Noboribetsu Tourism: Video Introduction

This video, titled "Noboribetsu City Sightseeing PR Video" (登別市観光PR動画), was uploaded by "[Official] General Incorporated Association｜Noboribetsu International Tourism and Convention Association" (【公式】一般社団法人 登別国際観光コンベンション協会).

This video introduces things to do in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. You can see the magnificent nature of Noboribetsu, popular tourist attractions in Noboribetsu, and events in which many people participate.

Enjoy the beautiful, 10-minute video of Noboribetsu!

An Introduction to Noboribetsu and Its Connection to Oni

Photo：Oni Hanabi fireworks at Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu is located in the Iburi subprefecture of southwestern Hokkaido and is known for its natural hot springs. Facing the Pacific Ocean to the south, it's a tourist city with rich natural surroundings that sits at the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a mountainous area with continuous volcanic activity. Noboribetsu is located approximately 1hr 30m from Sapporo by train.

Statues of oni (Japanese ogre demons) and spiked clubs are scattered throughout Noboribetsu. Since it's said that oni protect the medicinal hot springs in Jigokudani, oni have become the symbol of Noboribetsu. During the "Oni Hanabi" (鬼花火, 'Demon Fireworks') event held in Jigokudani (Hell Valley), oni beat drums and shoot handheld fireworks to drive away people's misfortune! At Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri, red and blue oni accompanied by the Great Demon King Enma perform the "Oni Odori" dance to liven up the festival.
[Video] 6:00 - Oni Hanabi Fireworks, Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri

Recommended Things to Do in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

Photo：Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido

Here are some popular tourist spots and recommended things to do when sightseeing in Noboribetsu.

Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan, with nine different types of spring water, making it one of the most unique hot springs in the world.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
Noboribetsu Onsen is the largest hot springs in Japan. The steam spewing from the crater created by the eruptive activity of Mt. Hiyori and the boiling spring water are reminiscent of a "hell where demons dwell." Jigokudani can be reached in about 15 minutes by bus from Noboribetsu Station.
[Video] 0:43 - Hell Valley

Karurusu Onsen
A small hot spring village located 8 km from Noboribetsu Onsen. It has been used as a medicinal hot spring since ancient times, and is designated as a National Health Onsen Resort.

Oyunuma River Natural Footbath
The Oyunuma River, a river of hot spring water flowing out of Oyunuma Pond, spews out 130°C sulfur spring water, and visitors can enjoy a natural footbath here.
[Video] 2:03 - Natural Footbath

Photo：Lake Kuttara, Hokkaido

Lake Kuttara
Lake Kuttara is a caldera lake measuring approximately 2.5 kilometers in diameter. There is no river leading to the lake, and its beauty is something of mystery.

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
The aquarium "Nixe Castle" inside the park has a fantastic display of some 400 species of sea creatures. There are also penguin parades and dolphin and sea lion shows that are popular with guests.
[Video] 4:28 - Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
A cultural park that recreates the streets of Edo-period Japan (1603-1868 A.D.). Visitors can experience the culture of the Edo period with ninja shows and oiran (traditional Japanese courtesan) shows, and also enjoy dressing up in historical costumes.
[Video] 5:00 - Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura

Photo：Noboribetsu Bear Park, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Bear Park
Noboribetsu Bear Park is a zoo where approximately 140 bears are kept. Visitors can observe the bears from up close. The feeding experience and cute bear shows are also popular amongst guests.

Enmado
Karakuri is performed six times a day at Enmado, a shrine dedicated to the Great Demon King Enma located on the Gokuraku-dori shopping street. During the "Hell Sentence," in which Enma passes judgment on people, the gentle face of Enma turns angry and his complexion turns red.

Sengen Park Geyser
At Sengen Park, located in the center of Noboribetsu Onsen, you can see a geyser that shoots up eight meters into the air every three hours or so.

Noboribetsu has a ton of things to see and do. The Noboribetsu International Tourism and Convention Association recommends model courses for visitors who want to explore the area efficiently based on the length of their stay, with 30, 60, 120, and 180-minute courses, etc.

Enjoy Canyoning in Summer + Skiing & Other Activities in Winter in Noboribetsu!

Photo：Canyoning

Noboribetsu is home to deep green forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful clear streams. Because of this, there are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy in Noboribetsu.

In the summer, river trekking and canyoning allow visitors to physically enjoy the great outdoors while immersing themselves in nature! You can also observe endangered plants and wild birds in the Kiushito Wetlands.
[Video] 2:33 - Canyoning

Winter in Noboribetsu brings a world of silvery white snow. Throw on some snowshoes and go out for a walk in the snow, see the unique ice trees, or enjoy skiing at the ski resort!

Where to Eat & Where to Buy Souvenirs in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido

Photo：Seafood being grilled

If you visit Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, we recommend trying the fresh seafood from Noboribetsu Fishing Port. At Onsen Ichiba (温泉市場), you can enjoy the seasonal seafood flavors, including sashimi and charbroiled fish.

Be sure to check out the rich soft-serve ice cream made from Noboribetsu milk at the Noboribetsu Dairy Farm or at one of the cafes in town.

If you're wondering where to buy souvenirs in Noboribetsu, we recommend cheese and pudding made with Noboribetsu milk from Noboribetsu Dairy Farm, "Wakasaimo" (わかさいも), a famous confectionery from the Iburi subprefecture of Hokkaido, and "Oni Densetsu," a beer brewed locally in Noboribetsu.

Hotels and Ryokan in Noboribetsu

Photo：Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

There's no shortage of hotels and hot spring inns in Noboribetsu. Unfortunately, the onsen ryokan (hot spring inns) can end up costing a decent chunk of change to stay at. If you're simply looking to enjoy the area and aren't interested in spending extra for the hot spring inn experience, we recommend staying at a hotel. That being said, if you don't mind spending a bit more to get the full experience, we highly recommend staying at a hot spring inn.

Here are our 3 recommendations for lodging in Noboribetsu:

Takimotokan
A large inn with both Japanese- and Western-style rooms. The history of the inn dates back nearly 150 years, and it's equipped with a wide range of facilities, including swimming pools, hot springs, shops, bars, karaoke, and more.

Oyado Kiyomizuya
A hot spring inn that serves traditional Japanese cuisine and features Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring. The public baths are open 24-hours a day, split into two time slots for men and women.

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
This hotel in Noboribetsu features Japanese-style room with tatami floors, standard Western-style rooms, and semi-western-style rooms with both Japanese and western influences. The hotel offers buffet-style dining, but visitors can also enjoy full-course meals from the comfort of their own rooms.

All of these inns and hotels are within walking distance to popular attractions like Jigokudani as well, making them great choices for places to stay.

Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Sightseeing Summary

Noboribetsu offers a host of things to do if you're planning on sightseeing in the area. You can enjoy the spectacular seasonal scenery and appreciate the magnificent nature unique to the area.

Enjoy the magnificent nature and delicious local flavors by staying at Noboribetsu Onsen, and enjoy sightseeing in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido to your heart's content!

【Official Website】Noboribetsu, Hokkaido｜City Hall Website

【TripAdvisor】Noboribetsu, Hokkaido