Car-Free Travel in Hokkaido: The Guide to Hokkaido’s Onsen by Bus [Part 2]

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen is Hokkaido’s most iconic hot spring destination. Known as the “Department Store of Hot Springs,” it offers nine different types of onsen water, each with its own unique mineral composition and health benefits. Since it is located conveniently close to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, its easy access makes it a favorite onsen destination for many travelers every year. It is truly the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a variety of high-quality hot springs in a single trip.

How to Get to Noboribetsu Onsen from Sapporo by Bus

While there are other options like car or train to get to Noboribetsu Onsen from Sapporo, the bus is the most cost-effective way with a similar travel time. Direct buses run to Noboribetsu Onsen from both Sapporo Station and New Chitose Airport. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Sapporo Station and about 1 hour from the airport.
You can book your tickets for the direct bus from Sapporo to Noboribetsu Onsen via the link below.

Bus booking

Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribestu Onsen to Sapporo Station

New-Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Onsen to New-Chitose Airport

Things to do in Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Noboribetsu Hell Valley)

Noboribetsu Jigokudani, also known as “Hell Valley,” is a breathtaking geothermal attraction in Hokkaido. It is characterized by steam vents, sulfurous steams, and rocky volcanic landscape. This dramatic scenery resembles the Buddhist imagery of Jigoku (hell), which is how it got its name. There are well-maintained boardwalks throughout the valley, allowing for close-up views of the boiling springs and steaming vents.

It is easily accessible from the main Noboribestu Onsen town. If you are a nature lover, this is a must-visit in Noboribetsu.

Noboribesu Bear Park

If you are an animal lover, this place is a top recommendation in Noboribetsu. This bear park specializes in Ezo brown bears, also known as Hokkaido brown bears. As the name suggests, these bears only live in Hokkaido’s forests and mountainous areas and are not found in any other part of Japan. They are the largest land mammals in the country.

The park keeps about 80 Hokkaido brown bears and allows you to see the bears up close from the “Human Cage” room. To access the park, you will need to take the ropeway. The ropeway station is located about a 5-minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal.

Noboribetsu Onsen Ichiba

After relaxing in the hot springs, it’s time to fill your stomach with delicious Japanese cuisine! Since Noboribestu is located near the ocean, it is a fantastic place to enjoy fresh seafood. Noboribetsu Onsen Ichiba is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, offering a wide variety of seafood caught at Noboribetsu Port and other regions across Japan at reasonable prices.
Seafood lovers can feast on fresh sashimi and kaisen-don (sushi bowls). You can even eat sea urchins and oysters right from the tank in the shop. Even if you aren’t a fan of seafood, don't worry! You can still enjoy various Japanese dishes, including Japanese curry and Hokkaido’s famous zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken).

Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen is located in Hakodate, a city at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. It is ranked as one of the “Three Great Onsen of Hokkaido,” alongside Jozankei and Noboribetsu. While it is known as the hot spring resort closest to an airport in Japan, it also offers easy access from downtown Hakodate, making it a highly recommended onsen stop during your trip to the city. It is the perfect onsen destination to visit while you also want to actively enjoy the multiple sightseeing spots. Hakodate remains one of the most popular cities in Hokkaido and attracts many travelers every year.

How to Get to Yunokawa Onsen from Sapporo by Bus

Although Hakodate is further from Sapporo compared to other onsen areas, Yunokawa Onsen is highly recommended for its perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. While there is a train from Sapporo to Hakodate, the bus is more economical for travelers. The journey from Sapporo is approximately 6 hours. Please use the link below to make a reservation.
You can reserve your seat for this bus via the link below.

Bus booking

Sapporo Station to Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen to Sapporo Station

Things to do in Yunokawa Onsen

Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower offers a panoramic view of the historic Goryokaku Fort, a famous star-shaped landmark in Hakodate. Due to its unique shape and deep historical significance, it is a must-visit spot for any traveler. While the view from the tower is great, strolling through the fort itself feels like stepping back in time. The area offers stunning scenery throughout the seasons, but it is especially famous in spring for its cherry blossoms. The sight of the star-shaped fort colored in soft pink is beautiful from both the observatory and the ground. During the winter, the fort is lit up. The sight of a glowing star floating in the night cityscape is truly magical.

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The night view from the Mt. Hakodate Observatory is world-famous as one of the “Three Best Night Views in the World,” ranking alongside major global cities like Hong Kong and Naples. The panoramic view from the summit is unique for its distinctive curves surrounded by the sea on both sides,creating a magical glow of city lights. The scenery is at its most beautiful about 30 minutes after sunset. You can easily access the summit by ropeway or bus to witness this stunning sight. Please note that the summit can be windy and cool even in summer, so we recommend bringing an extra layer to stay warm.

Hakodate Morning Market

When it comes to travelling in Hakodate, the local gourmet scene is something you simply cannot miss. While every region in Hokkaido has its own specialities, Hakodate boasts an incredible array of delicious foods. At the Hakodate Morning Market, you can enjoy fresh seafood unique to this port city, making it the perfect spot for a food tour. Among the various delicacies, Hakodate’s squid is particularly famous. You can experience “Odori-gui” (dancing squid sashimi), where you eat freshly prepared squid while it is still moving.
Beyond the abundance of seafood, Hakodate is also renowned for its salt-based ramen. Enjoying a bowl of Shio Ramen in the biting cold of a Hokkaido winter is an amazing experience. Unlike ramen from other regions, Hakodate’s version is simple, light, and incredibly delicious.

Summary: Plan Your Onsen Trip in Hokkaido

Through Part 1 and Part 2, we have highlighted four of Hokkaido's most iconic onsen towns. The island is still full of charming destinations waiting to be discovered. Visit our website to find the best bus routes for your next Hokkaido trip. Have a wonderful trip in Hokkaido!