Noboribetsu actually comprises the nearby towns of Noboribetsu, Horobetsu and Washibetsu. However, for most visitors the main target is the hot spring village of '''Noboribetsu Onsen''' (_o______), 6 km inland from Noboribetsu itself. The vast majority of (Japanese) tourists are drawn to the 11 types of water found in the local hot springs. Water contains sulfur and iron.
The nearest airport is Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, served by Donan Bus [http://www.donanbus.co.jp] direct to Noboribetsu (\1,170). You can also take a train directly from the airport.
Noboribetsu is located on the JR Muroran Line between Oshamambe and Tomakomai.
Several limited express trains stop at Noboribetsu: The '''Hokuto''' and '''Super Hokuto''', on runs between Hakodate and Sapporo, and the '''Suzuran''', on runs between Sapporo and Higashi-Muroran.
From Sapporo, Noboribetsu can be reached by limited express in about one hour at a cost of \4160. The run from Hakodate to Noboribetsu is about 2 1/4 hours at a cost of \6500.
Noboribetsu is also served by overnight trains: The '''Cassiopeia''' and '''Hokutosei''' trains to and from Ueno Station in Tokyo, the '''Twilight Express''' to and from Kyoto and Osaka in Kansai, and the '''Hamanasu''' express to and from Aomori.
The main sights of Noboribetsu Onsen can be seen easily on foot. Sensible footwear is highly advisable as this area gets a lot of snow. Some of the paths around Hell Valley can be impassable even in Spring.
Get wet! The area boasts a huge number of hot spring resorts in all shapes and sizes. The majority are within walking distance from the bus station. If staying overnight it is de rigeur to wander around town dressed in yukata.
The town has plenty of souvenir shops and there is an abundance of demon related paraphernalia to take home. Bath salts are also very popular. Keep an eye out for locally made beer, the cans come in blue or red and have a demon motif.