Where to Stay in Noboribetsu: 6 Ryokan Hotels in Hokkaido’s Spa Wonderland

1. Dai-ichi Takimotokan: Making Noboribetsu Onsen guests happy since 1858

The Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel is the oldest hot spring resort in Noboribetsu. It was established in 1858 by Kinzo Takimoto when he created it for his ailing wife. Many other hot spring inns have opened in this area since then.

In addition to being long-established, this is an expansive resort with a huge variety of baths in which to soak. It is also in a great location as it is situated directly in front of the Noboribetsu Jigokudani, one of the primary sightseeing spots in the area! It is closer to this ‘Hell Valley’ than any of the other ryokan in the area.

Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of other inns, gift shops, and restaurants in the Gokuraku Street shopping district. It is a seven-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Hot Spring Terminal, the centrally located public transportation hub.

Noboribetsu Hell Valley is only a three-minute walk from Dai-ichi Takimotokan. A variety of mineral hot springs gush from this old volcano crater.

This is the only hot spring inn where Noboribetsu Hell Valley can be seen from a bath!

You will be amazed by the grand scale of the hot spring facility. The hot spring baths are in an annex separate from the main Noboribetsu hotel accommodations and cover an area of about 5,000 square meters. Here, there are 35 hot spring baths.

Women’s Open-air Bath, Sulfur Spring.

Hot springs with sulfur minerals that give them a slightly cloudy appearance represent the kind of water you’ll find in Noboribetsu.

Men’s Public Bath.

The mineral quality of the Alum Spring (rich in sodium sulfate) makes it strongly acidic.

Men’s Public Bath, Sodium Spring.

Sodium Spring. Also called the “Beauty Bath” because the sodium bicarbonate makes the skin smooth.

Women’s Open-air Bath, Kinzo-no-Yu.

The acidic Kinzo Founder’s Pool is strongly bactericidal and is said to be excellent for skin disorders and diabetes.

A sodium bath less harsh to the skin. This is good for poor blood circulation and staying warm after leaving the bath.

You can enjoy any of these baths 24 hours a day (baths are cleaned daily, at which time it is not possible to use them). If you spend a night at the inn, you can take as many baths as you like, whenever you please.

You can also drink the sodium bicarbonate spring water. This is said to be effective for constipation and gout.

Built in 2020, the accommodation offered centers around traditional Japanese style and twin rooms. Guest rooms come with open-air baths boasting breathtaking views of hot springs and Hell Valley, rooms where you can stay with your pet, triple rooms, and many other options to meet all your needs.

Premium Open-Air Bath Room (West Building).

Dog-Friendly Premium Suite (East Building).

A buffet with an array of delicious dishes.

Served here is fresh seafood from around Hokkaido Prefecture, plus a wide variety of cuisine, including meat dishes, vegetable dishes, and Asian cuisine made by chefs from Vietnam and Myanmar.

You can choose from a buffet-style menu or a traditional Japanese course for dinner. Meals can be had either in semi-private rooms or brought back to guest rooms for further privacy.

Visually pleasing Japanese cuisine.

One guest from France commented:
“With the wonderful baths and hospitable staff, this facility made for a splendid stay.”

Once you check in, ease the wear and tear of your travels in the hot springs, eat dinner, take a scenic night walk around the hot spring village, and end your day with another relaxing bath!

Before leaving to explore Hell Valley and its surrounding nature the next day, you can wake up for another dip in the hot springs and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Why not spend some time taking advantage of all that these hot springs have to offer?

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rate: from 15,150 yen (two people to a room) for a one-night, two-day stay
・Guest Rooms: 393 rooms
・Baths: three open-air baths for men, four open-air baths for women, no private open-air baths available
・Check-in: from 2:00 p.m., Check-out: until 10:00 a.m. *times may vary depending on the booked package
・Language Support: English, Korean, and Chinese. The official website also has English, Korean, and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified).
・Reservation Methods: over the phone, through the official website, through various booking sites, and through travel agencies.
・Access: Take a 15-minute ride on the Noboribetsu bound bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Then, it’s a seven-minute walk from the bus stop “Noboribetsu Onsen”. A 15-minute car ride when taking the Doo Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange.

