Daiichi Takimotokan: Noboribetsu's Legendary Onsen Hotel with 35+ Bath Types

Why Daiichi Takimotokan Is Noboribetsu's Flagship Onsen

Daiichi Takimotokan (第一滝本館) has been the centerpiece of Noboribetsu Onsen (登別温泉) since 1858, making it one of the oldest operating hot spring hotels in Hokkaido. Located in the volcanic Noboribetsu valley on Hokkaido's southern coast, the hotel sits adjacent to Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the active geothermal area that feeds the town's hot springs.

What makes Daiichi Takimotokan unusual is scale. According to MAIKOYA, the hotel has 399 rooms and a bathing complex of 1,860 square meters featuring approximately 35 baths fed by seven different natural hot spring sources. This is not a quiet boutique ryokan — it is closer to an onsen theme park. For travelers comparing large-scale Japanese onsen properties, see our overview of Kanagawa ryokan options including hotels like Hotel Okada in Hakone.

The hotel caters to both domestic Japanese travelers and international visitors. English signage is available throughout, and the front desk handles inquiries in English. The atmosphere is more hotel than traditional inn — expect bustling common areas, multiple dining options, and a shopping arcade within the building.

The 35 Baths: What Makes the Bathing Experience Unique

Seven Hot Spring Sources and Their Mineral Types

Daiichi Takimotokan draws from seven different natural hot spring sources, each with distinct mineral compositions and temperatures. According to Agoda, the approximately 35 baths include sulfur springs, iron springs, salt springs, and others — each offering different skin benefits and bathing sensations.

The variety is the point. Most onsen hotels offer one or two spring types. Daiichi Takimotokan lets you move between distinctly different waters in a single visit, from milky sulfur baths to clear mineral springs. The mineral compositions mean the water color, texture, and smell change noticeably as you move between pools.

Indoor and Outdoor Baths: Layout and Navigation

The bathing complex spans multiple floors with both indoor pools and outdoor rotenburo (露天風呂, open-air baths). The outdoor baths face the forested mountainside, with views toward Jigokudani's steaming landscape. For a comparison with another large-scale onsen experience, see our review of Hotel Okada's large-scale onsen in Hakone.

The property is large enough that navigation can be confusing. Pick up the bath map at check-in — it shows which baths are where, which spring types they use, and current operating hours. Not all 35 baths are necessarily open simultaneously; some rotate on schedules or close for maintenance.

Standard onsen etiquette applies: wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering any bath, no swimwear, and keep your small towel out of the water. The communal baths are gender-separated, with the men's and women's sides swapping periodically so all guests can experience every bath over a multi-night stay.

Day-Trip Bathing Without an Overnight Stay

You do not need to stay overnight to use the baths. According to the Japan Ryokan Association, day-trip bathing costs ¥2,250 (~$15) per person. A meal plan with a private room is also available for an additional fee. Specific daytime hours are not published consistently — contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability.

Room Types and What to Expect

Japanese-Style Tatami Rooms

Traditional tatami rooms with futon bedding are the most common option. These rooms follow standard ryokan format: tatami flooring, a low table, yukata robes, and futon bedding set up by staff in the evening. Room sizes vary, but most accommodate 2–4 guests.

The rooms are functional rather than luxurious. Some travelers note that the older wing rooms show their age, while renovated rooms are more polished. If room condition matters to you, request a renovated room at the time of booking.

Western-Style and Hybrid Rooms

Daiichi Takimotokan also offers Western-style rooms with beds and hybrid rooms that combine tatami space with Western furniture. These options suit travelers who prefer not to sleep on futon on the floor. Hybrid rooms are a good compromise for mixed groups.

Dining and Meal Plans

Most stays include a meal plan — either half-board (dinner only) or full-board (dinner and breakfast). Dining options include buffet-style restaurants and, depending on the plan, more formal course-style meals.

