Noboribetsu Onsen is another of Japan’s most famed onsen spots, located in  the beautiful Shikotsu Toya National Park in Hokkaido. Most of the hot water comes from Jigokudani, or “Hells Valley”, which is a moon-like valley with white sulphur deposits and plenty of steam coming from the ground. Noboribetsu is basically a one-street villiage with onsen hotels lining each side.

More than three million people visit each year. It is perhaps one of Japan’s most commercial onsen areas but is still beautiful, and renowned for the quality of the water. There are apparently 11 different varieties of onsen water to try. The oldest hotel, Daichi Takimotokan, has over 20 different baths to experience.

How to get there: Noboribetsu is about a one and a half hour drive south of Sapporo. To get there by train you can take the JR Line from Sapporo (1 hour 20 minutes) or from Shin-Chitose Airport (47 minutes) to Noboribetsu Station.  You can then get on a bus or taxi which will take you 15 minutes to get to the onsen town.