2. Park Hotel Miyabitei: Boasting superb mineral-rich onsen hot spring baths

The Meito no Yado Park Hotel Miyabitei is built over its own bubbling hot spring source. It is a 10-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Hot Spring Bus Terminal and only a 5-minute walk away from the Noboribetsu Hell Valley.

The longer hot spring water is exposed to air, the more acidic it becomes, lowering its quality, so for that reason, it is best to be able to get the hot spring water into a tub as soon as it leaves the ground as possible.

This ryokan inn kept that point in mind when it was constructed to ensure that its baths had spring water of the most exceptional quality by having it built over the hot spring. It has five types of baths for guests’ enjoyment. Because the spring sources are close, guests are promised fresh, concentrated, and high-quality spring waters.

An outdoor milky colored sulfur hot spring bath typical of those found at Noboribetsu Hot Springs.

The Kodakara Yu (Bath of Child Treasure). Reportedly very effective for female ailments.

Oku no Yu (Recessed Bath). This bath is said to be effective for many sorts of ailments such as skin disorders and diabetes.

Park Spring. This bath is good for rheumatism and gout.

No. 12 Spring. Good for treating external wounds, skin disorders, and skin allergies.

Many of the hot spring inns in Noboribetsu Hot Springs offer day-use of the baths, but this inn only allows overnight guests to use its facilities. For that reason, the baths are rarely crowded.

This guestroom with Japanese and Western style rooms can accommodate up to 6 people.

A spacious deluxe Japanese and Western style guestroom.

There are various types of guestrooms: Japanese, Western, and a combination of the two. Choose from accommodation that fits your needs.

Choose your favorite dishes from this buffet!

Enticing aromas waft from the pan.

Dinner offers an enjoyable buffet menu. With around 40 cuisines ranging from Japanese, Western, and Chinese available, you can delight in dishes that take advantage of seasonal vegetables and the bounties of nearby mountains and sea.

A guest from Israel happily commented: “Both the breakfast and dinner buffet was exceptional.”

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rates: from 9,150 yen per night for two meals
・Number of guest rooms: 156 rooms
・Baths: 1 open-air bath each for men and women, no private open-air baths
・Check-in: from 2:00 p.m., check-out from 10:00 a. m. *Vary according to plan.
・Languages: English and Chinese are available (when staff is available). English is partially available on the website.
・Reservations: Telephone, website, booking sites, travel agencies
・Access: 15 min. by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen, 10 min. walk from Noboribetsu Onsen bus stop, 15 min. by car from Noboribetsu Higashi IC on the Hokkaido Expressway

3. Noboribetsu Grand Hotel: Luxurious Noboribetsu ryokan with private onsen baths!

The Noboribetsu Grand Hotel was established in 1938 and since then has earned the reputation as being a luxurious guesthouse in Noboribetsu Hot Springs. Located a short one-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Bus Terminal, it is also only a 10-minute walk away from Noboribetsu Hell Valley.

View of the interior of the Roman Bath with its domed ceiling (indoor large bath).

View of the interior of the Roman Bath with its domed ceiling (indoor large bath).

The indoor bath, with its pure white large dome and windows high in the ceiling. From these, streams of light enter, making for a fantastic atmosphere. The design is reminiscent of the modern style of the first half of the 1900s. There is a large circular bath in its center with three smaller baths around it.

The circular bath and one of the smaller baths contain salt mineral water, while the other two smaller baths are a sulfur spring bath and an iron mineral bath, which are both excellent for the skin.

The open-air bath is currently under renovation and is expected to be completed with an added sauna facility by August 2022.

A guestroom with its own outdoor bath.

It is possible to enjoy bathing in privacy as some guestrooms have their own outdoor baths, a few being artificial radium spas.

A guestroom with its own outdoor bath, only available to guests staying in this room.

A suite room bath with a view.

A guestroom that has a bath with a view.

A modern style guestroom having Japanese and Western rooms.

Comfort Twin (South Building).

A traditional Japanese-style guestroom with tatami mats.

