Hidden Gem in Noboribetsu | Relaxing at the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath

On the morning of Day 4 of our Hokkaido self-drive trip, after finishing breakfast at the Nord Otaru Hotel, we drove to Noboribetsu’s Oyunuma and Jigokudani. Our first stop was the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, where we planned not only to enjoy the scenery but also to soak our feet.

It takes about two hours to drive from the Otaru Canal to Noboribetsu. On the way, we stopped at the Tarumae Roadside Station to take a break and use the restroom. Afterward, we noticed a sign for the entrance to the Mt. Tarumae Observatory. We were a bit tempted to visit, but since it wasn’t in our itinerary, we decided to save it for next time.

After driving into the paid parking lot at Oyunuma, we parked the car and got out. Right next to the parking area, you can see a large swamp-like hot spring pond. The surface temperature is around 40–50°C or even higher. The covered structure nearby is used to collect hot spring water and transport it to nearby hotels for use in their onsen facilities. Because the surrounding area has high temperatures and potentially toxic gases, there are warning signs posted for safety.

Besides heading to the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, we also planned to visit the Oyunuma Observatory. There is a sign right beside the parking lot, and it takes about 7 minutes uphill to reach the observation deck. The trail is easy to walk and very quiet with few visitors along the way. However, many trees partially block the view from the observation deck, so only part of Oyunuma can be seen.

After that, we followed the path toward the natural foot bath area. Walking along the small trail and looking down from above, we could see many visitors soaking their feet in the river below—that was the place we were heading to.

Surprisingly, there were hardly any people along the path, but once we arrived, there were quite a lot of people soaking their feet, mostly foreign tourists. We also took off our shoes and socks, placed them beside us, and sat on the wooden benches while soaking our feet in the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath. The sand and mud in the riverbed felt soft and comfortable, and we didn’t feel any small stones at all.

After soaking our feet for about 15 minutes, we prepared to return to the parking lot and drive to the next attraction. Walking downhill toward the main road and following the road path will lead you back to the Oyunuma parking lot.

Since we passed by the most beautiful spot here—Oyunuma—we naturally stopped to take some photos. The greenish hot spring pond formed by volcanic activity is very beautiful. Because the lighting was excellent that day, the hot spring pool looked even brighter. It’s definitely worth stopping here to enjoy the scenery and relax at a slower pace.

↑ Next, take a look at the video of the Oyunuma River Natural Footbath. Many foreign tourists were soaking their feet, and it wasn’t easy to find a good spot.