Uncover Shionoyu Onsen's HIDDEN Secrets: Noboribetsu's BEST Kept Hot Spring!
Uncover Shionoyu Onsen's HIDDEN Secrets: Noboribetsu's BEST Kept Hot Spring! - My Honest (and Slightly Unhinged) Review!
Okay, friends, let's be real. I've been chasing the perfect onsen experience for years. Think Lost in Translation meets Eat, Pray, Love… but with fewer existential crises (hopefully) and way more ramen. So, I booked a stay at Uncover Shionoyu Onsen in Noboribetsu, because, hey, "hidden secrets" and "BEST kept" are like catnip to a travel journalist. Did it live up to the hype? Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a wild ride.
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First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a hotel that doesn't make you feel like you're climbing Everest to get to your room. Uncover Shionoyu Onsen? Solid. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Check. They've clearly put some thought into facilities for disabled guests, which earns major brownie points in my book. Getting around felt easy, not like some contorted obstacle course.
Arrival & First Impressions:
The drive up to Noboribetsu is already magical. Seriously, the landscape is breathtaking. And then… you pull up to this hotel, tucked away… and suddenly, I felt this… anticipation. This quiet hum of excitement. I knew I was in for something special. The security [24-hour] made me feel safe, but it wasn't obtrusive. The front desk [24-hour] staff was lovely, and the check-in/out [express] process was a breeze. Even better, the contactless check-in/out option made me feel extra secure in this pandemic-riddled world.
Rooms & Comfort - A Deep Dive (and Some Ramblings!):
Alright, the room. Oh, the room. I booked a "standard" room, but it felt far from standard. First off: Wi-Fi [free] – bless their souls. And Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a necessity in this day and age. The internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN options were welcome, making it super easy to post my Instagram stories (because priorities!).
My room had the mandatory air conditioning, a huge plus when you're coming in from the sulfur-tinged steam, the blackout curtains (essential for beating jet lag), bathrobes (obvious comfort, yes, but essential!), and, the pièce de résistance, a separate shower/bathtub. I'm a bathtub person - that's my truth. I spent approximately 48 hours in that tub, reading and sipping tea like a proper spa-goer. Also, the complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea maker? Genius. They really thought of everything.
But here's where I get really excited. Remember the extra-long bed? Sigh. The bed was heavenly. The linens were crisp and clean. The room decorations? Subtle, elegant. The soundproofing? Absolutely perfect. Even the slippers were top-notch! Seriously, I may or may not have stolen (ahem, borrowed) a pair. Don't judge me.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Near-Meltdown Over the Breakfast Buffet!)
Okay, let's talk food. Because for me, a good hotel is mostly about the food. Uncover Shionoyu Onsen offers a veritable feast. Restaurants? Plural. Asian cuisine in restaurant? You got it. International cuisine in restaurant? Yep. Western cuisine in restaurant? And they do it well.
The breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. I'm talking a full-blown culinary adventure. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, it has it all. They even had vegetarian options. The coffee/tea in restaurant was delightful. The only problem? I overate. Badly. I nearly had a full-blown, post-buffet existential crisis realizing I had consumed enough food for a small army. But hey, it was delicious, so… worth it? Maybe. Okay, definitely worth it.
For dinner, I opted for the a la carte in restaurant experience. The food was divine, with fresh ingredients and expertly prepared dishes. The happy hour at the bar was a great way to wind down after a long day of onsen-ing (yes, that's a verb now). I also loved that they offered a bottle of water, even in the room.
And the room service [24-hour]? Because let's be real, sometimes you just need ramen in your bathrobe at 2 AM. They also offer alternative meal arrangement, and breakfast in room, a great option.
Onsen & Relaxation - The Real Reason We're Here (And the Moments of Pure Bliss):
Alright, the piece de resistance: the onsen. This is the moment you've been waiting for. This is the reason you book a hotel like this. And yeah, it lived up to the hype.
Pool with view? Absolutely. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check, check, check, and check!
The onsen itself was magical. The water was the PERFECT temperature. The air was thick with steam. I could feel my muscles melting with every dip. I spent hours soaking, staring at the view, and just… existing. There was a weird sort of quiet understanding between all of us there – we'd all come for the same thing: to relax.
They also offer Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I missed out on these because I was too busy bathing. I also noticed that the spa even had a couple's room.
What’s even better? After my long, luxurious soak, I took full advantage of the poolside bar. Sipping on a mocktail, watching the sunset. Pure. Bliss.