An illustrative picture of the dinner buffet.

An illustrative picture of the breakfast buffet.

Dinner is served in courses, such as a crab course and banquet style. Hokkaido seafood, meat, and vegetables are used to prepare the dinner courses.

The buffet offers a broad selection of Japanese and Western dishes, including Japanese dishes prepared Western-style and Western dishes prepared Japanese-style. Breakfast is also served buffet-style, with dozens of Japanese and Western dishes on the menu.

At the buffet, a chef will cook up juicy beef steaks and crispy tempura right in front of you! An American guest praised the facility-commenting: “A beautiful hotel in an ideal location! The room, food, and hot spring were all amazing!”

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rate: from 10,000 yen for a one-night, two-day stay
・Guest Rooms: 241 rooms
・Baths: three open-air baths for men, four open-air baths for women, no private open-air baths available
・Check-in: from 3:00 p.m., Check-out: until 10:00 a.m. *times may vary depending on the booked package
・Language Support: English support available. The official website also has an English translation.
・Reservation Methods: over the phone, through the official website, through various booking sites, and through travel agencies.
・Access: Take a 15-minute ride on the Noboribetsu bound bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Then, it’s a one-minute walk from the bus stop “Noboribetsu Onsen.” A 15-minute car ride when taking the Doo Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange.

4. Oyado Kiyomizuya: Experience the Charm of Tranquil Silence

Oyado Kiyomizuya is located a nine-minute walk from the “Noboribetsu Onsen” bus stop and a one-minute walk from the “Park Hotel-Mae” stop.

It’s a traditional Japanese inn quietly tucked away in the inner section of Noboribetsu Onsen Village. On top of offering relaxing hot springs, the inn is well-known for its restaurant-serving exceptional cuisine. Here you can experience the true charm of tranquil silence.

A seasonal embroidered tatami mat greets you.

The front entrance is decorated with an embroidered traditional Japanese tatami woven mat flooring that changes in design throughout the seasons.

A traditional Japanese room with a relaxing atmosphere.

Once inside the guest rooms, the calming sounds of a gurgling river can be heard. All rooms come with their own bath, toilet, and washstand. There are various types, such as an eight tatami mat Japanese-style room, a two-room Japanese-style accommodation, a Japanese-Western room, and even rooms with separate reception rooms attached. Here you have more than enough options to find the perfect place to stay that fits all your needs.

For those looking to lounge on beds, we recommend the Japanese-Western-style rooms.

The Japanese-Western-style rooms are recommended for those who want the traditional Japanese experience but are slightly wary of spending most of their time on tatami mat flooring. The comfortability and sensibilities of this room will ensure a peaceful stay.

Amenities are prepared with care.

Many guests found that walking around barefoot after bathing in the hot spring was not ideal. Due to this, this inn began adding tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a split toe) to their amenities.

Coming especially handy during the colder seasons, the thought and care that goes behind choosing products for their guests is what has made Oyado Kiyomizuya so beloved.

The “generous and delicious Kaiseki course”.

Both breakfast and dinner are served in guest rooms. With meals receiving rave reviews, it’s said that many guests book a stay just to try the cuisine offered.

Coming to a total of 14 items, the “generous and delicious Kaiseki course” consists of seven vegetable dishes, a seasonal sashimi platter, and various grilled dishes. Paired with the meal is a three-sake taster. The compatibility between Japanese food and sake is undeniable, making for a delightful dining experience.

Couple Course.

The couple course offers a total of 13 dishes. Out of the 13, couples get three unique dishes catered to each person. Guests can enjoy sharing a multitude of delicious dishes!

Couple Course with Hairy Crab.

The couple course with Hokkaido hairy crab is a luxurious meal totaling 13 various dishes. It enables you to enjoy raw and boiled hairy crab that’s arrived fresh from the prefecture the day of! Throughout the course, three dishes are specially made for each person.

The opaque hot spring waters soothe the body.

Said to be first used by the Ainu people for medicinal purposes, Noboribetsu Onsen is a long-established hot spring with a history of over 200 years. The fatigue from your travels will melt away with waters that are 100% from the spring source.

