Noboribetsu, Japan

Noboribetsu is a town in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Hokkaido, Japan . 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 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. Nobiribetsu Onsen is the most popular onsen resort in Hokkaidô, boasting over 30 hotels and bath houses clustered tightly together along a narrow, winding street, but it's not as atmospheric as you might expect – with convenience stores, hotels and souvenir shops packed with fun sculptures of animals and demons. The water originates from a volcanic sulphurous ‘hell' not far above. Some of the higher-end spas are as nice as Japan has to offer. There are various interesting hikes around the surrounding hills and sulphur vents. The tourist association office (84-3311; 60 Noboribetsu onsen machi; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun) has English maps, hotel locations and good English info on the bathing hours.