Noboribetsu Onsen, known for its hot springs and Hell Valley, is a short 20-minute bus ride from JR Noboribetsu Station. If you have some time to kill before your train, there are plenty of activities around the station to keep you entertained.
Here’s how I spent my time at Noboribetsu Station before heading to Hakodate.
1. Exploring the Local Supermarket
One of the first things that caught my eye was the large supermarket nearby. Despite the rural, quiet atmosphere with no tall buildings, the COOP Sapporo Noboribetsu-Higashi supermarket stood out. It’s within walking distance from Noboribetsu Station, even if you’re pulling a suitcase.
This supermarket is surprisingly big and well-stocked, with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. If you’re staying nearby, it’s a great place to pick up some essentials.
The ready-to-eat food section is also impressive, offering a range of delicious options from skewers to noodles, sushi, and bento boxes. I decided to buy some inari sushi and gimbap-like rolls for my train ride to Hakodate. There were so many tempting choices that I wished I could try them all!
Of course, no train meal is complete without a beer, so I grabbed a can along with some drinks. I also bought some snacks, dango (sweet rice dumplings), and coffee drip bags to enjoy later at my Hakodate accommodation.
I even stumbled upon an old toy store in front of the supermarket. It had a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of shops you can no longer find in Korea.
2. Relaxing at a Café
After my supermarket adventure, I headed back towards the station and found a quaint café named Rest & Cafe. It’s run by two friendly ladies who welcomed me warmly. The interior had an antique vibe, making it a cozy place to unwind.
They brought over a menu and, noticing I was Korean, also provided a menu in Korean. Besides coffee, they served meals, which would be perfect if you haven’t eaten yet. Since I had already bought a bento, I opted for a coffee and cake set.
Sipping on hot coffee and enjoying a piece of cake, I spent the remaining time relaxing in the café before heading back to Noboribetsu Station.
Here’s a snapshot of the bento I bought at the supermarket. Even though it was just inari sushi, the enjoyable train journey made it taste even better.
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- If you’re looking for accommodation in Noboribetsu, I highly recommend Dai-Ichi Takimotokan. It features an expansive hot spring bath and a dinner buffet with snow crab, making for a very satisfying stay. For more details, check out the link below.
