Noboribetsu Onsen

Nestled on the coast just south of Sapporo, discover Hokkaido's fiery landscape at Noboribetsu Onsen, where geothermal springs produce eleven different thermal waters, each with its own medicinal benefits – nature's ultimate spa experience.

Unlike most, this spa town is known for its sheer drama, with Noboribetsu's medicinal waters flowing from a blasted volcanic crater known as Jigokudani, or 'Hell Valley'.

Hot, desolate and powerfully sulphuric, Jigokudani's smoking vents and boiling lakes make the thermal baths at Noboribetsu a therapeutic experience like no other. Each of the 11 varieties of water comes with its own medicinal benefits, meaning you can choose your bath based on your health needs – whether that's salt for circulation or iron for anaemia.

And, at just a convenient hour-and-a-half hop from world-class ski resort Niseko, there's no better place for winter rest and relaxation. Unequivocally Japanese but with a fiery twist, no trip is complete without experiencing Noboribetsu Onsen.