Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations, conveniently located just under a two-hour drive from Sapporo.
Among the accommodations in Noboribetsu Onsen, the most popular is the Dai-ichi Takimotokan.
With 387 guest rooms, a massive public bath drawing from five hot spring sources, a heated swimming pool, and various souvenir shops resembling a small town, it offers extensive facilities.
It is especially recommended for families traveling with children.
Standard Guest Rooms at Dai-ichi Takimotokan
The striking and massive building of Dai-ichi Takimotokan is a standout in Noboribetsu Onsen Town.
It’s unclear whether it was designed this way initially or expanded over time, but its unique, cube-like structure is fascinating.
The large lobby is spacious with high ceilings, reflecting the scale of this grand ryokan.
Our room was located at a fair distance from the reception, so we wandered through the extensive hallways to reach it.
A giant replica of a metal club, inspired by the demon symbolism of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), adds a quirky touch, surrounded by shops resembling a small town.
The standard guest room we stayed in was comfortable, albeit not particularly special.
The room was equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, electric kettle, water, and glasses.
The bathroom appeared newly renovated and was exceptionally clean.
For those seeking more luxury, there are premium rooms and accommodations with private open-air baths.
The Grand Bathhouse: 1,500 Tsubo of Spa Indulgence
The highlight of Dai-ichi Takimotokan is its enormous grand bathhouse, boasting unmatched space and abundant hot spring water.
The spacious baths offer a magnificent view of Jigokudani, making for an unforgettable experience.
*Please note: The women’s bath area is partially obscured by trees for privacy considerations.*
Out of the 10 types of hot spring waters found in Japan, you can experience 5 of them here.
- Sulfur Spring
- Sodium Sulfate Spring
- Acidic Ferruginous Spring
- Salt Spring
- Sodium Bicarbonate Spring
The bathhouse features 35 baths and is open 24 hours a day.
Guests can enjoy a variety of baths, including the milky sulfur spring, the iron-scented sodium bicarbonate spring, as well as facilities like a dry sauna, mist sauna, and cold bath.
There’s also an outdoor bath where you can soak while feeling the crisp Hokkaido air. Amazingly, they even offer alcohol service, allowing you to enjoy sake while gazing at the snow—an experience known as “yukimi-zake.”
*Note: Alcohol and bathing can be hazardous, so please enjoy responsibly. However, sipping sake while admiring the snowy scenery of Noboribetsu is truly a special experience.*
Although our child was a bit scared and we couldn’t fully enjoy it this time, families with children might also find the heated swimming pool enjoyable.
Buffet-Style Dinner and Breakfast, with Room Service Options
Meals at Dai-ichi Takimotokan are available in various plans, including in-room dining, dining at the on-site restaurant, or buffet-style meals.
We opted for the buffet option, which was convenient for our family with a young child.
The buffet includes a variety of international dishes, thanks to the diverse backgrounds of the staff, many of whom are from other parts of Asia.
Of course, there’s also a seafood corner where you can create your own seafood rice bowl.
Depending on the season, there are stations offering freshly grilled steaks and tempura. While the buffet isn’t particularly exceptional, it offers a solid and enjoyable dining experience.
Breakfast is also served buffet-style.
The buffet format allows you to pick and choose your favorite dishes. This is great for picky eaters, especially children, as they’re likely to find something they’ll enjoy.
During dinner, our 1.5-year-old child had a bit of a meltdown, but the staff were attentive and extremely helpful. We’re very grateful for their kindness.
Access and Basic Information for Dai-ichi Takimotokan
Dai-ichi Takimotokan is located just before Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu.
After checking in, we recommend visiting Jigokudani while it’s still daylight.
The volcanic landscape offers a unique and captivating view that’s hard to find elsewhere.
From Sapporo, the drive to Dai-ichi Takimotokan takes just under two hours, and it’s about an hour from New Chitose Airport. You can also access it via train and bus if needed.
Basic Information for Dai-ichi Takimotokan:
| Facility Name | Dai-ichi Takimotokan |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0120-940-489 (10:00–17:30) |
| Address | 55 Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido |
| Check-in/Check-out | 14:00 / 10:00 (11:00 for Premium Class) |
| Hot Spring Types |
|
| Website | Official: Dai-ichi Takimotokan Official |
Enjoy Noboribetsu’s Hot Springs at Dai-ichi Takimotokan
If you’re looking to experience a wide variety of hot spring types in a spacious and luxurious bathhouse, Dai-ichi Takimotokan is a highly recommended choice.
With kid-friendly amenities like a swimming pool and game corner, it’s an excellent option for families. For adults seeking a quieter meal experience, in-room dining or restaurant plans might be better than the buffet.
We visited in autumn before the snow had fallen, but next time, we’d love to return in winter to enjoy a hot spring soak with a snowy view!