The hotel does not publish detailed meal plan information online. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, contact the hotel directly before your stay at +81-143-84-2111. Given the hotel's scale, meal times during peak periods (summer holidays, autumn foliage season) can be crowded — plan accordingly.

The Yunomachi (湯の町) shopping arcade inside the hotel sells local Hokkaido products, snacks, and souvenirs. Hours are 8:00–11:00 and 14:00–22:00, according to the official Takimotokan website.

Prices and How to Book

Rates at Daiichi Takimotokan range from approximately ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 (~$135–275) per night, based on 2025 vendor data from MAIKOYA. Prices vary significantly by room type, season, and meal plan. Winter and autumn foliage periods are typically the most expensive.

Option	Price	Notes
Standard room (1 night, meals included)	¥20,000–40,000 (~$135–275)	Varies by season, room type
Day-trip bathing only	¥2,250 (~$15)	No overnight stay required

Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM. Booking is available through the official website, by phone (+81-143-84-2111), or through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia.

Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons — particularly summer (July–August), autumn foliage (October), and winter snow season (December–February). With 399 rooms the hotel rarely sells out completely, but popular room types go first.

Getting to Daiichi Takimotokan from Sapporo

By JR train (most common):

1. Take the JR Super Hokuto or Suzuran limited express from Sapporo Station to JR Noboribetsu Station — approximately 70–90 minutes
2. From JR Noboribetsu Station, take a bus or taxi to the hotel — about 15 minutes

The total journey from central Sapporo is roughly 1.5–2 hours.

By car: Take the Hokkaido Expressway to Noboribetsu Higashi Interchange, then about 10 minutes to the hotel. Free parking is available for 100 vehicles, according to the Japan Ryokan Association.

From New Chitose Airport: The hotel is 54.8 km from New Chitose Airport, approximately 50–75 minutes by car or bus. Direct bus services operate between the airport and Noboribetsu Onsen during peak seasons.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and Nearby Attractions

Jigokudani (地獄谷, Hell Valley) is approximately 8 minutes' walk from the hotel. This volcanic crater features steaming vents, boiling pools, and a boardwalk trail through the geothermal landscape. The "hell" in the name refers to the dramatic volcanic scenery — steaming sulfurous vents and bubbling mud pools that give the area an otherworldly appearance. Entry is free.

Noboribetsu Onsen town is compact and walkable. Beyond Jigokudani, attractions include Oyunuma (a hot lake), the Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (a ninja and samurai theme village), and seasonal events. The hotel offers bicycle lending for exploring the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Daiichi Takimotokan just for day bathing?

Yes. Day-trip bathing costs ¥2,250 (~$15) per person with no overnight stay required. A meal plan with a private room is available for an additional fee. Specific operating hours for day visitors vary — contact the hotel at +81-143-84-2111 to confirm before visiting.

How far is Daiichi Takimotokan from Sapporo?

About 70–90 minutes by JR limited express train from Sapporo Station to JR Noboribetsu Station, then 15 minutes by bus or taxi to the hotel. The total journey is roughly 1.5–2 hours. Driving takes a similar amount of time via the Hokkaido Expressway.

Are all 35 baths open at the same time?

Not necessarily. Some baths may close for maintenance or operate on rotating schedules. The hotel provides a bath map at check-in showing which baths are currently open. The men's and women's bathing areas swap periodically so guests can experience all baths over a multi-night stay.

Is Daiichi Takimotokan suitable for families with children?

Yes. The large-scale property accommodates families well, with spacious rooms, buffet dining options, and a variety of baths. The Yunomachi shopping arcade inside the hotel offers snacks and souvenirs. With 399 rooms, the hotel is designed for groups and families, not exclusively couples or solo travelers.

Is Jigokudani (Hell Valley) within walking distance?

Yes. Jigokudani is approximately 8 minutes' walk from the hotel entrance. It is Noboribetsu's primary attraction — a volcanic crater with steaming vents, boiling pools, and a free boardwalk trail. The hotel's hot spring water originates from this geothermal area.