I won't bore you with the details, but the entire spa experience was fantastic. My skin felt AMAZING afterward. The ultimate zen.
Beyond the Baths - Stuff to do (And Getting a Tiny Bit Competitive):
Okay, while the onsen is the main draw, there’s more to the hotel. They had a Fitness center, which I glanced at. (I'm on vacation, people!). I also noticed a gym/fitness offered. I did however, fully enjoy the Foot bath, outside.
They offered a gift/souvenir shop that I quickly browsed. They also had a shrine, for a little bit of cultural immersion, but frankly, I was too busy being a waterlogged potato. There was also a convenience store onsite. Super practical.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Pandemic Edition:
Let’s get real. In this day and age, safety is paramount. Uncover Shionoyu Onsen gets top marks for cleanliness. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, individually-wrapped food options, and implemented physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays gave me peace of mind. They provided a sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and staff trained in safety protocol.
They went the extra mile. I found that the anti-viral cleaning products made me feel safer. The extra steps were impressive.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and the Annoying Ones!):
They offer a ton of conveniences, including daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations, and the luggage storage was a lifesaver. They also offer a car park [free of charge].
They also offer a safe dining setup and a doctor/nurse on call. It's a testament to the care they put into the hotel, for your health.
The Annoyances (Because We Need to Be Honest):
Okay, no place is perfect. One minor gripe: the internet! I really wanted to upload my photos of the onsen. But I found that the Wi-Fi for special events was sometimes a bit spotty, which meant that while I could post, it was occasionally slow. But overall, that was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise perfect stay.
Getting Around - The Practical Stuff:
Airport transfer? Yes! Taxi service is readily available. They also offer valet parking.
My Verdict:
Uncover Shionoyu Onsen mostly deserves its reputation as a hidden gem. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. The onsen is divine, the food is incredible, the staff is attentive, and the overall vibe is one of pure relaxation.
The BIG Question: Would I Go Back?
**Absolutely.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the steaming, sulfurous heart of Shionoyu Onsen in Noboribetsu. This isn't your slick, airbrushed travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, straight from my slightly-sunburnt, perpetually-hungry brain. Consider this my hot spring-soaked diary, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Allure of the Sulphur
11:00 AM: Arrival in Sapporo (or Wherever You're Starting From - I Missed My Train) Okay, first hurdle: surviving the chaos of Hokkaido's transportation network. Let's just say I'm really good at missing trains. Spent an ungodly amount of money on a taxi to get to Noboribetsu, already feeling a little flustered. Tokyo onsen-hopping this is not, good luck getting anywhere fast…
1:00 PM: Check-in at Ryokan (Hopefully, It's Not a Haunted One) Finally. Ryokan time! I'd booked the Dai-ichi Takimotokan, because after DAYS of research, it kept popping up. Upon arrival, the lobby was a total whirlwind of people - I was expecting a calm zen arrival, yet this place seemed like the UN conference. The staff were impeccably polite, despite the fact I probably looked like I'd slept in a ditch (thanks, missed train). The room? Utterly spotless, with a view of… a parking lot. Ah well, can't win 'em all. The most important thing is the onsen.
2:00 PM: First Sulfur Encounter (and Mild Panic Attack) The moment of truth. Stepping into the onsen, with its cloud of steam… it's a sensory overload. The smell of sulfur is… intense. Like, "did someone leave a carton of rotten eggs in here?" intense. But the water… oh, the water. It's like being cradled by a warm, soothing cloud. My initial panic at being basically naked in front of strangers melts away, replaced by a blissful, almost unsettling calm. THIS is why you come. And I'm hooked.
- Note to self: Do not accidentally drink the water. Even if it does smell like someone's brewing a weird potion.
4:00 PM: Strolling Jigokudani (Hell Valley) (Smells Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven) Jigokudani, or Hell Valley, is truly a spectacle. Steaming vents spew out clouds of sulfurous gases, the landscape a lunar-like canvas of grey and brown. It's like walking on another planet. The heat is almost unbearable, and the smell… well, you get used to it. Eventually. The sheer power of nature on display is breathtaking. I even bought some of those hard-boiled eggs cooked in the hot springs. They taste like, surprisingly good, with a hint of… well, sulfur.
6:00 PM: Dinner! (The Culinary Cliffhanger) The multi-course Kaiseki dinner. Each dish is a tiny work of art, and I'm too polite to refuse anything. It's all extremely elegant and… I have no idea what half of it is. There was some kind of raw fish that I think I swallowed whole, fearing I'd offend the chef. The tiny portions were fine, until I was SO HUNGRY 3 hours later. Thankfully, they leave a small, very sugary, convenience store snack in the room.
