Noboribetsu Manseikaku

The town is a nice little tourist spot with a few things to do, but it’s really the hot springs that bring people here. The onsen is well managed, just be ready to go in naked! 😆😆😆 I think 99% of visitors come for the hotel’s well-run hot spring. And the buffet is enormous and included in the price. Eat till you pop!

Big, nice rooms, and a thoughtful hotel. They’ve even got sleeve bands for breakfast if your jacket might get in the way while picking up food. There’s also an extra restroom outside the rooms on the floor, handy if three people are sharing and someone needs to get to one urgently. Japan is a thoughtful nation!

The private open-air bath connected to our room was the highlight. Looking out at the Noboribetsu scenery while soaking felt freeing and luxurious, and all my stress melted away. The large public bath was great too. We booked a special room for a family anniversary, and the complimentary drinks and snacks were a lovely touch. There were quite a few of us, and it felt like a fun school trip, which made for great memories. We chose the course meal at "Shirakaba" instead of the buffet. Each dish looked beautiful and offered a real taste of Japanese cuisine. It was a perfect place for the celebration, and we’d love to return.

Good points: the food was excellent, drinks were free, the service was friendly, and the price was reasonable. The downsides were dated facilities, dusty carpets, a slimy bath, and thin walls. It seems suited to a short stay, whether you’re traveling alone or with a large family. Probably not a good fit for someone new to ryokans, looking for luxury, or sensitive to cleanliness.