Noboribetsu Onsen | Review by WANG

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Noboribetsu Onsen

One of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, which has been part of Hokkaido's history.

23 Sep 2026 See More

Throughout Noboribetsu Onsen and the surrounding area, you can really feel the atmosphere of a hot spring town. First, you'll see a rustic wooden sign that reads “Hokkaido Heritage: Noboribetsu Onsen Jigokudani.” With the surrounding woods accented by fall foliage, it has a distinctive local character.

Next, you'll pass the solemn Yuzawa Shrine, where a red torii gate, stone lanterns, and steps are surrounded by yellowing leaves. Walking along the path is quiet and peaceful. Along the way, you can also see a huge red demon statue holding a metal club and standing wide-eyed beside the woods. It is very striking and eye-catching.

The entire Noboribetsu Onsen area perfectly combines natural scenery, shrine culture, and fun demon-themed elements. Exploring it on foot is not only enjoyable, but also completely free of the pressure of rushing from place to place, making for a very relaxing stroll through the hot spring town.

Other Reviews by WANG

Sengen Park

Located in the center of the Noboribetsu Onsen area, Sengen Park was created in 2008 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the hot spring’s opening. The park utilizes a natural geyser originally discovered in the bathing area of a dismantled hotel. Fed by hot spring water flowing from the nearby Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the geyser erupts dramatically every three hours-reaching up to 8 meters high amid a cloud of steam and rumbling sounds.
- Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
- Parks & Gardens
23 Sep 2026 See More

On the way to Sengen Park in Noboribetsu, the most eye-catching sights are the various amusing demon statues and huge decorative metal clubs. Throughout the park, you can see small stone demons holding towels or metal clubs, and even twin demons grinning in front of a leaf carving. They are very distinctive.

As you get closer, thick hot spring steam rises from the area from time to time, and there is a faint sulfur smell in the air. Bright red metal clubs stand along the roadside, and together with the drugstore signs and street scenery behind them, they create a strong yet playful hot spring town atmosphere.

The park isn't very large, but it's relaxing and interesting to walk around looking at the differently shaped demon statues, along with the occasional clouds of white steam.
Mt. Showa-Shinzan

Showa Shinzan, in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, was once a wheat field that was uplifted by Mount Usu's volcanic eruption in 1943. Showa Shinzan is a volcano that has received worldwide attention for its status as a national special natural monument, one of Japan's top 100 geological sites, a Japanese Geopark, and a UNESCO World Geopark, among other things.
- Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
- Nature Spots
23 Sep 2026 See More

We drove to Mt. Showa-Shinzan, and from a distance we could already see the distinctive shape of this volcanic wonder. Just standing on the grass by the wooden signs reading “Mt. Showa-Shinzan” and “Miracle of Showa” and looking ahead, the mountain’s bare rock face and volcanic terrain, occasionally emitting white smoke, were quite impressive. It was also surrounded by autumn trees beginning to turn yellow.

We slowly followed the trail toward the Mt. Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck. A long red staircase stretched downward, with lush green slopes on both sides and other visitors strolling along. From the observation deck, we could take in the deep blue waters of Lake Toya in the distance and the rolling mountains surrounding it.

There was also a stone compass marker engraved with the locations of the surrounding area, making it easy to identify the nearby towns and mountains. Walking through the entire park was relaxing and comfortable, with none of the pressure of rushing through an itinerary. We got to fully enjoy both the unique volcanic landscape and the expansive lake and mountain scenery at once.
USUZAN ROPEWAY

A six-minute walk in the air one way! You can enjoy a panoramic view of the incredible nature of the active volcano "Mt. Usu."
- Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
- Ropeway
22 Sep 2026 See More

At the platform beside the Usuzan Ropeway station, getting ready to take the striking yellow cable car up the mountain. As the car slowly starts moving and climbs higher, the cable car supports and the car traveling in the opposite direction cross paths over the valley. Below, a vast sea of trees dyed golden yellow and green by autumn stretches out, with richly layered colors.

As the cable car continues to rise, the view becomes more and more expansive. Looking out the window, you can take in the mysterious deep-blue lake in the distance and the surrounding rolling mountains, along with a clear view of the distinctive textures of the volcanic terrain. Being able to look down on this entire magnificent natural landscape without the effort of hiking, and watching the scenery outside constantly change as you easily climb higher, is truly exhilarating.