Noboribetsu Onsen: Where to Stay and How to Get There

Getting there

By limited express it is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Sapporo to JR Noboribetsu Station, then a 15-minute bus (1-2 per hour) to the onsen, about 8 km inland. Express buses run from Sapporo (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and New Chitose Airport (about 1 hour); many need advance reservations.

Good for

• Sapporo visitors adding one onsen night
• Bathers who want several spring types in one large bath
• Walkers: the Jigokudani path takes 10-15 minutes and several hotels are within walking distance
• Groups and families: most properties are large hotel-style ryokan

Watch out for

• The onsen is about 8 km from the JR station, so check bus times before you go.
• Most properties are large; small, quiet inns are fewer.
• Some direct buses from Sapporo and the airport require advance booking.

Booking tips

• Some inns run their own shuttle buses from New Chitose Airport; check when booking.
• Day bathing is possible at several facilities (¥500-2,250), so you can also visit without staying.
• Many onsen baths do not admit guests with tattoos. If this applies to you, look for a room with its own bath or a bookable private bath (kashikiri) and confirm the policy before booking.
• Onsen towns levy a bathing tax (standard rate ¥150 per person per night) and some cities add an accommodation tax. It is often paid at the property, so check whether the listed price includes it.