If you want to go for a day-trip Onsen (hot spring) from Sapporo, Noboribetsu is one of the possible location with a variety of hot springs with healing effects. You may drive, take a bus or train from Sapporo to Noboribetsu. In the winter, I would prefer the JR train which will be less likely to be interrupted by bad weather condition such as snow storms. It is comfortable and safe. It takes about 100 minutes from Sapporo to  Noboribetsu JR station. Then a 15 minute bus to the onsen street. The Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a not-to-be-missed attraction which is only 20 minutes away from the onsen street. On the way up to the Hell Valley, two giant onsen demons in red and blue color holding spiked bats will be waiting for you by the roadside. These hot spring demons are built for driving the evil spirit away, bringing health and happiness to people. Just follow the main road, you will arrive at the Noboribetsu Jigokudani scenery forest. There are wooden paths that leads you to different view points. And you can get closed to the hottest…