Getting There -- Noboribetsu Onsen is accessible only by bus. The nearest train station is Noboribetsu Station in the town of Noboribetsu, which lies on the main JR train line that runs between Hakodate and Sapporo, a little more than 2 hours from Hakodate and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Sapporo. Fares for an unreserved seat are ¥3,850 ($32/£16) from Sapporo, ¥6,190 ($52/£26) from Hakodate. From Noboribetsu Station it's only a 10- to 15-minute ride to the last stop of Noboribetsu Onsen (¥330/$2.75/£1.35; departures two or more times an hour).
There is also one direct bus from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Onsen costing ¥1,900 ($16/£8) for the 1 3/4-hour trip. Contact Donan Bus (tel. 011/865-5511) for more information.
Visitor Information & Getting Around -- The Noboribetsu Tourist Association (tel. 0143/84-3311; daily 9am-6pm) is on Noboribetsu Onsen's main street, just a minute's walk north of the bus depot (continue up the hill; it will be on your left side with a clock above the door). In addition to a map, ask for the useful pamphlet "A Guide to Walking Trails in Noboribetsu Onsen." You may not encounter anyone who speaks English, but luckily the town is so small you shouldn't have any problem getting around.
