to 130 degrees C. White vapor rises rapidly from the lake's aquamarine surface.
Free to visit (roads are closed to vehicles between late November and late April), the lake is 10 minutes by car from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Stop.
(3) Oyunuma River natural footbath
Spring water flows from Oyunuma Lake into this river, giving you the experience of enjoying a natural footbath in the great outdoors. The river is about 40 degrees C but may be closed off when the temperature is too high. Remember to bring a towel to dry your feet.
Free to visit from early morning to sunset, the river is 20 minutes by foot from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Stop.
(4) Sengen Park
This park sits alongside an onsen river flowing from Jigokudani and features a geyser that erupts every 3 hours or so. The nine colorful metal clubs positioned within the park are each imbued with blessings for fulfillment in love, good health, and other areas in life.
Free to visit, the park is 7 minutes by foot from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Stop.

Events at Noboribetsu Onsen
(1) Demon fire path
Every evening from sunset to 9:30pm, footlights illuminate the promenade from the observation deck to Tessen Pond. Enjoy walks among the bewitching lights.
(2) Demon fireworks
In this event the Yukijin, who are said to protect the water of Noboribetsu Onsen, dance and set off fireworks to pray for people's wellbeing and happiness. This event is scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights between June and late July.