A guest from Switzerland raved: “Unwinding in the hot spring before bed made for a very relaxing night’s sleep.”

A hot spring you just can’t get enough of!

At the open-air bath, you can enjoy beams of sunlight during the day and a star-filled sky at night. Don’t miss out on this peaceful bathing experience in waters of the highest quality!

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rates: from 16,500 yen (two people to a room) for a one-night stay with two meals
・Guest Rooms: 40 rooms
・Baths: open-air baths available in shifts for both men and women (two baths each), no private open-air baths available
・Check-in: from 2:00 p.m., Check-out: until 10:00 a.m. *times may vary depending on the booked package
・Language Support: English support available. The official website also has an English translation.
・Reservation Methods: over the phone, through the official website, through various booking sites, and through travel agencies.
・Access: Take a 13-minute ride on the Noboribetsu bound bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Then, it’s a nine-minute walk from the bus stop “Noboribetsu Onsen” or a one-minute walk from the stop “Park Hotel-Mae.” A nine-minute car ride when taking the Doo Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange.

5. Hotel Mahoroba: Indulge in a luxurious crab buffet

Hotel Mahoroba can be found a three-minute walk from either the “Noboribetsu Onsen” or “Ashiyu-Mae” bus stops. In 1994, it opened as a ten-story large hotel complex with two additional basement floors, totaling 398 guest rooms.

With it being famous as the origin of Japan’s oldest chronicle of myths, the Kojiki, it was named Mahoroba, meaning “a wondrous place.” True to its name, here you’ll find four types of powerful springs, one of Japan’s largest open-air baths, and 31 bathing rooms.

A delightfully bright lobby lounge.

Once past the front entrance, you are greeted by pillars decorated with yuzen designs-intricate patterns used for a Japanese cloth dyeing technique, as well as chandeliers from Italy. Since the hotel is known for holding large numbers of guests at a time, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the lobby is also very spacious. Moreover, various drinks are offered at the first-floor tea lounge. Offering spectacular view of Noboribetsu’s nature from its large windows, relaxing here is a freeing experience. Under the eaves, you’ll also find a garden with a Japanese atmosphere.

A Japanese-style room enveloped in a pleasing tatami mat aroma.

Centering around Japanese-style accommodation, there are various types of guest rooms available. For those who prefer beds, we recommend the Western-style or Japanese-Western-style rooms. There are also rooms attached with open-air baths-perfect for enjoying privacy. With so many options, you can choose your accommodation depending on how you want to spend your stay.

A buffet with fresh delicacies.

Hotel Mahoroba makes it their mission to serve seasonal items that enable guests to appreciate the true deliciousness of ingredients. All dishes are also made to be nutritious.

Buffets can be enjoyed at restaurants Liberty (on the third floor) or Green Terrace (on the second floor).

Liberty serves large portions of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, whereas Green Terrace has dishes in smaller bowls placed lower to the ground so anyone can reach them. There’s even a kid’s zone in view of the dining areas, making for a safe and comfortable experience. Furthermore, upon request, chefs will prepare tempura, scallops, squid, pasta, and more right before your eyes! This show is sure to work up an appetite.

Green Terrace also offers an all-you-can-eat crab buffet! Although many accommodation facilities have stopped their buffet services due to the jump in crab prices, Hotel Mahoroba is still going strong, further motivating you to book a stay.

(*Though the Green Terrace is currently offering their crab buffet, services may be suspended depending on the world’s state and market situation.)

The Japanese restaurant, Yuen, offers seasonal ingredient-filled Kaiseki cuisine in a private room restaurant.

The large public baths can be found on both the first and second basement floors. Here you’ll find a total of 31 baths, including the open-air bath, that comes from four separate spring sources. Also, slides are set up at the facility’s two family baths, providing a fun amusement park-like experience! Though, we advise being cautious and making sure you don’t stay in for too long!

