Noboribetsu (登別市) is a name of city in Iburi, Hokkaidō, Japan. Noboribetsu located in southwestern Hokkaido in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, directly south of Sapporo city, and since it runs along the coast and is surrounded by beautiful forested hills.

Noboribetsu is a name from the local Ainu language which means “a cloudy river tinged with white.” Noboribetsu is famous for its hot spring resort (onsen) and the Hell Valley (地獄谷 Jigokudani) sulphurous volcanic pits and geysers, the ninja village and Bear Park. Like most coastal parts of Japan, Noboribetsu is also famed for it’s gourmet spread of seafood . which includes cod roe, salmon roe and Onikama a type of boiled fish paste.

Located on the Pacific Ocean side of Hokkaido and close to Muroran, Noboribetsu has various places to visit and is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort areas. It was founded on September 13, 1869, has an approximate population of 54,039 with a total area of 212.11 km2. Noboribetsu is a part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Noboribetsu hot spring has over 10 different kinds of water, containing minerals such as hydrogen sulfide, salt, and iron. The quality of these minerals results in the spa being ranked among the world’s most exceptional hot springs.

How to access Noboribetsu ?

Access to Noboribestu via train to Noboribetsu Station takes approximately one hour and ¥3850 from Sapporo. Donan and Chuo Bus Companies operate eleven direct buses per day from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu. The one way trip costs ¥1900 and takes between two and three hours. If driving from Sapporo or Shin Chitose Airport, the fastest way is using the Doo Expressway, then taking the “Noboribetsu Higashi” exit. The distance From Sapporo, is about one hundred (100) km and the expressway toll for a family car is approximately ¥3000.

Nearby Cities from Noboribetsu :

Sapporo, Japan [34.6 miles]
Aomori, Japan [98.3 miles]
Niseko, Japan [32.3 miles]
Otaru, Japan [43.3 miles]

Main Attraction in Noboribetsu :
1. Hot Springs. About Noboribetsu’s hot spring baths.
2. Jigokudani . Hell valley – displaying volcanic activities.
3. Shiraoi Town – Porotokotan. Good Ainu museum near Noboribetsu.
4. Lake Toya. Site of Mount Usu, an active volcano.

Noboribetsu photos and pictures, a nice scenery

Noboribetsu’s main shopping belt

Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Noboribetsu Hot Spring

Noboribetsu Ropeway Station to Bear Park, one of the main tourist attractions

Noboribetsu Bear Park

Ninja Village Date Jidai Mura Ninja Theme Park

samurai at Date Jidai Mura Ninja

Noboribetsu Date Jidai Mura Outdoor ninja show Video here

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Shirakawa-go (白川郷, “White River Old-District”) is the name of village in the Shogawa river valley stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in northern Japan. Shirakawa-go cannot be seperated with the other historic villages Gokayama (五箇山, “Five Mountains”).

Both Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are under UNESCO world heritage site since 1995, and the places are very popular nowadays as a traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Shirakawa-go’s largest village and main attraction may be is Ogimachi.

Shirakawa-go has many events every day, here is the list of events including the event schedule

Events The time of the year
1. Harukoma – New Year
2. Syougo – End of February
3. Kumagari – Middle of March ～ Middle of April
4. Gassho roof’s rethatch – Beginning of April
5. Cherry tree flowering season – End of April ～　Beginning of May
6. Skunk cabbage flowering season- End of April ～　End of May
7. The season of fresh green – Middle of May ～　End of June
8. Hakusan Super woodland path’ access starts – Beginning of June ～　Middle of June
9. Hakusan’s the opening of a mountain – 20th of July ～　31st of August
10. Oosirakawa Camping place – 14th of August ～　17th of August
11. Bon Festival dance – 25th 26th of September, 10th of October
12. Doburoku Festival – 14th of October ～　19th of October
13. Autumnal leaves – Middle of October ～　Beginning of November
14. Mekaki – End of October ～　Middle of November
15. Houonkou – December ～　End of March
16. Snowfall – End of December ～　End of March
17. Skiing – End of December ～　End of March

Hotels, Guesthouse, and nightstay in Shirakawa-go. Here is some of the best hotel in Shirakawa-go :

1. Mihoro Ryokan
Situated in high level of Syou River, and it is Shirakawa-go’s South entryway. The hotel is old and good appearance relaxing mode tourist home and it has used dismantle Colony sank under the Mihoro lake and reconstruct it.
Address： 126 – 3 Maki Shirakawa village Oono-Gun

2. Hatago Shirayama Hotel
At this hotel, good quality hot spring, and eaten Hida Beef or river fishes with hearth’s charcoal fire is the main things of the hotel. The dishes are used particular food and seasonable, and also Jizake (local sake) and Reisyu with 3 years old Sake are available with Kappo Sake (bamboo Sake). Stubborn landlord, and beautiful landlady are waiting for you at the hotel.
Address： 126-100 Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

3. Yu-no-Sato
The hotel’s style can’t be seen in Shirakawa-go with unusual ceiling-well that dismantle Fukui’s fishermen’s boss’s building and reconstruct it. Hills and waters and the natural hot spring are the charm of family accommodation

4. Fujiya Ryokan
“The hotel which protects the Japanese secret hot springs” The inside bath and the outdoor hot springs are entire Hinoki (Japanese cypress) making that is what hotel can proud of!! It helps to bring the good quality out of Hot springs. Also bath time of returning on the same day is possible, so as four seasons’ holiday making, you are welcome to our hotel.
Address： 303-16 Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

5. Jyuemon
It is Gassho Style Inn that has 300 years history.
Address： 2653 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

6. Inn Bunroku
The Inn is backed by the superb view of mountain. How about having a meal with the birds twittering, and watching the pond’s Koi (carp). You can enjoy the therapeutic walk in the forest even staying in the Inn. You might get the welcome words from cows
Address： 911 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

7. himizu
Our Inn has 200 years history of Gassho style. It is situated in inside of the Gassho Colony, but it is bit out of center so quieter Inn.
Address： 2613 Ogimachi Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

Shirakawa-go Photos :

Dining room of a gassho-zukuri farmhouse

Kikori Souvernir shop. The most spacious souvenir shop in Shirakawa village. Located at Ogimachi south exit, and the next door on both sides are a dining room Tyube and Life museum.

Ogimachi Village, the largest village at Shirakawago

Hatago Shirayama Hotel at Hirase Shirakawa Village Oono-gun

World heritage Shirakawa-go Gassho-styled village. An antique village registered as a world heritage. The 112 Gassho-styled houses are a faithful remnant of old Japanese scenery.

Watch Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Video here

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