Many people might consider hot springs a great joy while traveling. This time, we want to introduce you to Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, a must-visit destination for hot spring enthusiasts, and the excellently located hotel there, the "Dai-ichi Takimotokan" !
Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel Booking：Booking.com Agoda Hotels.com
About Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the premier hot spring destinations in Hokkaido and even Japan, offering a rich variety of natural hot springs. It's conveniently located just about an hour away from New Chitose Airport by express train or bus, which adds to its popularity. Thanks to its easy accessibility from overseas, it often attracts many foreign tourists.
Noboribetsu Onsen is renowned not only for its hot springs but also for its tourist attraction called "Jigokudani" or "Hell Valley." This valley is a volcanic crater formed during the eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama, and when you arrive, you'll be amazed that such a landscape exists in Japan! The valley is filled with numerous gushing holes and geysers, and the bubbling and boiling scenery is said to be the "home of demons," giving rise to the name "Hell Valley"
Due to these unique geological features, demon statues and metal rods can be found throughout Noboribetsu Onsen. If you're traveling with children, they might find it a bit intimidating... By the way, there are also hiking trails around Hell Valley, and along the way, there's a "Daio-numa-gawa Natural Footbath," so be sure to bring a towel!
What is the "Dai-ichi Takimotokan"
The "Dai-ichi Takimotokan" is a long-established hot spring inn (ryokan) in Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the top hot spring resorts in the country, with roots dating back to the late Edo period when a carpenter named Kinkura Sohonten arrived here, becoming a witness to the long evolution of Noboribetsu Onsen.
The building where the guest rooms are located is divided into the main building, east wing, west wing, and south wing, so you might get lost inside the complex without consulting a map.
Despite being a historic hotel, it has undergone multiple renovations, giving it the feel of a relatively newer establishment. While the accommodation costs are on the higher side, the building itself is spacious and comfortable. There are plenty of amenities to enjoy, including the massive public baths mentioned below, delectable buffet dining, and, most importantly, close access to the Noboribetsu hot springs.
Compared to some high-end hotels overseas that cost several thousand dollars, the "Dai-ichi Takimotokan" (First Waterfall Main Building) offers excellent value for money! Additionally, there are karaoke, snacks, a piano salon, a game corner, and more, ensuring plenty of entertainment for an extended stay, making it highly suitable for family vacations.
The Standout Feature of Dai-ichi Takimotokan: Enormous Public Bathhouse
The public bath at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan is incredibly spacious, measuring approximately 1500 square meters! You need not worry about overcrowded spaces, making it ideal for guests who value privacy and a premium bathing experience.
An Abundance of Diverse Bathing Experiences
What sets the Dai-ichi Takimotokan is not only the ample space of its public bath but also the opportunity to enjoy five luxurious types of hot springs at any time across 35 different baths, 24 hours a day! By the way, Japan boasts ten types of hot springs, and you can experience half of them here. While Tokyo's super public bathhouses are undoubtedly great, in comparison to the Dai-ichi Takimotokan's public bath, you might find them overcrowded.
The five distinct spring qualities (each with its unique benefits) include sulfur springs (promoting blood circulation), alum springs (suitable for dry skin), acidic copper-green springs (enhancing blood circulation), baking soda springs (nourishing the skin), and salt springs (boosting metabolism). You're free to choose the spring type that best suits your body condition within the public bathhouse.
What's more, from the public bathhouse, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Hell Valley! If you have the means and time, indulging in hot spring therapy for about a week is a perfect choice.
Don't forget the small bath called "Kinkura-no-yu" located in a corner of the open-air bath. The original Kinkura Sohonten came here because his wife had a skin condition, and after undergoing hot spring treatment at Noboribetsu Onsen, her skin improved. "Kinkura-no-yu" is a replica of the bathtub Mr. Kinkura used back then, which is why this hot spring is known as the "Source of Gentleness" and the "Spouse's Love Hot Spring"!
Saunas and Cold Baths Too
The public bathhouse at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan includes indoor baths, open-air baths, saunas, and, of course, cold baths! For sauna enthusiasts, having a place to take a cold dip or enjoy an open-air bath is crucial.
Here you can experience dry saunas and mist saunas! While there aren't reclining options in the open-air baths, there are chairs nearby, making it a pleasant place to sit and soak.
Sipping Alcohol While Soaking
In the open-air baths of the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, you can purchase alcohol on the spot and enjoy a drink while soaking! Sipping on a drink while immersed in the open-air baths is a delightful and relaxing experience, but of course, remember not to overindulge.