(*Depending on the time, usage of open-air baths may change for men and women.)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rate: from 16,500 yen (two people to a room) for a one-night stay with two meals
・Guest Rooms: 398 rooms
・Baths: open-air baths available in shifts for both men and women (two baths for men, five baths for women), no private open-air baths available
・Check-in: from 2:00 p.m., Check-out: until 10:00 a.m. *times may vary depending on the booked package
・Language Support: English and Chinese support available. (When there are staff available.)
・Reservation Methods: over the phone, through the official website, through various booking sites, and through travel agencies.
・Access: Take a 13-minute ride on the Noboribetsu bound bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Then, it’s a three-minute walk from either the “Noboribetsu Onsen” or “Ashiyu-Mae” bus stops. A nine-minute car ride when taking the Doo Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange.

6. Ryotei Hanayura: Most guest rooms come with private open-air onsen baths!

Ryotei Hanayura is adjacent to Park Hotel Miyabitei, a ten-minute walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal and a five-minute walk from Hell Valley. It has a quaint atmosphere that balances the electric atmosphere felt throughout the hot spring village.

This is a popular inn that offers cuisine made from local ingredients as well as hinoki cypress open-air baths. Additionally, over half the guest rooms come with their own open-air baths, letting you unwind quietly and peacefully.

An elegant lobby

Once inside, a Japanese garden inspired by traditional Zen gardens awaits. Due to the high ceilings and large windows, Noboribetsu’s nature fills the space, making it feel incredibly open and free. It’s as though you’re taking a walk in the forest!

The open-air baths in the guest rooms are sulfur springs.

Seasonal flowers adorn the hallways and guest rooms. enveloping the inn with a sweet aroma. Out of the 37 rooms available, 23 come attached with private open-air baths. Taking in the scent of hinoki cypress while bathing in the relaxing hot spring waters is a blissful experience!

Hot spring waters bubble from the large public bath.

The open-air bath in the fall.

The large public baths are also alluring! Here you’ll find three types of springs, including a “fertility spring” said to aid with neuralgia, rheumatism, and gynecopathy, a “simple sulfur spring” that doesn’t irritate the skin, and a “sulfur spring” said to have beautifying effects. Why not ease the wear and tear of your travels in waters rumored to be the best in Asia!

Kaiseki cuisine enabling you to feel the seasons.

Dishes served at the private dining facility, Yuen, incorporate Noboribetsu’s ingredients carefully selected by the chef. Meals are meticulously created with the intention of them being a decorative piece that further enhances the inn’s atmosphere.

The “seasonal Kaiseki course” consists of seasonal mountain and sea bounties. What’s more, the tableware and plating of dishes differ throughout the season, letting you also enjoy the visual presentation.

A guest from Thailand shared their experience, commenting: “I highly enjoyed both breakfast and dinner! The preparation was impeccable, and there was so much variety.” Delight in elaborate and creative cuisine!

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken – Sanitizer installed – Ventilation measures in place – Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature – Guests are asked to wear masks

・Rate: from 24,000 yen for a one-night stay with two meals
・Guest Rooms: 37 rooms
・Baths: one separate open-air bath for men and women, no private open-air baths available
・Check-in: from 2:00 p.m., Check-out: until 10:00 a.m. *times may vary depending on the booked package
・Language Support: English and Chinese support available. (Only if there are staff available.) Some English translations are available on the inn’s official website.
・Reservation Methods: over the phone, through the official website, through various booking sites, and through travel agencies.
・Access: Take a 15-minute ride on the Noboribetsu bound bus from JR Noboribetsu Station. Then, it’s a ten-minute walk from the “Noboribetsu Onsen” station. A 15-minute car ride when taking the Doo Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange.

Stay and Sightsee in Noboribetsu and its Surrounding Areas

Home to Hokkaido’s pure nature, the Noboribetsu area is surrounded by oceans, mountains, and lakes. Nearby is the region of Shiraoi, home to Upopoy (the National Ainu Museum and Park), the city of steel, Muroran@.

We highly recommend staying at a hotel or ryokan in the Noboribetsu Onsen Village for convenient sightseeing! Relax your mind and body by bathing in some of Japan’s best springs!

Text by: Masakazu
*This article has been rewritten as of June 2022 since its original posting in August 2019. Please check the official websites for the latest information.