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Noboribetsu Onsen | The 'Department Store of Hot Springs'

Published May 9, 2026·3min read

Discover one of Hokkaido's most famous onsen, renowned for its variety of spring waters from the spectacular Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Enjoy the dynamic, steamy landscapes and abundant, high-quality waters in this popular resort town.

Onsen in Noboribetsu Onsen - Noboribetsu Onsen Manseikaku
Noboribetsu Onsen Manseikaku
Onsen in Noboribetsu Onsen - Noboribetsu OnsenOnsen in Noboribetsu Onsen - Noboribetsu Onsen
Table of Contents
  1. Overview
  2. Prominent Spring Qualities and Indications
  3. Water Characteristics and Best Season
  4. Access
  5. Nearby Sightseeing & Local Gourmet

ANALYSIS REPORTS IN THIS AREA

See the onsen of Noboribetsu Onsen

Onsen analysis reports visualized by minerals, pH, temperature, and a 5-axis profile. Swipe to see other facilities.

Hokkaido ・ 登別市

Noboribetsu Onsen Manseikaku

Noboribetsu Onsen 1-go Otsu Sen
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単
SPRING TYPE
Simple Spring

Spring water that is gentle on the skin with a very low likelihood of irritation. Safe for bathing infants and those with sensitive skin.

See features & indications▾
Bathing indications
Autonomic instabilityInsomniaDepression
Definition :Total dissolved solids (excluding gases) below 1,000 mg/kg; water temperature 25°C or above.
Source: 環境省「あんしん・あんぜんな温泉利用のいろは」（監修：日本温泉気候物理医学会） ↗Read full article
CHARACTER
Hot Spring Department Store

Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido's flagship hot spring destination renowned as the 'Department Store of Onsen,' boasts a remarkable daily output of 10,000 tons and an extraordinary variety of nine distinct mineral compositions. The spring's modern history began in earnest when Takamoto Kanazou established the healing settlement during the Edo period. The iconic Jigoku Valley, an explosive crater landscape where the earth's raw energy dramatically surges, presents a fierce and otherworldly panorama that commands the awe of every visitor—a symbolic gateway to Noboribetsu's volcanic heart.

AI GENERATED
pH
2.3Acidic
0 acidic14 alkaline
TEMP
72.5℃
Very Hot Spring
5 AXIS
1234StimulationBactericidalSkin BeautyHeat RetentionRelaxation

Scores are calculated from mineral analysis data based on the Mineral Spring Analysis Guidelines (Ministry of Environment, Japan). They are unrelated to facility atmosphere or service quality.

KEY MINERALS
Aluminum ion
29.1 mg/kg

Strong astringent action that tightens skin. A key component of acidic springs, suited to oily or acne-prone skin.

Free hydrogen sulfide
9.1 mg/kg

The source of the distinctive sulfur smell. Dilates blood vessels via skin and inhalation to strongly boost circulation.

Metaboric acidColumn
21.3 mg/kg

A trace component with gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.

Iron(II) ionColumn
22.0 mg/kg

An iron-rich spring whose water turns yellow-brown to red-brown when exposed to air. Strong heat retention.

Metasilicic acidColumn
76.6 mg/kg

A natural moisturizer that leaves a hydrated feel on the skin.

Overview

Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts, nicknamed the "department store of onsen" for its diverse water types. The source is Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley," a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mt. Hiyori. High-temperature water and volcanic gases vent from numerous locations along the valley, creating a desolate yet powerful landscape that symbolizes the area.

While its existence was known in the Edo period, it was developed into a full-fledged spa resort during the Meiji era, starting with an inn built by Kinzo Takimoto. Since then, it has flourished as a beloved retreat. Today, the town features a mix of modern hotels and traditional ryokans, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Prominent Spring Qualities and Indications

Chloride
Iron
Sulfur
Acidic

The main attraction of Noboribetsu is its nine different types of naturally flowing spring water, including sulfur, chloride, iron, and acidic springs. The milky-white sulfur spring is particularly popular, believed to be beneficial for the skin and often called a "beautifying bath." The chloride spring is known for its ability to warm the body thoroughly.

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Chronic eczema
  • Peripheral circulatory disturbance
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Cuts
  • Dry skin

Water Characteristics and Best Season

The water gushing from Hell Valley is hot and abundant. Many facilities offer gensen kakenagashi baths, where the water flows directly from the source without being recycled, allowing you to enjoy fresh, potent onsen water. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. Autumn (late Sep - mid Oct) with its colorful foliage and winter (Dec - Feb) with its snowy landscapes are especially popular times to visit.

Access

Haneda Airport (HND)Travel timeabout 3 h 30 min
RouteFlight to New Chitose Airport (approx. 1h 30m), then transfer to a bus or JR train to Noboribetsu Onsen.
New Chitose Airport (CTS)Travel timeabout 1 h 15 min
RouteTake the Donan Bus express service directly to the onsen town, or take a JR Rapid Airport train to Noboribetsu Sta. and then a local bus.
Tokyo StationTravel timeabout 5 h 30 min
RouteFly from Haneda (HND) to New Chitose (CTS), then take an express bus or JR train to Noboribetsu Onsen.
Shin-Osaka StationTravel timeabout 6 h
RouteFly from Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) to New Chitose (CTS), then take an express bus or JR train.

Facilities with Analysis Reports

Facilities Without Analysis Reports

Nearby Sightseeing & Local Gourmet

  • Jigokudani (Hell Valley): The steaming source of the onsen's water. The illuminated "Demon's Fire Path" at night is magical.
  • Oyunuma Pond: A hot sulfurous pond in the back of Hell Valley, with a natural footbath nearby.
  • Noboribetsu Bear Park: A mountaintop park accessible by ropeway, where you can observe brown bears up close.
  • Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura: A theme park recreating the culture and streetscape of the Edo period.
  • Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe: An aquarium housed in a building modeled after a Danish castle.
  • Enmado: A shrine featuring a large animatronic statue of Enma, the King of Hell, whose expression changes at set times.
  • Noboribetsu Jigoku Ramen: The local specialty ramen, where you can choose your preferred level of spiciness.
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References

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