Onsen Towns in Hokkaido
Part of the Hokkaido travel guide — see every topic in All Hokkaido Guides.
Hokkaido sits on active volcanoes, so hot springs are everywhere. These three onsen towns are easy from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport, and all sell day baths if you do not stay the night.
Noboribetsu
Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous onsen town, about 1 hour 10 minutes from Sapporo by JR limited express to Noboribetsu Station, then 15 minutes by bus. Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is a steaming volcanic crater with free wooden walkways. Big hotels sell day baths for about ¥1,500–2,500, with several kinds of spring water.
Jozankei
Jozankei is a riverside onsen town in the mountains, about 1 hour from Sapporo by bus. It has free foot baths, a river walk and bright red maple leaves in early to mid October. Day baths cost about ¥1,000–2,500.
Lake Toya
Lake Toya is a round crater lake with an island in the middle and an active volcano, Mount Usu, beside it. From late April to October, a 20-minute fireworks show is held over the lake every night at about 20:45. The Usuzan Ropeway climbs to views of the crater and the lake. Toya is about 2 hours from Sapporo by bus, or by JR to Toya Station and a short bus ride.
Bathing rules
Wash first, bathe without swimwear, keep your towel out of the water and never take photos. Many hotel baths do not allow tattoos; ask before you go or book a private bath (kashikiri-buro). In winter, an outdoor bath in falling snow is a highlight.
Onsen Towns at a glance
| Noboribetsu | About 1 h 10 min by JR + 15 min bus; Hell Valley walkways free |
|---|---|
| Jozankei | About 1 hour by bus from Sapporo |
| Lake Toya | About 2 hours; fireworks nightly late April–October, about 20:45 |
| Day bath | About ¥1,000–2,500 |
| Tattoos | Often not allowed in hotel baths; ask or book a private bath |
| Best season | Winter for snow baths; October for autumn colours |