Staying in Noboribetsu during winter is a very good idea, with the cold temperature of the winter and Noboribetsu is known for having the best hot spring resort in Hokkaido makes it even a perfect match, enjoying a nice hot spring bath in the cold outdoor temperature, and is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. Find out what else can be done in the area during this season.
What To Do In Noboribetsu During Winter
Famous for its natural hot spring, Noboribetsu is one of the most looked out for when it comes to onsen (hot spring), namely the Noboribetsu-Onsen town, which lies 6km off the Noboribetsu city. Its hot spring water which springs from the well-known and famous Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley), a crater with water heated by the nearby volcanic activities, makes Noboribetsu-Onsen a specifically interesting town with different types of water, boasting with its healing properties, an interesting spot for hot-spring bath enthusiast.
One thing that is a must when you come to this area during winter is to dip your body into the natural hot spring water, and enjoy your time and stay the night in one of their many hot spring resort found in Noboribetsu-Onsen. If you don’t want to stay the night, worry not, as some resort offers onsen bath for public with fees as low as 420 yen (around RM15) up to around 2000 yen (around RM75).
If you feel like exploring, here’s a list of activities that can be done near to Noboribetsu-Onsen town:
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Meet the bears of the area up close, and a chance to feed them from special location. Have an aerial view of Noboribetsu-Onsen while riding on the gondola up to the bear park.
Entrance Fee: 2592 yen (around RM100) per adult
- Street address: 224 Noboribetsu-Onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551
- Access1: 20minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station
- Access2: 7 minutes walk from Noboribetsu-Onsen Bus Terminal to the Ropeway Station (free shuttle available)
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Noboribetsu Date Historical Village)
Go back in time to the Edo Period of Japan in this history theme park. Enjoy various attractions, activities, games, theaters, street performance that highlights the traditional value of of Edo Period, along with Ninja and Oiran courtesans than can be seen in this area.
Entrance Fee: 2900 yen (around RM115) per adult
- Street address: 53-1 Nakanoboribetsucho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0463,
- Access1: 5minutes by car from JR Noboribetsu Station
- Access2: 8minutes by Donan-Bus from JR Noboribetsu Station
- Access3: 3minutes by car from Noboribetsu Higashi IC
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
Situated in the main city of Noboribetsu and near the station, Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is an aquarium with variety of marine life to be seen. Watch and enjoy the shows and parade performed by these cute and cool marine creatures.
Entrance Fee: 2450 yen (around RM100) per adult
- Street address: 1-22 Noboribetsu-Higashicho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0464
- Access1: 20minutes by bus from Noboribetsu-Onsen Bus Terminal (free shuttle available)
- Access2: 3minutes walk from JR Noboribetsu Station
Jigokudani Noboribetsu In Winter
While you are here and enjoying your stay in winter, take your time to visit the famous Jogokudani, which is not far from the Noboribetsu-Onsen town. Enjoy the natural view of the craters filled with boiling sulfuric hot springs, volcanic steam that jets out from the many hot spring vents. These hot waters are the main source of Noboribetsu-Onsen’s hot spring bath. During winter, some of the walking trails will be closed.
- Spot name: Jigokudani
- Street address: Noboribetsu-Onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551,
- Access1: 20minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu-Onsen Bus Terminal
- Access2: 9minutes walk from Noboribetsu-Onsen Bus Terminal
Noboribetsu Onsen Yu Matsuri, a Winter Special Festival
Noboribetsu Onsen Yu Matsuri (Noboribetsu Hot Spring Bath Festival) is unlike the other festivals one can find in Hokkaido during winter. While the other winter festivals play around with snow with winter clothing, Noboribetsu Onsen Yu Matsuri on the other hand, plays with the hot spring water. It is a festival of gratitude for the hot water, and they pray for prosperity and hope that the water will keep on flowing.
Spot information
- Spot name: Noboribetsu Onsen Town
- Street address: Noboribetsu-Onsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
- Access1: 20minutes by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu-Onsen Bus Terminal
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