Noboribetsu, located near Sapporo, is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring destinations. This guide covers the opening hours and parking information for the must-visit Jigokudani, eight nearby attractions including the Bear Park, three recommended hot spring hotels, and transportation options to Noboribetsu—everything you need for an independent trip in one place!
Recommended reading：[2026 Hokkaido Free & Easy Travel Guide]The Ultimate 5–9 Day Hokkaido Itinerary: Must-See Attractions, Local Cuisine, Driving Routes & Transportation Tips
What Kind of Place Is Noboribetsu?
Noboribetsu is one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring destinations, famous for the spectacular Jigokudani and home to as many as nine different types of hot spring water, earning it the nickname “Hot Spring Department Store.” It takes about 1.5 hours by public transportation or around 2 hours by car from central Sapporo, and about 1 hour by highway bus or car from New Chitose Airport. With convenient access, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido's most popular destinations for independent travelers.
A trip to Noboribetsu is not only about staying at an onsen ryokan and enjoying seafood. Nearby attractions include the Noboribetsu Bear Park, Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe where you can watch the penguin parade, and Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura with its Edo-period atmosphere. A two-day, one-night itinerary is ideal for slowing down and enjoying both Hokkaido's hot springs and Noboribetsu's attractions.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani
What Kind of Place Is Noboribetsu Jigokudani?
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is located at the end of the Noboribetsu Onsen town and is the remains of a crater formed by an eruption of Mount Hiyori. The area is filled year-round with a strong sulfur smell and white geothermal steam. Its barren landscape looks almost like hell, and it is also the largest source of hot spring water for Noboribetsu Onsen.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Observation Deck
The first must-see stop at Jigokudani is the Jigokudani Observation Deck. From this elevated viewpoint, you can look out over the huge crater remains and the mysterious steam-filled valley below. Walking along the wooden boardwalk lets you experience the heat and volcanic gases up close. In autumn, the combination of colorful foliage and white steam creates a breathtaking scene, making this one of Noboribetsu's most iconic photo spots.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Opening Hours and Access
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and admission is free. It is easily reached on foot from the hot spring town. During the day, you can clearly see the dramatic crater landscape, while at night the illuminated “Demon Fire Path” creates a mysterious atmosphere. The scenery feels different depending on when you visit.
| Item | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noboribetsu Jigokudani Open to Visitors | 24 Hours | Open freely throughout the year with no admission time restrictions |
| Jigokudani Parking Lot Paid Hours | Approximately 8:00–17:00 daily | May be extended to around 17:30 in summer Open and free of charge at night and in the early morning |
| Parking Lot to Jigokudani Observation Deck | About a 1-minute walk | Other public parking lots are about a 3–5 minute walk away |
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Admission and Parking Fees
There is no admission fee to visit Jigokudani itself. If you drive, however, you will need to pay for parking. The parking lot at the Noboribetsu Park Service Center is recommended; the fee for a standard passenger car is ¥500 per day. The same parking ticket can also be used once at the Oyunuma Parking Lot on the same day, except during winter.
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Noboribetsu Jigokudani Admission | Free | Free entry 24 hours a day |
| Motorcycle Parking Fee | ¥200 | Valid for one parking session each at Jigokudani and Oyunuma on the same day |
| Passenger Car Parking Fee | ¥500 | Valid for one parking session each at Jigokudani and Oyunuma on the same day |
| Small Bus Parking Fee | ¥1,000 | Applies to vehicles over 5 meters long and over 2 meters wide Parking available only at the Jigokudani Parking Lot |
| Large Bus Parking Fee | ¥2,000 | Parking available only at the Jigokudani Parking Lot |
As visitor numbers have increased in recent years, if the parking lots above are full, you can also use the Noboribetsu Onsen Parking Lot, which is slightly farther from Jigokudani.
Address: 1-26 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
Capacity: 141 standard passenger cars
Fee: ¥500 for 24 hours ※ ¥800 during certain peak periods such as long holidays
Walking Distance to Jigokudani: About 15 minutes
Must-Visit Attractions in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Bear Park
The lively Noboribetsu Bear Park is home to more than 60 Hokkaido brown bears. Male and female bears are kept separately, allowing visitors to observe differences in their behavior. You may also see the bears adorably waving their paws to ask for apples. From April to May, there is also a chance to see incredibly cute bear cubs. The park also has a transparent observation room known as the “Human Cage,” where you can experience the power of the bears from extremely close range. It is a popular family-friendly attraction.
