Best Winter Activities in Noboribetsu
What are the best winter activities in Noboribetsu?
If you are visiting Noboribetsu in winter, you are probably heading to the onsen baths. While the world-renowned baths are not to be missed, Noboribetsu has other winter activities that you should add to your itinerary!
Here are some of the best winter activities in Noboribetsu, hand-picked by Nobo Tours!
1. Snowshoeing
If you enjoy the snow, but you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, then you should give snowshoeing a try. Snowshoeing allows you to walk in deep snow without sinking. It is a fun, enjoyable activity that requires little skill and makes for a good winter activity.
Noboribetsu is located near Orofure Pass, a mountain pass that connects Noboribetsu to Lake Toya. Due to its elevation, deep powdery snow accumulates every winter, turning it into a winter wonderland. As the snow falls it sticks to the birch trees, they then get heavier and heavier until they start leaning over, forming huge ‘snow monsters’.
One of the most magical spots is Noboribetsu’s very own ice cave, an abandoned mine cave located deep in the mountains. For about 10 weeks every winter, human-sized ice stalactites and stalagmites are formed, covering the ceiling and floor. Some of these ice formations can be up to 4 high!
Lake Tachibana, a volcanic lake nestled in the mountains near Noboribetsu, is another great spot to snowshoe to. Every winter, the whole lake freezes over, and surrounding rocks become covered in ice, creating beautiful ice formations. This area is also home to an abundance of wildlife, with tracks from deer, foxes, and raccoons regularly seen.
2. Natural Foot Bath
If you are visiting Noboribetsu Onsen, you probably already going to visit an onsen. But did you know that there is a free footbath onsen? This footbath is filled by water flowing from Oyunuma Hot Spring pond located about 200m away. The water temperature is about 40 degrees Celcius, perfect to rest your feet in after walking. Mats are provided free for you to sit on, but make sure to bring a small towel to dry your feet after.
Oyunuma Hot Spring pond is where the water bubbles to the surafce. The water temperature is 130 degrees Celcius! During winter the path accessing the pond is closed, but the footbath is still open.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding
If you fancy trying out skiing or snowboarding whilst visiting Noboribetsu, then you should visit San Laiva Ski resort. This small ski slope is just 20 minutes from Noboribetsu Onsen and has regular buses that drop you off right in front of the ski slope.
Currently, two lifts are in operation. The third lift that goes to the very top is out of order. The ski slope is never crowded and is very cheap compared to other resorts. If you have a free morning or afternoon, this makes for a great winter activity.
Check out prices and lift times on their website:
Conclusion
Noboribetsu is definitely a destination for relaxing and wellbeing. That said, some of Hokkaido’s best winter scenery is just a short drive away. Get away from the crowds and escape into some of the best winter landscapes this winter!
If you’re interested in snowshoeing, Nobo Tours provides snowshoeing tours to the places mentioned in this blog. For more details, click the highlighted link.
Enjoy your winter!