Attracting visitors year-round, including Japanese from other regions, Noboribetsu is about 110 kilometers southwest of Sapporo and roughly 50 kilometers from New Chitose Airport.
Officially
established as a city in 1970, Noboribetsu is known for its unspoiled nature (THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBO SRI LANKA),
Edo-period history and culture, and unique geothermal landscapes, still
preserved to this day. Its location makes it a well-known spot for hot springs.
There are definitely things to do in Noboribetsu, making it a popular
destination in Hokkaido.
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Date Jidaimura
Village
The traditional
Edo-period (1603-868) architecture immediately draws attention upon arriving in
Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, where Date Jidaimura Village is a highlight within the
large open area. Samurai homes, merchant streets, and period-style architecture
create the classic Japanese vibe of Date Jidaimura Village. Falling snow in
winter blankets the village and its surroundings, adding to the atmosphere in
Hokkaido.
“Date” comes
from the Date clan, a powerful samurai family that ruled parts of northern
Japan during the Edo period, an important part of Date Jidaimura Village’s
history. Beyond the scenery, there are activities such as the Ninja Maze House,
Samurai Show, Oiran Show, and more.
Depending on time, even just these three activities, plus spending time in nature, can easily take half a day. For those who want a traditional Edo-period meal, nearby walking-distance restaurants serve authentic Japanese food within Date Jidaimura Village.
Ninja Maze House
Be prepared for
the unexpected in Ninja Maze House, designed to reflect the ninja skills of
Edo-period life. Slanted floors and optical effects, including twisting panels
and rooms with forced perspectives, create surprising experiences at every
turn. Incorporating traditional Japanese architectural elements and layouts,
Ninja Maze House is a distinctive part of Date Jidaimura, showcasing
ninja-inspired design within the historical Edo-period setting.
Samurai Show
One of the
attractions in Date Jidaimura Village is the Samurai Show. Held at specific
times in a theatre, the audience watches the performance while seated. The show
highlights sword fighting, with performers dressed mainly in black,
demonstrating jumping, movement, and sword-defending skills.
It also
showcases martial arts, combat techniques, and ceremonial practices of samurai
warriors. The performance offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal hierarchy and
warrior culture during the Edo period. That said, it can feel a bit repetitive,
as some acts are repeated several times.
Oiran Show
Held in a wide
theatre with the audience seated on the floor, music accompanies the
performers. Slowly and daintily, female performers dressed in traditional
Japanese attire, complete with hairstyle and makeup, take the stage. The Oiran
Show reflects Edo-period customs, showcasing life and ceremonies from that
time. Audiences are invited to join in, and the performance includes fun
elements for laughter.
However, being
seated on the floor for at least half an hour, sometimes while wondering what
is happening on stage, can lead to boredom. It might be better if the
performance were shorter to keep the audience engaged throughout.
Noboribetsu
Bear Park (Noboribetsu Onsen-cho)
It begins with
a 7-minute ropeway cable car ride in Noboribetsu Bear Park, going from the
foothill station up to Bear Mountain, about 560 meters above sea level. The
views are amazing, with valleys stretching below, blue sky above, and winter
colors surrounding Noboribetsu.
At the summit,
walk around the open area to see over 60 Ezo brown bears in their natural
habitat. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, which can be
unbearable for those not used to cold. It is best to keep the visit short
before heading to the indoor brown bear museum at Noboribetsu Bear Park, the
only brown bear museum in the world.
Inside the
museum, life-sized bear replicas line the staircases and corridors. They are so
realistic it feels like the bears are alive. The museum also shares legendary
and historical information about the bears. From both the open area and the
museum, scenic views of Lake Kuttara and the surrounding mountains can be mesmerising.
With live bears, museum displays, and mountain and valley views, Noboribetsu Bear Park is a one-of-a-kind destination in Japan.
Hell Valley
(Jigokudani)
Hell Valley may
sound scary, but it is one of Hokkaido’s most remarkable natural sights. Don’t
be intimidated by the name - it comes from Noboribetsu’s dramatic geothermal
features.
In Jigokudani,
steam constantly rises from hot springs and sulfur vents, filling the air with
mist and the distinct smell of sulfur. The valley is surrounded by untouched
nature, with cliffs, volcanic rocks, and mineral-streaked terrain, giving the
sense of being in ancient, unspoiled landscapes - read more at: Hokkaido Official Tourism.
Wooden walkways
and winding paths lead safely through the valley, offering close views of
bubbling pools, hissing vents, and small geysers. The sound of boiling water
and steam can be heard throughout. The landscape is always changing, with
trickling streams and steaming ponds adding movement to the rocky terrain.
From various
viewpoints, the entire valley can be seen, revealing the vast scale of this
geothermal wonder. In winter, snow adds a striking contrast to the dark
volcanic rocks, while in summer, the surrounding greenery highlights the bright
steam clouds rising from the vents.
The combination
of dramatic scenery, the sound of moving water and steam, and the raw,
untouched nature makes Hell Valley a true reflection of Hokkaido’s volcanic
power and a must-see among natural sights in Noboribetsu.
Onsen Bath - Noboribetsu, Japan
When in
Noboribetsu, a must-try experience is the onsen bath. These Japanese hot
springs are naturally heated by mineral-rich geothermal water, known for their
relaxing and therapeutic properties. Onsen bathing is an essential part of
Japanese culture, and Noboribetsu is especially famous for its abundant
volcanic hot springs.
Public baths
like Yumoto Sagiriyu offer indoor pools with sulfur and alum spring water. Some
ryokan, such as Dai-ichi Takimotokan, also allow day-use for visitors who are
not staying overnight.
For guests at
resorts or hotels, onsen baths are usually part of the facilities. These are
private indoor baths, separated by gender, accessible only to staying guests.
In Japanese
culture, onsen bathing is done naked. This can feel uncomfortable at first,
especially for those unfamiliar with it. However, after showering before
entering and seeing others at ease, initial awkwardness soon fades. Many praise
the onsen for its soothing effects -improving relaxation, relieving stress, and
even promoting better sleep, making it one of Hokkaido’s most relaxing health
and wellness.
Futon -
Traditional Japanese Bed
A unique
sleeping method in Japanese resorts and hotels is the futon, the traditional
Japanese bed. A futon is a quilted mattress laid directly on the tatami floor,
usually accompanied by a blanket and pillow.
Entering the
room, it may come as a surprise to see no bed. A few hours before bedtime,
staff will lay out the futon on the tatami floor, a traditional Japanese
flooring made from woven straw, offering a soft but firm surface.
Sleeping on a
futon can improve spinal alignment and posture, thanks to its firm support, and
may help reduce back pain. Being close to the floor also encourages better
circulation and a sense of grounding, enhancing relaxation and sleep quality.
However, futons may not be suitable for those with joint problems or anyone who
prefers a softer sleeping surface.