8:00 PM: Another Onsen Soak (Pure Bliss, Then Bedtime) Back to the baths! This time, I braved the outdoor onsen. The cold air against my steaming skin was intoxicating. Watching the stars while soaking is something I'll never forget. I'm so relaxed, I crawl into bed and pass out before I can even process my day's weirdness.
Day 2: Geysers, Souvenirs, and a Meltdown (Literally)
7:00 AM: Breakfast (The Morning Meal of Champions) Another, slightly better, breakfast. This time, I recognized some of the things on my plate. The miso soup? Divine. The pickles? Less so. But the staff is just so darn nice, I can't complain.
9:00 AM: Walking Around (Slightly Less Stressed) Today I'm exploring the town a little more thoroughly. There are shops selling everything from onsen-themed towels and yukata (cotton kimono) in all colors. I buy one, even though I have no idea if I have the body for it.
10:00 AM: The "Blowhole" (You Already Know) The geyser! This thing erupts every few hours, spewing hot water high into the air. I stood there and I stared, totally mesmerized, even got a few droplets on my face, which was… actually pretty cool.
11:00 AM: Shopping for Souvenirs (The Art of Not Looking Like a Clueless Tourist) Souvenir time! I bought a ridiculously expensive wooden bear carving. What was I thinking? A moment of weakness. But, let's call this "local artistic appreciation." and get on with it.
1:00 PM: Lunch I thought I'd be smart and find another restaurant that wasn't the hotel's. I wanted some different flavors. That's when disaster struck. Somewhere along the way, I lost my wallet. Panic set in. Money, credit cards, driver's license, gone. My brain felt like it was starting to melt. I was starting to think it was a conspiracy, that this was the entire purpose of the trip, to stress me out.
2:00 PM: Meltdown and Recovery Spent hours retracing my steps. I burst into tears in the middle of a souvenir shop. (mortifying). The staff, bless their kind hearts, couldn't have been more understanding. They calmed me down, offered me tea, and miraculously, helped me find my wallet! Apparently, it fell out of my bag earlier. I blame the onsen. The relief, the joy, made me appreciate this place and the people even more.
4:00 PM: One Last Onsen Dip (Emotions and All!) Back to the baths. This time, I'm feeling a deep sense of gratitude. For the water, for the experience, for the kindness of strangers. I think I'm starting to understand why people willingly pay to soak in rotten-egg-smelling water. It's about more than just the water. It's about letting go, about finding a moment of peace in the midst of the chaos.
7:00 PM: Dinner (A Victory Feast!) Dinner was an even better experience, and I had the best Miso soup. This time, I knew what I was eating.
8:00 PM: Packing and Goodbyes (Bittersweet) Packing is usually my least favorite aspect of traveling. After everything, I was able to look back and see how much fun I had. Though I was ready to return home, I was sad to leave.
Day 3: Departure (Leaving a Piece of My Heart)
9:00 AM: Breakfast and Check-out Last breakfast! I ate every part of breakfast. The check-out was smooth, and I knew I'd be back to this amazing place.
10:00 AM: Heading Back to Real Life (Or at least, the Train Station) Bye-bye, Noboribetsu. You crazy, smelly, beautiful place. Even missed my train on the way back. But, you know what? I don't even care. I'll just take a taxi.
Final Thoughts:
Shionoyu Onsen in Noboribetsu isn't just a vacation. It's an experience. A messy, imperfect, sometimes smelly, and utterly unforgettable experience. Go. Soak. Surrender. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself, and a few of your worries, dissolving in the steaming waters. And if you lose your wallet? Don't panic. Someone will probably help you. Embrace the chaos. And bring some extra yen, just in case. You never know.
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Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea! What Makes Shionoyu Onsen So "Secret"? Is It REALLY Better Than Hell Valley?
Alright, alright, gather 'round, fellow onsen fanatics! "Secret" is a strong word, right? Noboribetsu's practically a hot spring theme park, so *true* secrets are hard to come by. But... Shionoyu Onsen, yeah, it's definitely a bit less crowded than the Insta-famous Jigokudani (Hell Valley). That's the first win! You're less likely to be elbowing selfie-stick users, and more likely to… well, actually RELAX.