Address: 224 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
Hours: 【10/21–4/20】9:30–16:30, last admission 15:50 【4/21–10/20】9:00–17:00, last admission 16:20
Admission (including ropeway): Adults ¥3,200; children ages 4 through sixth grade ¥1,600
Access: About 7 minutes by ropeway from the Noboribetsu Onsen town
Oyunuma
Oyunuma, located in the Noboribetsu Onsen area and connected to Jigokudani by walking trails, is a gourd-shaped hot spring pond formed by an eruption of Mount Hiyori. Sulfurous spring water as hot as 130°C rises from the bottom, while steam constantly rises from the gray-black water surface, creating a spectacular scene. After viewing the pond, walking along the trails around Oyunuma is also highly recommended. In autumn, the area has a mysterious atmosphere different from Jigokudani and is also a hidden spot for beautiful fall foliage.
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Oyunuma Parking Lot; about a 20-minute walk from Noboribetsu Jigokudani along the forest trail
Okunoyu
Okunoyu, located right next to Oyunuma, is a smaller cone-shaped pond but is equally impressive. Its spring water is even hotter than Oyunuma, with surface temperatures reaching 75–85°C. Gray-black hot spring mud and sulfur gases continuously bubble and surge across the surface. From the nearby wooden observation deck, you can take in the dramatic scene of steam rising from the pond.
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Oyunuma Parking Lot
Oyunuma River Natural Footbath
If you are tired from sightseeing, this is the perfect place to relax. The high-temperature hot spring water flowing from Oyunuma mixes with mountain stream water to form a naturally comfortable river-style footbath in the forest. It is located near Taisho Jigoku along the Oyunuma River Nature Trail. Sit on the wooden platform and soak your feet in the milky-white sulfur spring while listening to flowing water and birdsong surrounded by nature—a deeply relaxing experience for both body and mind.
Access: About a 15-minute walk from Oyunuma Parking Lot
Sengen Park
Sengen Park, located in the center of the Noboribetsu Onsen town, was created as a rest area commemorating the opening of Noboribetsu Onsen. Its main attraction is a geyser that erupts powerfully about once every three hours. With a loud roar, boiling hot spring water and steam shoot into the air. The area also features nine “Demon Clubs,” each representing a different type of hot spring water, making it a fun place for a walk and photos.
Address: 76 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
Access: About a 1-minute walk from the Dai-ichi Takimotokan-mae bus stop
Other Recommended Attractions in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is one of Hokkaido's most popular marine parks. At the center of the park stands a building resembling a Northern European fairy-tale castle, housing a rich variety of marine life. Visitors can touch starfish and walk through a giant aquarium tunnel for an underwater-like experience. The park's signature must-see attraction is the daily Penguin Parade, where penguins waddle across the plaza in an irresistibly charming procession. There are also huge schools of sardines, a ring-shaped seal tank, and dolphin and sea lion performances, making the park especially suitable for families with children.
Address: 1-22 Noboribetsu Higashi-cho, Noboribetsu City
Hours: 9:00–17:00 Last admission 16:30
Admission: Adults ¥3,200; children ages 4–12 ¥1,600
Parking: Standard passenger cars ¥500 750 spaces
Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station
Recommended reading：[Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe] The Ultimate Guide: Tickets, Transportation, and Must-See Highlights in Hokkaido!
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
If you want to experience the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period, Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a must-visit. This historical theme park is centered on ninja, samurai, and oiran courtesans. It recreates Edo-period streets and buildings, where visitors can dress in period costumes for photos, watch exciting ninja action shows and glamorous oiran theater performances, explore a ninja house, and discover traditional Japanese yokai legends. There is plenty to keep you entertained for hours.
Address: 53-1 Naka-Noboribetsu-cho, Noboribetsu City
Hours: 【11/1–3/19】9:00–16:00 【3/20–10/31】9:00–17:00
Admission: Junior high school age and above ¥3,300; elementary school students ¥1,700; ages 4 and above ¥600
Parking: Standard passenger cars ¥500 650 spaces
Access: About 6 minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station to the Noboribetsu Jidaimura-mae stop; about a 10-minute drive from Noboribetsu Onsen
Orofure Pass
Travelers who love scenic drives and natural landscapes should not miss Orofure Pass. This high point connecting Noboribetsu and Lake Toya sits at an elevation of about 930 meters. From the observation area, you can take in magnificent views of Mount Yotei, Lake Toya, and even the Pacific Ocean. The mountains are especially beautiful when covered in autumn foliage, making this one of Hokkaido's best hidden driving destinations.
