Hello everyone! I am the JoyJapan correspondent! When visiting Hokkaido on a self-guided trip, you definitely cannot miss one of Japan's top ten most popular famous hot springs—Noboribetsu OnsenHere, you'll not only find the "hot spring department store" famed for its abundant daily output of 10,000 tons of hot spring water, but also the breathtaking and powerful volcanic wonder of Hell Valley. After strolling through the hot spring street, feast on tender and juicy grilled mutton at a locally adored Genghis Khan barbecue institution—it is truly the ultimate sensory experience in Hokkaido!

♨️ Noboribetsu Onsen and Jigokudani: Step into the Hot Spring Department Store Where Demons Live

Noboribetsu Onsen has been highly praised since the Edo period, and after hot spring inns were built during the Meiji era, it developed into a nationally renowned health and tourism resort. With a daily output of up to 10,000 tons of spring water and 9 different spring qualities—including sulfur springs and salt springs—it is known as the "department store of hot springs."

As the source of the Noboribetsu Hot Springs, “Hell Valley” is a must-see attraction for every visitor to Noboribetsu. Approximately 10,000 years ago, an eruption of the active Kasayama Volcano formed a crater, creating numerous hot springs and fumaroles across an area of 110,000 square meters.The sight of boiling steam and gushing hot springs rising into the air resembles a “hell inhabited by demons,” which is where the name Jigokudani (Hell Valley) originates.

Walking along the wooden boardwalk trail about 10 minutes around the perimeter and climbing up to the observation deck, you can get a close-up view of the powerful volcanic steam and gushing hot springs. If you walk about 20 minutes further, you can also visit "Taisho Jigoku," a seven-colored hot spring formed by a minor eruption during the Taisho era, and witness firsthand the mysterious landscape nurtured by the Earth.

🥩 Local Hokkaido Farm-to-Table Dish: Genghis Khan-Style Grilled Lamb

When it comes to Hokkaido cuisine, most people’s first thought is fresh seafood, but the home-style dish that locals have enjoyed since childhood is “Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).”This iconic Hokkaido farmhouse dish is said to have evolved from lamb skewers introduced from China. Using a specially designed “Genghis Khan iron skillet,” thick-cut lamb is pan-grilled alongside a generous amount of vegetables, creating a distinctive dry-style teppanyaki dish.

🍖 Top choice in Noboribetsu Onsen Street! Hokkaido BBQ "NOBOJIN"

Located right between the Donan Bus "Noboribetsu Onsen Station" and Jigokudani, "Hokkaido BBQ NOBOJIN," situated in the center of the hot spring district directly across from Enmado, is a renowned Jingisukan (grilled mutton) restaurant sought after by food connoisseurs. Visitors come by choice whether they are planning for lunch or staying at accommodations that do not include dinner. When looking for the restaurant, simply keep an eye out for the highly recognizable cute sheep logo on the sign to arrive.

Premium raw lamb ╳ Exclusive patented Genghis Khan iron pot

Tasting NOBOJIN's raw lamb for the first time often makes people exclaim, "Is this really lamb?". Because the ingredients are exceptionally fresh, there is no gaminess at all, and the meat is extremely tender and juicy. The restaurant uses high-temperature, stable Binchotan charcoal as the heat source, paired with a custom-developed Genghis Khan grill.

This specially designed sloped iron skillet allows oils and fats to flow down smoothly. By spreading vegetables underneath the meat slices, the vegetables fully absorb the essence, juices, and aromas released while grilling the lamb, resulting in a texture that is not only exceptionally delicious but also healthy and guilt-free. The secret to the best flavor is to grill the fresh lamb to just medium-rare (3 minutes / 30% doneness) before enjoying. Dip it in NOBOJIN's special sauce to instantly shatter your preconceptions about lamb.

🥩 Carefully Selected Wagyu Beef and Freshly Shipped Seafood: A Variety of Delicious Dishes to Satisfy Every Craving

In addition to the signature roasted lamb, NOBOJIN also satisfies food lovers craving both "Japanese Wagyu" and "Hokkaido seafood" all at once. The restaurant employs meat specialists to handpick premium beef, allowing customers to enjoy top-grade Wagyu at more affordable prices compared to big cities. As for the seafood, it is directly sourced through the group's network of operated sushi restaurants, ensuring impeccable freshness.

The restaurant offers a wide variety of lunch set meals and rice bowls, as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages including Japanese sake and wine. Chinese menus are available, making it easy for travelers of all ages, including family vacationers, to enjoy a meal.

📋 Hokkaido BBQ NOBOJIN Store Details

Information and images courtesy of: Hokkaido BBQ NOBOJIN / Noboribetsu International Tourism Association / Compiled by the JoyJapan Editorial Department