Noboribetsu Day Trip: Itinerary and Tips

Last updated: September 24, 2025

Noboribetsu is located in southwestern Hokkaido, about a 2-hour bus or train ride from Sapporo. It is the largest hot spring town in Hokkaido. by Nopparuj Lamaikul

From Sapporo to Noboribetsu

1. Donan Bus “Onsen-go”
Direct to Noboribetsu Onsen town, few departures, best for overnight stay
Fare: ¥2,500, about 1 hr 50 min, Reservation required

2. Donan Bus “Hakucho-go”
To JR Noboribetsu Station, more departures, runs later in the day
Fare: ¥2,500, about 1 hr 50 min, No reservation needed

3. Chuo Bus “Muroran-go”
To JR Noboribetsu Station, more departures, runs early, good choice for day trips
Fare: ¥2,280, about 1 hr 50 min, No reservation needed

4. JR Train
Limited express: direct, ¥4,890, about 1 hr 15 min
Local train: ¥2,530, may require transfer, 2–3 hours

Notes:
① All highway buses depart from Sapporo Station Bus Stop #7.
② From JR Noboribetsu Station, take a Donan bus to “Noboribetsu Onsen” The ride takes 15–19 minutes, fare ¥450.

Where to Stay in Noboribetsu

If a day trip feels too rushed, consider staying overnight. Recommended hotels:

Dai-ichi Takimotokan ★★★★☆ 8.8 (4,000+ reviews)
Located at the end of the onsen street, closest to Jigokudani Valley. The open-air baths overlook the valley.

Hotel Mahoroba ★★★★☆ 8.1 (900+ reviews)
Central location on the onsen street, near the ropeway to Bear Park.

Day Trip Itinerary

• Morning: Depart from Sapporo by bus or train (about 2 hours).

• Visit Date Jidaimura if you’re into history and shows (1–2 hrs), or Bear Park for wildlife viewing (1 hr)

• Afternoon: Walk around Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
  ① Short walk: 30 min
  ② Longer hiking route: 2–3 hrs (recommended on clear days)

• End the day with a hot spring bath at Dai-ichi Takimotokan (1 hr).

• Return to Sapporo.

Attractions in Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu Onsen town & Jigokudani Valley (Hell Valley)

Noboribetsu Onsen town has a 500-meter main street lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels, and at the end you’ll find Jigokudani Valley, a dramatic volcanic crater with steam vents, mud pools, and sulfur springs.

Recommended Visit Time: 1–3 hrs
Things to do:
① Stroll the onsen street first (15–30 min).
② Visit Hell Valley (free, about 30 min). If time allows, walk the Hell Valley → Oyunuma Lookout → River Oyunuma Natural Footbath loop (about 2.5 hrs).
③ Relax at Dai-ichi Takimotokan for a day-use onsen:
9am–4pm: ¥2,250 adults / ¥1,100 children
4pm–6pm: ¥1,700 adults / ¥825 children
Tickets sold on site. The baths use water from seven different hot spring sources in Hell Valley.

Tips for Visiting: The paths can be very slippery in snowy conditions.
Getting There: From JR Noboribetsu Station, take Donan bus to “Noboribetsu Onsen” (19 min, ¥450). Watch: 4K NOBORIBETSU HOKKAIDO JIGOKUDANI WALKING TOUR

Watch: Winter in Hokkaido Exploring Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Bear Park

Built on a mountain and reached by a 7-minute ropeway, this small park lets visitors see Hokkaido brown bears up close, though it is often considered pricey for its size.

Hours: Summer: 9am–5pm Winter: 9:30am–4:30pm
Admission: ¥3,000 adults / ¥1,500 children (includes round-trip ropeway)
Recommended Visit Time: about 1 hr
Official Site: bearpark.jp
Things to do:
① Small museum with specimens, photos, and a rooftop viewpoint.
② See around 70 brown bears in 3 enclosures. You can buy food to feed them.
③ Duck race event (4 times daily, ¥200 to bet, prize is a small charm).

Getting There:
① 5–10 min walk from onsen street to the ropeway station (opposite 7-Eleven).
② Free shuttle buses available from onsen hotels (ask hotel front desk to book).

Watch: noboribetsu bear park

Photo Highlights: by あま あわれ

Date Jidaimura (Historical Theme Park)

This Edo-period theme park recreates old Japan with traditional buildings, live shows, and hands-on games, making it a good choice for those interested in samurai and ninja culture.

Hours: Summer: 9am–5pm Winter: 9am–4pm
Admission: ¥3,300 adults / ¥1,700 children
Recommended Visit Time: 1–2 hrs
Official Site: edo-trip.jp
Things to do:
① Explore traditional-style houses and streets.
② Watch shows such as the ninja performance (most popular), outdoor action shows, and the oiran show. Oiran were high-ranking Japanese sex workers in the Edo period, trained in music, dance, and etiquette. They differed from geisha, who only performed arts without providing sexual services. Showtimes vary, so check the schedule in advance.
③ Play games like shuriken throwing (extra fee, ¥500/5 throws).
④ Rent costumes (ninja, samurai, geisha, etc.).

Tips for Visiting: Restaurants available inside.
Getting There: From JR Noboribetsu Station or Noboribetsu Onsen, take Donan bus to “Noboribetsu jidaimura mae” (6–7 min, ¥450).
Watch: Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura PV

Marine Park Nixe

This small, older-style aquarium next to JR Noboribetsu Station is best for a short visit if you have spare time.

Hours: 9am–5pm
Admission: ¥3,000 adults / ¥1,500 children
Recommended Visit Time: about 1 hr
Official Site: nixe.co.jp
Things to do:
① See fish tanks, touch pools, and underwater tunnel.
② Watch dolphin and sea lion shows, the penguin parade, and sardine feeding. Check the schedule for times.

Tips for Visiting: Luggage storage and restaurants are available inside
Getting There: 5 min walk from JR Noboribetsu Station.
Watch: 北海道之旅 登別尼克斯海洋公園

Thank you for reading, and hope you have a wonderful journey!
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