Sapporo to Noboribetsu Travel Guide: Best Ways to Reach Hokkaido's Onsen Paradise
Traveling from Sapporo to Noboribetsu is highly popular for travelers looking to experience Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and world-class hot springs. The route is fast and easily accessible by train, bus, or car.
Trip Details
- OriginSapporo
- DestinationNoboribetsu
- Travel Time1h 14m to 1h 50m
- Recommended Stay1-2 Days
- Best Transport ModeLimited Express Hokuto
- Cheapest ModeHighway Bus
- Day Trip PossibleYes (Highly Recommended)
Travel Recommendation
Take the JR Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, then connect to a local bus up to Noboribetsu Onsen village. JR Pass holders ride the train for free. Arrive early to walk Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and book an evening onsen session at one of the large hotel bathhouses for a full spa experience.
📍 Destination Highlights
- Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- Oyunuma Natural Footbath
- Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Transport Options Breakdown
| Transport Mode | Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Express Hokuto / Suzuran | 1h 14m | ¥4,890 (Reserved Seat) |
| Highway Bus (Donan Bus / Express Onsen-go) | 1h 50m | ¥2,500 - ¥3,400 |
| Rental Car | 1h 10m - 1h 30m | ¥5,000 - ¥8,000/day + ¥3,230 expressway toll |
Limited Express Hokuto / Suzuran
Hourly
Fastest option, highly punctual, fully covered by JR Passes.
Requires a 15-minute local bus transfer from Noboribetsu Station to the Onsen area.
Highway Bus (Donan Bus / Express Onsen-go)
Limited daily departures
Cheapest public transport, delivers you directly to the hot spring town without transfers.
Slower than the train, vulnerable to winter road delays.
Rental Car
On-demand
Highest flexibility, door-to-door transit, great for scenic stops.
Requires international driving permit, winter driving can be hazardous.
🚀 Getting There Guide
- To travel from Sapporo to Noboribetsu by train, board the JR Limited Express Hokuto or Suzuran at Sapporo Station.
- The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 14 minutes to reach JR Noboribetsu Station.
- Note that all seats on these limited express lines require mandatory reservations.
- Upon arrival at JR Noboribetsu Station, transfer to a local Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen, which takes an additional 15 minutes and costs ¥450.
- Alternatively, you can book the direct 'Express Onsen-go' highway bus operated by Donan Bus departing from Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, which bypasses the station transfer completely.
↩️ Return Journey Guide
- For the return journey from Noboribetsu to Sapporo, catch the local Donan Bus from Noboribetsu Onsen back to JR Noboribetsu Station.
- From there, take the hourly Limited Express Hokuto back to Sapporo Station.
- If you prefer the direct highway bus route, ensure you check the daily schedule at the Noboribetsu Onsen Terminal beforehand, as direct buses back to Sapporo run infrequently and require advanced seat reservations.
🚌 Local Loop Transport Guide
- The main hot spring resort area (Noboribetsu Onsen) and Jigokudani are located about 6-7 kilometers inland from JR Noboribetsu Station.
- Local transit between the train station and the village is handled primarily by frequent Donan Bus schedules aligned with incoming trains.
- Taxis are also readily available outside the station, charging roughly ¥2,500 one-way to the town center.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Start your day early by boarding the 7:54 AM Limited Express Hokuto from Sapporo Station, arriving at Noboribetsu by 9:00 AM.
Take the local connection bus straight to the onsen town.
Spend your morning hiking through the steaming boardwalks of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and relaxing your feet at the Oyunuma Brook natural footbath.
Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring Hokkaido seafood in the village.
Dedicate your afternoon to a day-use hot spring bath (higaeri onsen) at an iconic ryokan like Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
Catch a late afternoon bus or train back, returning to Sapporo by dinnertime.
Must-Visit Attractions in Noboribetsu
Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
A spectacular, steaming volcanic caldera featuring sulfur vents, geysers, and walking trails that serve as the main source of Noboribetsu's hot spring waters.
Oyunuma Natural Footbath
A natural hot spring river flowing through the forest where visitors can sit on wooden benches and soak their feet for free.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan
A historic onsen resort complex famous for its massive, multi-tiered bathhouses featuring numerous unique mineral spring types overlooking Hell Valley.
Which Option is Best For You?
🥇 First-Time Visitors
The JR Limited Express train provides the most straightforward, stress-free route navigating out of Sapporo.
📸 Photographers
A rental car gives you total freedom to stop along the rugged coastline of the Uchiura Bay or detour past Lake Shikotsu.
👨👩👧👦 Families & Strollers
Direct highway buses or rental cars cut out the hassle of transferring multi-generational groups and heavy luggage at train platforms.
🌲 Nature Lovers
Driving allows access to peripheral natural landmarks like Mount Hiyori and the deep wilderness paths surrounding Oyunuma Pond.
Popular Experiences in Noboribetsu
Top-rated tours & activities — book directly with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu covered by the JR Pass?
Yes, both the Limited Express Hokuto and Suzuran trains are fully covered by the standard Japan Rail Pass and the regional Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass. However, local connecting buses from Noboribetsu Station to the Onsen are not covered.
Do I need to book train tickets from Sapporo to Noboribetsu in advance?
Yes, because Limited Express Hokuto and Suzuran trains operate with 100% reserved seating. There are no unreserved cars, so you must secure a seat assignment before boarding.
Can I easily visit Noboribetsu as a day trip?
Absolutely. Thanks to the train taking just under 75 minutes, a day trip is highly feasible, giving you 6 to 8 hours to explore the valley and enjoy day-use thermal baths.