Noboribetsu is a thriving tourist city nestled between the mountains and plains of Shikotsu-Toya National Park in the southwestern region of Sapporo. The area is situated at the mouth of the Noboribetsu River. Spectacular hot springs and breathtaking natural scenery attribute to its immense popularity.
Hell Valley is the most prominent tourist attraction, encompassing the mouth of a volcano and boasting billowing sulphuric volcanic gases and colourful rock formations. The Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe offers small aquarium exhibits, interactive pools, penguin marches, and dolphin and seal shows. The natural beauty of the nearby Noboribetsu Primeval Forest and Lake Kuttara make for excellent photographing opportunities.
The Noboribetsu train station services the area connecting to Sapporo and Hakodate. It is a 15-minute bus ride from the station to Noboribetsu Onsen. Limited direct buses run directly from the Sapporo Station. The nearest airport is Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport and accessible one hour drive by car along the Doo Expressway.
The city of Noboribetsu began as the quaint town of Horobetsu, founded in 1919. Some of the unique features of the hot springs and natural surroundings include the spring’s constitution of nine different types of water and a bamboo grass called “kuma-zasa” that grows around the region.