- Duration:2 days / 1 night
- Price:From £449 per person (excluding flights)
In Noboribetsu, you experience the power of nature up close. Amid steaming springs, bubbling mud pools and the impressive Hell Valley, you discover one of Japan’s best-known volcanic areas. After a walk through the area, unwind in one of the hot springs the region is famous for. You stay in a comfortable ryokan, which also makes a great base for visiting the Upopoy National Ainu Museum or picturesque Lake Toya.
Day 1 – Arrival & relaxation in Noboribetsu
Travel time: approximately 2 to 5 hours, depending on your starting point
You arrive in Noboribetsu during the day, Hokkaido’s best-known hot spring destination. At first glance, the town seems fairly unassuming: a main street with a few restaurants, small shops and large hotels in the classic style of a Japanese spa town. Noboribetsu’s real draw, however, is its impressive surroundings, and even on your first walk you’ll discover just how close the spectacular volcanic landscape is.
You’ll stay in a comfortable ryokan with a natural hot spring bath. Here, you’ll experience travel just as many Japanese people do. You’ll stay in an inviting Japanese- or Western-style room, enjoy carefully prepared meals, and unwind completely in the warm spring waters of the onsen.
Good to know: onsen etiquette
A stay in Noboribetsu isn't complete without a soak in an onsen. With a few simple tips, you'll soon feel right at home. There are separate baths for men and women, and many accommodations swap the designated men's and women's baths daily so everyone can enjoy different onsen, each offering a different view, for example.
Before entering the bath, undress completely in the changing room and wash thoroughly in the showers. Only then should you step into the warm, mineral-rich water. Peace and respect are essential: speak quietly, leave mobile phones outside the bathing area, and keep towels out of the water. Tattoos are not allowed in many onsen. If you have a small tattoo, you can often simply cover it with an adhesive bandage.
Day 2 – Morning atmosphere in Hell Valley & onward travel
It's worth getting up a little earlier today. When the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape and there are hardly any other visitors around, Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley, is at its most impressive. Steam rises from the earth, sulfur-rich springs bubble, and the landscape looks almost otherworldly.
Several trails lead from Hell Valley to quieter natural areas, passing through forests and alongside small lakes. After your morning walk, you might feel like relaxing in the onsen one last time and soaking up the unique atmosphere of this place. Then you'll continue your journey to your next destination.
Tip: Many travelers stay here for just one night, which is enough to get a first impression. If you have a little more time, we highly recommend staying an extra night to fully enjoy the peace and natural surroundings.
Our tips for your outbound or return journey
Interested in culture? Then be sure to visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, just north of Noboribetsu. Here, engaging, accessible and modern exhibits offer a fascinating insight into the history and way of life of the indigenous Ainu people.
If you're continuing on toward Hakodate, a stop at Lake Toya is definitely worthwhile. This large crater lake reveals a different side of itself in every season: landscapes in bloom in spring, clear views of the surrounding volcanoes in summer, colorful forests in autumn, and a tranquil snow-covered landscape in winter. Strolls along the shore, short hikes, or a visit to the viewpoints near Mt. Usu add even more variety to a stay here.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Unwind in Noboribetsu – Smart
- Price:
- Included:overnight stay with breakfast
Want to experience Noboribetsu while keeping your travel costs down? Then choose this version of the trip module. You'll stay in a simpler, centrally located hotel. The hotel also has an onsen where you can unwind after a day full of new experiences.