Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is a city in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is located in the southern part of the prefecture, about 60 kilometers southwest of Sapporo. The city is renowned for its hot spring resorts and volcanic landscape, especially Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, a crater valley where steam vents and sulfur-rich water mark ongoing geothermal activity.

Noboribetsu Onsen forms the core of the town’s hospitality industry, offering numerous ryokan, public baths, and spa facilities. The waters are mineral-rich and come in several varieties, attracting visitors seeking warm soaking experiences year-round. Nearby features such as Oyunuma, a natural hot spring lake, add to the geothermal landscape. The area lies close to the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, with forests, craters, and lava-formed terrain shaping the local scenery.

In addition to onsen experiences, Noboribetsu offers attractions that highlight regional history and wildlife. The Edo-period theme park Date Jidaimura provides a recreated historical town setting, while the Noboribetsu Bear Park gives visitors a chance to observe wildlife in a naturalized environment. The town serves as a base for exploring the broader Noboribetsu region and its surrounding natural and cultural sites.

Economy and transport: Tourism centered on hot springs and nature is the main economic activity. Noboribetsu is accessible by rail via the JR Muroran Main Line, with connections to Sapporo and other cities, and by road through national routes and local roads. Bus services connect the city with nearby towns and facilities.

Demographics and history: The area has a long history connected to hot spring bathing, and the municipality developed around the onsen economy. As of the present, Noboribetsu maintains a population in the tens of thousands and remains a major onsen destination in Hokkaido.