Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations, renowned for its extraordinary variety and abundance of mineral-rich waters. Natural hot springs emerge at a rate of approximately 10,000 tons per day, with around 3,000 liters flowing every minute.
The resort is famous for its nine different types of spring water, earning it the nickname “the department store of hot springs.” The remarkable range of spring qualities makes Noboribetsu an especially popular destination for travelers seeking a traditional Japanese onsen experience.
The surrounding area is equally impressive. Volcanic landscapes such as Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Oyunuma Pond, and Oku-no-Yu are connected by walking trails through the forest, allowing visitors to combine hot springs with nature walks and forest bathing.
The forests surrounding the hot spring resort are part of the Noboribetsu Primeval Forest, designated as a Natural Monument of Japan. Approximately 60 species of trees and 110 species of other plants are preserved within this natural environment.
Walking trails lead through the forest and volcanic landscape, providing an opportunity to experience the rich natural environment surrounding the hot spring town.
Along the exploration trail beside the Oyunuma River, visitors can enjoy a natural foot bath created by the hot spring water flowing out of Oyunuma Pond.
The warm water flowing naturally through the river creates a relaxing place to rest while surrounded by the forest. It is a simple but memorable way to experience the volcanic power that gives Noboribetsu its famous hot springs.
The otherworldly scenery of Noboribetsu’s volcanic landscape has long been associated with demons and Enma, the Buddhist ruler of hell. The steaming ground and boiling pools of Hell Valley resemble the traditional image of hell, inspiring local festivals and legends.
Visitors will find numerous demon statues throughout the hot spring town. Near the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange of the Hokkaido Expressway stands a huge 18-meter-high welcoming demon statue, pointing toward Noboribetsu Onsen.
In the hot spring district, two large demon figures stand beside a shrine dedicated to the demon. A 3.5-meter-high red demon stands beside a 2.2-meter-high seated blue demon, welcoming visitors to this legendary hot spring town.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani lies northeast of the hot spring town and is the remains of an explosive volcanic crater created by an eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama. The crater is approximately 450 meters across at its longest point.
Numerous fumaroles and vents can be seen along the valley floor, releasing volcanic gases and high-temperature hot spring water. The sight of bubbling, boiling pools and rising steam gives the valley its evocative name, “Hell Valley.”
A walking trail allows visitors to explore this extraordinary volcanic landscape. The main loop can be experienced in approximately 10 to 15 minutes, bringing visitors close to the steam vents and unusual terrain.
Hell Valley is also the source of the enormous volume of hot spring water that supports Noboribetsu’s resort hotels and traditional inns. Around 10,000 tons of hot spring water per day flow from the volcanic area and are distributed throughout the hot spring town.
Oyunuma Pond is a volcanic hot-water pond formed by the eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama. It has a circumference of approximately 1 kilometer and reaches a depth of around 22 meters.
The surface temperature is approximately 40–50°C, while temperatures in the deeper sections can reach around 130°C. Sulfur was once extracted from the pond, reflecting the area’s long history of utilizing its volcanic resources.
Hot spring water flowing from Oyunuma enters the Oyunuma River, creating the Oyunuma River Natural Foot Bath. Here, visitors can soak their feet in naturally heated water while enjoying the surrounding woodland.
Oku-no-Yu is another volcanic feature formed as part of the explosive crater of Mount Hiyoriyama. Gray hot spring water containing hydrogen sulfide emerges here at approximately 80°C.
The mineral composition is similar to that of Oyunuma, but unlike the sulfur that accumulates at the bottom of Oyunuma, sulfur at Oku-no-Yu is carried away with the flowing water.
Noboribetsu Onsen offers much more than a collection of hot spring baths. Its unique appeal comes from the close relationship between volcanic activity, abundant hot spring water, primeval forest, and traditional Japanese onsen culture.
Visitors can explore steaming Hell Valley, walk through the forest, relax in a natural foot bath, and then return to the hot spring town to enjoy one of the many varieties of mineral-rich waters.
With its dramatic volcanic scenery and exceptional diversity of hot springs, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most distinctive destinations for experiencing the power of nature and the relaxing traditions of Japanese hot springs.
15 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station