Address: Benkei, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido (Hokkaido Prefectural Route 2, Lake Toya–Noboribetsu Line)
※ Closed to traffic at night in winter (17:00–9:00)
Recommended Accommodation in Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
Noboribetsu Grand Hotel is also known as the “Guest House of Noboribetsu,” with an elegant classical European-style exterior and lobby. Its hot spring facilities include an impressive Roman-style large bath and a garden open-air bath surrounded by greenery. Dining focuses on an elaborate buffet featuring local seasonal ingredients and a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, making it especially suitable for travelers who enjoy understated luxury and a peaceful atmosphere.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
With more than 160 years of history, Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of Noboribetsu's most representative large Japanese hot spring ryokan. Its biggest highlight is the enormous 1,500-tsubo hot spring bathing area, where guests can enjoy five different types of spring water while taking in spectacular views of Jigokudani. Dining features a luxurious buffet showcasing Hokkaido seafood and local ingredients, making it an excellent choice for family vacations.
Address: 55 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
Nearest Bus Stops: About a 1-minute walk from Dai-ichi Takimotokan-mae; about a 7-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen
Check-in / Check-out: 14:00 / 10:00
Parking: Available, free of charge
Shuttle Service: None
Hotel Mahoroba, Noboribetsu Onsen
Hotel Mahoroba is famous for one of Japan's largest open-air bathing areas, with as many as 31 different baths and four distinctive types of Noboribetsu hot spring water. Hot spring enthusiasts will have plenty to enjoy. In addition to its extensive bathing facilities, the buffet dinner is especially popular for its all-you-can-eat crab, making the hotel ideal for travelers looking for excellent-value food and a full onsen experience.
Address: 65 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu City
Nearest Bus Stops: About a 1-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo; about a 3-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen
Check-in / Check-out: 14:00 / 10:00
Parking: About 100 spaces, free of charge
Shuttle Service: Paid “Mahoroba” shuttle service to and from Sapporo TV Tower, one service per day; online reservation required at least 7 days before check-in
Noboribetsu Transportation Guide
How to Get from Sapporo to Noboribetsu
There are three main ways to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu: JR train, highway bus, and driving. For speed and comfort, take a JR limited express train to Noboribetsu Station and then transfer to a Donan Bus for direct access to the hot spring town. Travelers with a lot of luggage may prefer the direct highway bus, which does not require transfers.
| Transportation | Travel Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Train | About 1 hour 30 minutes | JR Sapporo Station ↓ Limited Express Hokuto / Limited Express Suzuran ↓ JR Noboribetsu Station ↓ Donan Bus ↓ Noboribetsu Onsen |
| Bus | About 1 hour 50 minutes ※ One service per day | JR Sapporo Station ↓ Highway Onsen Bus ↓ Noboribetsu Onsen |
| Driving (Expressway) | About 2 hours | Central Sapporo ↓ Sapporo-Minami IC ↓ Do-O Expressway ↓ Noboribetsu-Higashi IC ↓ Noboribetsu Onsen |
| Driving (Local Roads) | About 2 hours 45 minutes | Central Sapporo ↓ National Route 36 ↓ Noboribetsu Onsen |
From the spectacular scenery of Jigokudani to the relaxing experience of its many different hot spring waters, Noboribetsu showcases the unique charm of destinations near Sapporo in Hokkaido. With transportation and sightseeing plans arranged in advance, it is easy to enjoy a fulfilling yet relaxing two-day, one-night hot spring trip and end your journey on a warm and satisfying note.
Noboribetsu Travel FAQ
1.What Are the Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Parking Fees for Noboribetsu Jigokudani?
Noboribetsu Jigokudani is a free attraction and does not require an admission ticket. If you drive, parking for a standard passenger car at the Jigokudani Parking Lot costs ¥500, and the ticket can also be used once at Oyunuma Parking Lot on the same day, except during winter. If you want to enjoy the night scenery, the Jigokudani trail is illuminated as the “Demon Fire Path” from sunset until 21:30, making the late afternoon and evening an ideal time to visit.
2.What Is the Most Convenient Way to Get from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen?
The most convenient way to travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen is to take JR to Noboribetsu Station and then transfer to a Donan Bus for Noboribetsu Onsen.
3.Besides Jigokudani, What Other Attractions Are Must-Sees on a Noboribetsu Trip?
When planning an independent trip to Noboribetsu, in addition to the popular Noboribetsu Jigokudani, other highly recommended stops include Oyunuma, Okunoyu, the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, Noboribetsu Bear Park, Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, and Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura.