How to travel between Noboribetsu and Tokyo
By air:
The fastest way to access Noboribetsu from Tokyo is by plane via Sapporo's Shin-Chitose Airport:
1) How to get from Tokyo to Shin-Chitose Airport
2) How to get from Shin-Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu
By daytime trains:
From Tokyo, take a hayate train on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to its terminus in Hachinohe (3 hours). Then, take the JR Hakucho limited express to Hakodate (3 hours) and finally the JR Hokuto limited express to Noboribetsu Station (2.5 hours).
The entire one way trip costs about 21,000 Yen and takes around 9.5 hours. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on the hayate shinkansen between Tokyo and Hachinohe.
Budget travelers with lots of time may consider the seasonally available Hokkaido & Higashinihon Pass for the trip.
By night train:
One or two night trains (more during peak seasons) operate daily between Tokyo's Ueno Station and Sapporo in each direction, stopping at Noboribetsu Station along the way. The one way trip takes 14-15 hours and costs around 24,000 yen per person in the cheapest berth.
Note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the expense for a berth (from around 6000 Yen), the limited express fee (about 3000 Yen) and a supplement for partially using non-JR tracks (about 3000 Yen) on night trains between Tokyo and Noboribetsu.
View our night train information page for more details.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
JR Noboribetsu Station is located in the city's urban center close to the coast, while the hot spring town and Jigokudani are a 15 minute car, taxi or bus ride from the station inland into the hills. A taxi ride costs around 800 yen, while a bus ride costs 330 yen one way. There are about one to two buses per hour.
