Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu, situated in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan, has an estimated population of 49,523 as of September 2016, resulting in a population density of 230 people per square kilometer. This enchanting location, situated inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, encompasses an area of 212.11 square kilometers and exemplifies the natural splendor and geological marvels of Japan’s northernmost island.

Noboribetsu’s strategic location, southwest of Sapporo, west of Tomakomai, and northeast of Hakodate, renders it an accessible haven for anyone desiring to engage with the pristine beauty of Hokkaido’s terrain. The city’s administrative core, referred to as the city office, is situated in Horobetsu, but the town of Noboribetsu is located at the confluence of the Noboribetsu River, occupying a relatively limited expanse of land.

The landscape of Noboribetsu has a significant contrast between the hilly terrain in the western and northern areas and the extensive plains extending around five kilometers inland from the shore. This varied terrain enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal and significantly influences its distinctive geological characteristics and natural resources.

Three separate towns comprise the coastal area of Noboribetsu along the Pacific Ocean. These are Noboribetsu, Horobetsu, and Washibetsu, arranged from northeast to southwest. The toponymy of these cities is profoundly anchored in the local Ainu language, with the suffix “betsu” originating from the Ainu term for “river.” This language link highlights the region’s profound cultural legacy and the lasting impact of the Ainu people on Hokkaido’s toponymy.

Each of these coastal villages is fundamentally connected to its eponymous river. Noboribetsu town is located along the Noboribetsu River, whilst Horobetsu and Washibetsu are situated on the Iburi-horobetsu River and the Washibetsu River, respectively. These streams not only sculpt the physical landscape but also serve a crucial function in the region’s ecosystem and historical evolution.

Located six kilometers inland from Noboribetsu City, within the river valley, is the tiny yet globally recognized town of Noboribetsu-onsen. This delightful destination has established itself as Hokkaido’s largest “hot spring town,” providing guests with an exceptional onsen experience. The town features a remarkable selection of hot springs, each possessing a distinct mineral composition, appealing to both bathers and individuals pursuing the therapeutic advantages of these natural phenomena.

The allure of Noboribetsu-onsen extends beyond its geothermal springs. The town offers a variety of accommodations, including opulent hotels and traditional ryokan, allowing guests to select lodgings that align with their tastes and financial constraints. The region includes a bear park, offering visitors the chance to watch and learn about Hokkaido’s indigenous animals in a regulated setting.

The geological importance of Noboribetsu is underscored by the diverse array of hot springs present in the area. Besides the renowned Noboribetsu hot springs, the region also features the Karurusu and Kaminoboribetsu hot springs, each providing distinct qualities and health advantages. This profusion of thermal activity attests to the region’s volcanic origins and continuous geological processes.

The inherent beauty of Noboribetsu transcends its hot springs. The region features a diverse array of scenery, including verdant woods, tranquil lakes, and vast marshes. This varied environment has been acknowledged for its biological significance and aesthetic appeal, resulting in its incorporation into Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The park status guarantees the conservation of these natural marvels for posterity while permitting regulated access for people to enjoy the area’s splendor.

The core of Noboribetsu’s geothermal activity is the famous Noboribetsu hot spring, considered one of Hokkaido’s foremost onsen locations. Located 200 meters above sea level and encircled by untouched virgin forest, this hot spring exemplifies the unrefined strength and splendor of nature. Noboribetsu distinguishes itself from other hot spring resorts due to the exceptional variety of its waters. The region features nine unique varieties of thermal waters, each abundant in diverse minerals like sulfur, salt, and iron. The distinctive mineral composition and water quality of Noboribetsu have established it as one of the world’s premier hot springs, drawing people worldwide in pursuit of its celebrated medicinal benefits.

The northeastern region of the hot spring area hosts a variety of broadleaf trees, including impressive oaks, and a particular kind of bamboo grass referred to as ‘kuma-zasa.’ The Noboribetsu Primeval Forest has been acknowledged as a natural monument, underscoring its ecological value and the necessity of conserving such unspoiled ecosystems. The forest functions as a home for diverse flora and animals while enhancing the ambiance of the hot spring resort, resulting in a harmonic integration of natural and artificial components.

East of the hot spring region ascends Mt. Shihorei, providing tourists a perspective to appreciate the stunning allure of Lake Kuttara. Lake Kuttara is acclaimed for its remarkable water clarity, reportedly having the second most pristine waters in Japan. This pristine lake mirrors the surrounding scenery, reflecting the changing seasons and offering a serene environment for contemplation and enjoyment of nature’s marvels.

The most remarkable and emblematic characteristic of Noboribetsu is the Jigoku Valley, properly designated as “Hell Valley” because of its surreal look and sulfurous ambiance. This geological phenomenon is the 450-meter-diameter crater of a volcano, always emitting yellowish-gray volcanic gasses that permeate the rock surface. The pungent odor of sulfur saturates the atmosphere, engendering a vivid sensory experience that evokes a terrain like to legendary representations of hell.

The Jigoku Valley is an active geological location that generates an impressive 3,000 liters of hot water each minute. The continuous flow of thermal water evidences the persistent volcanic activity below the surface and is essential to Noboribetsu’s hot spring environment. The phenomenon of steam ascending from the rugged landscape, along with the vivid hues produced by mineral deposits, provides observers a unique insight into the Earth’s geological mechanisms.