Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido! (part 1)

This time we're going to Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido!

Emi set this up as an unguided group tour without a group. In other words, she booked us a cheap tour through a tour agency; that's how we roll! To get to Hokkaido we took the train to Haneda airport and flew to Chitose airport (near Sapporo) then we boarded a hotel shuttle bus for a 1 hour ride to our hotel. 

This is our Hotel "Noboribetsu Sekisuitei" https://www.sekisuitei.com/

The first day of our trip was mainly spent traveling, then waiting, then traveling again. I can honestly say that our hotel has a great onsen bath on the roof and the buffet style dinner and breakfast was outstanding. However, after breakfast we were eager to get out and explore the Noboribetsu area... let's go!

The Oyunuma Promenade begins here.

Emi takes the lead. She's very interested in finding the River Oyunuma Natural Footbath.

And, it's not long before we arrive at the famous River Oyunuma Natural Footbath.

This may look like a typical mountain stream; it is not! The water is 40°C and is a milky white color. Emi quickly took off her shoes and socks and soaked her feet.

This is a very popular place, we were quite surprised that we were the only people here. 

After a nice time soaking our feet we continued along the trail to Oyunuma Pond. This is the source of the water for the foot bath. This is an impressive sight to see. 

Per the internet: Oyunuma is the remains of a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mount Hiwa. The bottom of the pond spews a sulphurous spring of about 130 degrees, which is the source of hot spring water for major hot spring hotels in Noboribetsu.

So, it's safe to say that you don't want to go swimming in the pond.

Not far from the big pond is the much smaller pond "Okunoyu". 

Now we start the uphill walk to the Oyunuma Lookout.

So far the trails are well maintained and easy to walk on.

The view from the Oyunuma Lookout.

All the trails have direction signs and there's also an area map.

We walk through the woods on the trail to "Hell Valley". It's very peaceful here, and we're still all alone.

Well, we're not alone anymore.

From high up on a hill top we get our first view of "Hell Valley".

It's so nice here, I can't believe we're on our way to Hell! 

Welcome to Jigokudani (Hell Valley)!

This place is amazing!

I'm so glad we came here. This place should be on everyone's bucket list.

I would not be surprised to see a dinosaur walking around here. 

Emi's having a good time!

We've been to Hell and back! 

As we continue along the trail we get more views of Hell Valley.

We finally arrive at the place where most people begin their visit to Jigokudani.

Next is a visit to the Sengen Park to see the geyser.

The park is near the center of the Noboribetsu town.

And, here's the geyser. 

Across the street from the Sengen Park is the famous Dai-ichi Takimotokan hotel.

Check out their website: https://takimotokan.co.jp/en/

The town is small. Not a lot to see here.

We did find the Enmadō Shrine. The main attraction is a large animatronic puppet that puts on a show about once an hour. It's a fun show where the puppet changes his face from whit to red and there are great sound effects. 

We have arrived at the center of town! We did some shopping here, you can see what I bought later.

Also near the center of town is the Noboribetsu bus terminal. 

Emi dumped me and went to the Dai-ichi Takimotokan hotel. For 2500 yen one can enjoy bathing in their famous onsen baths. That's what she did while I wondered around and returned (all alone) to our hotel 😒. 

One of the sights to see along the lonely road back to the hotel.

This is the same stream that we had begun the day soaking our feet in.

Back in the hotel room and now you know what I bought at the Seven-Eleven. It's the cheap 7-11 brand red wine! 😃

Later that night in the dinning room we're all smiles and happiness!

Emi enjoys a cream crab dish and I...

Enjoy a whisky highball!

Part 2 is coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Bonus shots!