A Perfect Guide to Hot Springs Near Sapporo โ Noboribetsu and Jozankei 2026
Everything about hot springs near Sapporo โ from Hokkaido's largest hot spring area, Noboribetsu Hell Valley, to the ryokans near Sapporo in Jozankei. I've compiled tips on outdoor baths, routes, and hot springs from a Korean traveler's perspective.
๐ค Translated automatically by AI (GPT-4o-mini). Reviewed periodically.
Adding hot springs to your Sapporo trip deepens your journey. From Hokkaido's largest hot spring area, Noboribetsu, to the nearby Jozankei โ the ambiance is especially charming in the snowy winter. To sum it up: the representative hot springs near Sapporo are Noboribetsu (Hell Valley, various mineral types) โ Jozankei (ryokans near Sapporo). I've organized the features, routes, and tips for you.
Overview
- Noboribetsu (็ปๅฅ): Hokkaido's largest hot spring area, Hell Valley, various mineral types
- Jozankei (ๅฎๅฑฑๆธ): The closest hot spring village to Sapporo, famous for autumn foliage and ryokans
- Access: Noboribetsu is about 1.5 hours by bus from Sapporo, Jozankei is about 1 hour
- Recommendation: Hot spring enthusiasts should choose Noboribetsu, while those looking for a lighter experience can opt for Jozankei
- Tip: The winter outdoor bath (้ช่ฆ้ขจๅ) is a highlight of Hokkaido's hot springs
Noboribetsu โ Hokkaido's Largest Hot Spring Area
Noboribetsu is a representative hot spring village in Hokkaido.
- Hell Valley (ๅฐ็่ฐท): A landscape where sulfur steam rises from volcanic craters, symbolizing Noboribetsu
- Various mineral types: You can enjoy several types of hot springs, such as sulfur and saline springs, all in one place, earning it the nickname 'hot spring department store'
- Large hot spring ryokans and hotels are gathered here, making it perfect for an overnight hot spring stay
Jozankei โ Hot Spring Village Near Sapporo
This hot spring village is about an hour from downtown Sapporo. Many ryokans are nestled in the valleys, and it is also famous for its autumn foliage. Itโs a great choice for a quick hot spring experience even on a tight schedule, making it ideal for day trips or one-night stays from Sapporo.
How to Enjoy Hot Springs โ Tips
- Outdoor bath in the snow (้ช่ฆ้ขจๅ): Soaking in a warm outdoor bath while watching the winter snow is the pinnacle of Hokkaido's hot springs
- Overnight at a ryokan: A kaiseki dinner + overnight stay at a hot spring is the essence of a hot spring trip
- Tattoos: Some hot springs restrict entry for those with tattoos, so check in advance
- Hot spring etiquette: Wash your body before entering the bath, and do not submerge your towel in the water
Where to Stay
A hot spring trip is all about staying at a ryokan or hot spring hotel. You can stay at hot spring ryokans in Noboribetsu or Jozankei, or base yourself in downtown Sapporo for a day trip. Check out the cards below to compare hotels in Sapporo.
For the entire travel itinerary, see the 4-Day, 5-Night Sapporo and Otaru Course, and for food recommendations, check the Sapporo Food Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which hot spring near Sapporo is the best?
Noboribetsu, with its variety of hot springs and attractions (like Hell Valley), is the top choice. If you want a quick and easy experience from Sapporo, Jozankei is great.
Q2. How long does it take from Sapporo?
Noboribetsu takes about 1.5 hours by bus, while Jozankei takes about 1 hour. Jozankei is suitable for day trips, while I recommend an overnight stay in Noboribetsu.
Q3. Is it good to go in winter?
Winter is actually the best season. Soaking in an outdoor bath while watching the snow, known as 'yukimiburo,' is a charm of Hokkaido's hot springs. The harmony of warm baths and snowy scenery is exquisite.
Q4. Can I go to the hot springs if I have tattoos?
Some hot springs and ryokans restrict entry for those with tattoos. Check before you visit, or choose a ryokan with private outdoor baths for more freedom.