Deep in the north of Japan lays the magnificent island of Hokkaido, a land of wondrous snowfall, awe-inspiring festivals, and deep pockets of beautiful Japanese culture and history.
Amongst all this exists Noboribetsu, arguably Hokkaido’s most famous and most impressive hot spring town. What makes Noboribetsu stand out from the rest is that the majority of the onsen hot spring water that flows through the town comes from what they call Jigokudani, or ‘Hell Valley’.
Contrary to its name, Jigokundai offers some heavenly sights! Jigokudani actually got its name through its spectacular display of hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and other active volcanic activities. It acts as the main source of hot spring water for Noboribetsu Onsen! It sits just above the resort town and is definitely one of the biggest attractions in the area.
If you’re looking for an easy, relaxing, yet exciting onsen stay, let’s have a look at the 7 best ryokans in Noboribetsu for you to explore!
1. Oyado Kiyomizuya
Oyado Kiyomizuya is one of the most traditional ryokans in the region of Noboribetsu, and stepping through the doors of this distinctly cultural inn is like stepping back in time.
Oyadu Kiyomizuya offers generous-sized Japanese-style guest rooms equipped with private bathrooms and unbelievably soft futon bedding. The additional breakfast and dinner that you may book with your room include artfully prepared traditional Japanese cuisine that uses only the best seasonal ingredients and will impress you with its perfectly balanced aesthetic and taste.
One of the best features of Oyadu Kiyomizuya would be the public onsen baths available for guests. It has a quaint indoor and outdoor pool and a healing atmosphere.
Guests Tips: Definitely book the dinner option with your stay, as the food prepared by the staff here is absolutely delicious! It’s also a five-minute walk to Jigokudani.
Book It Now: Oyado Kiyomizuya
2. Ryotei Hanayura
Ryotei Hanayura encapsulates all that there is for the quintessential Japanese ryokan experience. From the five-star quality Japanese meals served daily to the breathtaking public onsen baths available onsite for all ryokan guests, you will feel pampered and relaxed throughout your entire stay.
Every room is generously sized here, from the guest rooms which feature private bathrooms, to the common areas with windows opening up to tranquil views of the surrounding nature.
This is the top choice for a healing experience.
Guests Tips: This is a fantastic option for those with dietary requirements, as staff will bend over backward to ensure your needs are met. It’s also located super close to Jigokudani.
Book It Now: Ryotei Hanayura
3. Dai-ichi Takimotokan
If onsen bathing is high on your list of priorities, then Dai-ichi Takimotokan is the one for you. Whilst it doesn’t lack in the decor, comfort, or aesthetics department, its winning feature has got to be the multitude of onsite onsen baths that you can experience whilst staying here.
The hotel is, in fact, huge in size, but it never feels hollow. Welcoming and friendly staff are sprinkled throughout the ryokan to ensure your stay is memorable and comfortable, and its convenient location means that you want to explore the area simply by stepping outside.
Guests Tips: Definitely allocate enough time to explore the variety of pools onsite, as they’re equally as healing as they are beautiful. The buffet dinner is amazing and well worth the price.
Book It Now: Dai-ichi Takimotokan
4. Hotel Mahoroba
There is a reason why Hotel Mahoroba boasts repeat customers every year, and that is: it’s simply amazing! This hotel ryokan combines the best of both worlds: traditional elements of a ryokan are prominent throughout the ryokan, including a multitude of stunning onsen baths, immaculate tatami mat flooring in certain rooms, and timber aesthetics throughout.
However, amongst all this, the hotel also offers comfortable Western-style guest rooms for those wanting a modern stay.
Its location is conveniently accessible from Noboribetsu Station and is located quite close to Jigokudani as well.
Guests Tips: If you have time, try both the indoor and outdoor onsen baths, as they’re all super impressive. The outdoor onsen has especially garnered guests’ attention for its tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings. There is a strip of restaurants located just down the same road that the hotel is located.
Book It Now: Hotel Mahoroba
5. Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu
Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu is definitely one of the best Ryokan in Noboribetsu!
It’s the ultimate ryokan experience, especially for couples looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay to recharge and revive.
Traditional elements are evident throughout the ryokan, providing guests with a feeling of nostalgia and appreciation for the beauty of historic Japan. Tatami mat flooring, shoji wallpaper, futon bedding, and retro Japanese furniture come together to create warm and welcoming guest rooms.
The ryokan also boasts a stunning on-site onsen bath as well as delicious traditional Japanese cuisine.
Guests Tips: They have a private onsen on-site which is absolutely amazing and well worth the additional charge to reserve it.
Book It Now: Takinoya Bekkan Tamanoyu
6. Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
As the name suggests, everything about Noboribetsu Grand Hotel is, well, grand.
This colossal and impressive hotel stands tall and mighty, commanding the attention of everyone surrounding it. Inside, it’s equally awe-inspiring. Generous-sized guest rooms are well equipped with traditional low Japanese furniture as well as sitting chairs to appreciate the view from the expansive windows. The smallest touches such as historic artwork bring killer vibes.
If you’re looking for the experience but prefer a regular bed, that’s perfectly fine, as Noboribetsu Grand Hotel offers both traditional Japanese rooms as well as western-style rooms with equally as comfortable furnishings.
This hotel also boasts impressive hot spring baths (both indoor and outdoor) alongside sauna rooms, relaxing massages (at an extra cost), and even a karaoke room! It’s the ultimate ryokan hotel stay.
Guests Tips: The rooms are definitely larger than the average in Japan, for those looking for that extra bit of comfort. The food was delicious, but it might get crowded during breakfast, so try and head there early if you can. Across the street from the hotel is a small pocket of the town that’s fun to explore.
Book It Now: Noboribetsu Grand Hotel
7. Noboribetsu Manseikaku
Noboribetsu Manseikaku is not your traditional ryokan in the sense that its exterior resembles a modern 5-star hotel. However, don’t let this turn you away as its interior offers just as much, if not more, charm as a traditional Japanese inn.
Noboribetsu Manseikaku boasts some stunning features and facilities, including plenty of impressive onsite onsen baths, a huge sunlight-filled dining area, a children’s playground (quite a rarity!), and even an indoor pool!
The hotel also offers both traditional Japanese-style rooms with futon bedding as well as western-style rooms.
Guests Tips: This hotel is in a fantastic location that’s easy to get to from the station, and where you can easily access Jigokudani and Noboribetsu village. Plenty of guests were singing praises for the outdoor onsen so it’s definitely a must if you stay here!
Book It Now: Noboribetsu Manseikaku
For the ultimate healing cultural experience, a visit to Noboribetsu Onsen is a must, and a stay at one of the magnificent ryokans mentioned above is the only way to go about it!
Noboribetsu onsen has so much to offer in terms of Japanese tradition and nature appreciation, and your experience will only be heightened if you stay in one of the Japanese inns that encapsulate all that is beautiful about Japanese culture.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about the 7 best ryokans in Noboribetsu and that you’re inspired to now book that ryokan experience!