Day Trip to The Bathhouse
For a day trip, you can use the Dai-ichi Takimotokan's large bathhouse! The prices are a bit high: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, adults 2,250 yen (children 1,100 yen), 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, adults 1,700 yen (children 825 yen).
If you're not staying in Noboribetsu or are staying at another hotel but want to enjoy the First Waterfall Main Building's public bathhouse, consider participating in a day trip to the bathhouse!
The Hotel Also Features A Pool Area with A Water Slide
The Dai-ichi Takimotokan has not only a large bathhouse but also a swimming pool with a water slide! There's also a children's pool with a depth of 50 centimeters, making it especially enjoyable for kids.
The swimming pool at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan is a 25-meter long pool, perfect for some serious swimming rather than the typical resort hotel pools, which tend to be smaller and more for relaxation. Of course, you can bring your own swimsuit, but if you don't have one, you can rent swimsuits at the First Waterfall Main Building for a fee. The entrance to the pool area is the same as the entrance to the public bathhouse.
Experience the Scent of Drinking Spring Water
The Dai-ichi Takimotokan also offers a spring water drink called "飲泉処ゆのか" which you should try if you're interested. (*Please note that the water fountain is located in a different area from the public bathhouse.)
However, there are some guidelines for drinking spring water, such as consuming 100-200 milliliters per serving, with a daily limit of 200-1000 milliliters. It's best to drink it 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals. Please check the details and enjoy!
Dai-ichi Takimotokan Guest Rooms
The Dai-ichi Takimotokan offers both Japanese-style and Western-style guest rooms, allowing you to choose from various sizes and types based on your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional futon bedding, have trouble sleeping without a bed, need an accessible room, or want to stay with your dog, you're sure to find the perfect room!
From Hokkaido Delicacies to Ethnic Cuisines, Buffet, It Has All!
While you can stay overnight at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan without meals, we highly recommend indulging in the buffet for breakfast and dinner! You can savor a wide variety of dishes, ranging from delicious Hokkaido specialties to ethnic cuisine from Southeast Asia and even ice cream. Crab and steak are particularly popular choices!
It's a perfect delight for those who typically have hearty appetites, and even those who eat lightly may find themselves enjoying a plethora of flavors after warming up in the hot springs. One thing to note during dinner is that beverages are not included and are charged separately, so if you plan to enjoy plenty of drinks or juices, you might want to consider the unlimited drink option!
By the way, the Dai-ichi Takimotokan also houses a soba noodle shop called "Idoyu Soba(いでゆそば)" and a ramen restaurant named "Sapporo Men Kurabu(さっぽろ麺倶楽部)" So, if you're not in the mood for a full meal or are looking for a late-night snack, you have options to choose from!
Momotaro and the Demons in "Daikinbo" Performance
As you walk from the entrance of the Dai-ichi Takimotokan towards the guest rooms, you'll come across a massive "Daikinbo" in front of the local specialty shop "Yuno Machi." This "Daikinbo" stands at 9 meters tall, weighs 10 tons, and is an extremely impressive sight for the hotel. It is constructed with gold leaf, exuding a sense of luxury.
Just its presence alone is awe-inspiring, and previously, it used to perform once every hour, much like "It's a Small World" at Tokyo Disneyland. You could enjoy entertaining puppet performances featuring Momotaro and demons. Unfortunately, as of April 10, 23, the "Daikinbo" held its final performance, but the hotel plans to preserve it as a giant monument in the main building. Meanwhile, Momotaro and the demons will be exhibited in a new gallery space near the elevators of the public bathhouse.
Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel Booking：Booking.com Agoda Hotels.com
Noboribetsu Onsen boasts many excellent inns and hotels, but this time we introduced the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, especially highlighting its prime location that will surely leave you with wonderful memories of your Noboribetsu Onsen journey!
- Dai-ichi Takimotokan（第一滝本館）
- Address: 〒059-0551 Hokkaido, Noboribetsu, Noboribetsuonsencho, ５５ Google Map
- Access:
- From No. 10 of Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, Take the "Express Onsen-go" for a direct ride to the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- From New Chitose Airport Domestic Terminal, board the "Express Noboribetsu Onsen Airport-go" at Bus Stops No. 29 and 2 for a direct journey to the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- From Noboribetsu Station, take a bus to either "Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal" or "Dai-ichi Takimotokan" , which will take about 15 minutes.
- Opening Hours: Check-in at 14:00 / Check-out at 10:00
- Official Website: https://takimotokan.co.jp/