Is it *better* than Hell Valley itself? Ugh, that's tough. Hell Valley is a geological spectacle, a visual explosion. But Shionoyu? It whispers. It's a quieter, more intimate experience. Think: fewer hordes of tourists, more, like, *contemplation*. I went once, and I swear, I think I actually saw a deer in the forest nearby – a *deer*! Clearly not a fan of the crowds.
Okay, confession time. The first time I went, I was expecting something... grander? Call me spoiled. It’s not a luxurious, crazy resort – and that's a GOOD thing! It's real. So, yeah, better is subjective. But for a genuine (and less chaotic) onsen experience? Shionoyu’s a solid contender.
Alright, Sounds Intriguing. How Do I ACTUALLY Get To This Paradise (Without Getting Lost… Again)?
Okay, buckle up, navigationally challenged friends. Getting to Noboribetsu is pretty straightforward. Train to Noboribetsu station (duh), then… *the walk*. I remember the first time I went, and I, naively, thought I could just *wing it.* BIG MISTAKE.
It's a bit of a walk, maybe 20ish minutes uphill (depending on your fitness level...which, let's be honest, after a long train journey, it's questionable). But honestly? I got a little lost. Google Maps did me dirty. I kept going the wrong way. Eventually, I asked some locals, and they pointed me in the right direction. They were super nice, even though I probably looked like a lost puppy.
So, PRO TIP: Download offline maps, follow the signs, and DON'T be afraid to ask for help! There are also shuttles or buses, but for a first-timer, walking is the best way to soak in the atmosphere, not just the onsen!
So, What's the Onsen Itself Like? Any Nude-Anxiety Hacks? Tell Me EVERYTHING!
Okay. The heart of the matter. The onsen itself… it's simple. Not flashy. But that’s the *charm*. The water? Oh, the water! It's that classic, milky, sulfur-y stuff that *screams* Noboribetsu. You know the scent – the one that lingers in your hair for DAYS. Glorious.
They usually have indoor and outdoor baths (the outdoor ones are a MUST, regardless of the weather). The outdoor ones, gazing up at the trees, is pure bliss. I remember this one time, it was snowing. SNOWING! And the steam rising off the water, mixing with the flakes… I almost cried. In a good way. (I may have actually cried a little.)
Nude-anxiety? Listen, everyone's in the same boat (or, you know, the same bath). Just focus on the water, the heat, the feeling of total relaxation. No one's judging you. Seriously. And if you DO feel self-conscious, well, the steam is your friend! It's a natural blurring device. (Just kidding…sort of). Okay, maybe I *was* a little self-conscious the first time. But after a few minutes, it just fades away. Promise.
One word: *Relax*. You are there to enjoy not for a fashion show or competition.
Food, Glorious Food! Is There Anything to Eat Besides… Well, Nothing? (I Get Hangry.)
Okay, listen. This is where things get a little… mixed. Shionoyu isn't a gourmet destination, let's be clear. BUT they do have food. Usually, it's simple Japanese fare. Think: soba noodles, maybe some tempura, the classic onsen eggs.
Now, don't go expecting Michelin stars. But honestly? After soaking in those hot springs, even a slightly below-average bowl of noodles tastes like the best thing you've ever eaten. Everything tastes better after a good onsen! It awakens your senses, I swear.
There's usually a vending machine for drinks, of course, gotta stay hydrated! But my advice? DON'T skip the meals. Even basic Japanese food still slaps. It's part of the whole experience. Plus, being hangry ruins the zen vibe. And if you're REALLY worried about food, maybe grab some snacks beforehand. Just in case.
Reservations? Rules? Am I Going to Mess Everything Up? (Because, Let's Face It, I Probably Will.)
Okay, breathe. Reservations… usually not necessary. Unless you're a HUGE group (and by HUGE, I mean, like, more than ten people). But check ahead, just to be safe. Better safe than sorry, right?
Etiquette? Ah, yes. The minefield. Honestly? Just be respectful. Rinse yourself thoroughly *before* you get in the bath (this is HUGE). Don't dunk your towel in the water (that's a no-no). Try not to make a ton of noise. And DON'T stare at people. It's weird and uncomfortable, even if you are super curious.
The first time I went, I was TERRIFIED I'd break some unspoken rule. I kept looking around, worried I was doing something wrong. But guess what? No one cared. They were all too busy relaxing. So, deep breaths. Just be mindful, be polite, and you'll be fine. And if you *do* mess up? Apologize, smile, and move on. We've all been there.
Oh, and a small tip: if you have tattoos, check the onsen rules. Some places have restrictions.
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