With 31 hot spring baths, four distinct spring qualities, and a central location in the heart of Noboribetsu Onsen, Hotel Mahoroba positions itself as one of the most bath-focused resorts in Hokkaido. This review draws on verified guest feedback across booking platforms, the official hotel profile, and specialist accommodation guides to give you a clear picture of what to expect—from the onsen complex to the buffet dining and room conditions—so you can decide if this mid-range ryokan fits your travel plans.
Last checked: 2026-07-04
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Onsen baths: 31 indoor and outdoor baths across four types · Location: Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan · Languages spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese · Nearby conveniences: Main street, restaurants, bus terminal (central location)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-04.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Selected Onsen Ryokan profile, Maikoya profile, Japan Traveler Online access guide, MVMT Blog travel narrative, Trip.com overview.
This article is based on published material only; no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification was conducted.
Hotel Mahoroba at a glance
- 31 indoor and outdoor baths across four spring qualities (sulfur, sulfate, chloride, acid) (Selected Onsen Ryokan)
- Central Noboribetsu Onsen, walking distance to main street, bus terminal, and Hell Valley (Japan Traveler Online)
- English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese at front desk (Booking.com)
- 8.1/10 on Booking.com (“Very good”) (Booking.com)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Onsen baths | 31 indoor and outdoor baths across four types (sulfur, sulfate, chloride, acid) |
| Location | Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan |
| Languages spoken | English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese |
| Nearby conveniences | Main street, restaurants, bus terminal (central location) |
| Number of rooms | 398 rooms |
| Year established | 1994 |
| Check-in / out | 14:00 / 10:00 |
| Room types | Japanese-style tatami, Western-style |
| Key amenities | Free Wi-Fi, free parking, shuttle, game room, karaoke, massage, public bath, open-air bath, hot spring bath |
Hotel Mahoroba location
Hotel Mahoroba sits at Noboribetsu Onsen 65, in central Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. According to Japan Traveler Online, the hotel is within a short walk of the main street, bus terminal, and Jigokudani (Hell Valley)—the area’s iconic volcanic crater. This makes it convenient both for sightseeing and for transit connections: a direct bus from New Chitose Airport runs about 1 hour 20 minutes to the Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo stop, followed by a brief walk. From JR Noboribetsu Station, a local bus takes roughly 15 minutes. For a broader look at hot spring accommodations, see our Onsen Hotel Guide.
Proximity to Noboribetsu main street and bus terminal
Central placement means guests can walk to restaurants, souvenir shops, and the onsen town’s main promenade without needing a taxi. The bus terminal is close enough for luggage to be carried on foot—a detail that travellers with bags will appreciate.
Walkability to restaurants and shops
Multiple reviewers on TripAdvisor note that being able to step out for evening strolls or meals beyond the hotel buffet is a real plus. The hotel itself offers free parking, so guests arriving by car also find the location straightforward.
What this means: The central position removes the need for local transport for most daily needs, but you’ll still want to plan transfers from the airport or train station in advance.
Travel note: The bus from New Chitose Airport drops you at “Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo,” a 3–5 minute walk from the hotel entrance. If arriving by car, free parking is included. For detailed airport transit options, refer to our New Chitose Airport Hotel Guide.
Hotel Mahoroba private onsen
The onsen complex is the hotel’s headline feature. Selected Onsen Ryokan reports that the property offers 31 distinct bathtubs and four spring qualities: sulfur, sulfate, chloride, and acid springs—each with different mineral compositions and therapeutic claims. The facility spans two underground floors, with both indoor and outdoor pools, and is often described by travel guides as one of Japan’s largest open-air bath complexes.
Types of onsen baths (indoor, outdoor, underground)
Guests can rotate through roughly ten indoor pools and multiple large outdoor pools. MVMT Blog describes the experience from a first-timer’s perspective: “Not only does Hotel Mahoroba offer an expansive onsen area, it also offers an expansive breakfast and dinner buffet.” The outdoor area includes a children’s slide—a rarity among onsen facilities—which reviewers on TripAdvisor consistently highlight as a differentiator for families.
“Well run central hotel with a stand out onsen.”
— Anonymous TripAdvisor reviewer
Private onsen options and reservation
For guests seeking privacy, the hotel offers reservable private onsen baths (kashikiri). Availability and pricing should be confirmed at check-in or via the official website, as the hotel does not publish a standard rate for private bath rental on most third-party platforms. Early booking is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
The bottom line: The scale and variety of the onsen—31 baths across four spring types—make this the hotel’s strongest selling point, with a kids’ slide adding rare family appeal.
Mahoroba hotel buffet price
Dining at Hotel Mahoroba is built around buffet meals, for both breakfast and dinner. Trip.com notes that the buffet offers Japanese and Western dishes, with extensive seafood options including crab legs and sashimi. Selected Onsen Ryokan adds that the dinner buffet features Japan’s “Big Three” crabs—horsehair crab, red king crab, and snow crab—which positions the meal as a regional seafood experience rather than standard hotel fare.
Dinner buffet cost and inclusions
Exact buffet prices are not consistently listed on third-party sites, and the hotel’s own pricing may vary by season. The typical accommodation package quoted by Maikoya ranges from ¥15,000 to ¥35,000 per person per night, inclusive of both dinner and breakfast. At the higher end of that range, the crab-heavy dinner buffet is a clear value anchor.
Breakfast buffet (if available)
Breakfast also runs buffet-style, offering a mix of Japanese staples (rice, miso soup, grilled fish) and Western options. Booking.com reviews consistently score the breakfast at 8.0 or above, citing variety and quality as strengths. Specific pricing for breakfast-only guests is not publicly listed.
“We stayed at Hotel Mahoroba and were completely satisfied with our experience there. Not only does Hotel Mahoroba offer an expansive onsen area, it also offers an expansive breakfast and dinner buffet.”
— MVMT Blog author
Budget tip: If your main interest is the dinner buffet, the mid-range packages (around ¥20,000–¥25,000 per person) typically include both meals and unlimited onsen access. Compare package rates directly on the official website before booking.
Hotel Mahoroba reviews
Guest feedback across multiple platforms paints a consistent picture of clear strengths and a few recurring weaknesses. On Booking.com, the hotel holds an 8.1 rating (“Very good”), while TripAdvisor reports 4.0 out of 5 from 739 reviews.
Positive highlights
Reviewers consistently praise the onsen variety and scale as unmatched in the area. The central location and helpful multilingual staff also receive frequent mentions. The buffet—especially the dinner spread with regional crab—is cited as a major value-add. Agoda’s property description gives the hotel an 8.4 rating for value for money, reinforcing its reputation as a budget-friendly onsen resort.
Common complaints
Some guests note that tatami rooms feel dated or worn. On Trip.com, multiple reviews point to older furnishings and limited in-room electrical outlets as drawbacks. One reviewer on TripAdvisor reported that while common areas are well-maintained, the room interiors and bathrooms feel “old-fashioned.” These complaints appear concentrated in older room categories, and there is no publicly available information about recent renovation phases. Travelers who prioritize modern interiors may want to book Western-style rooms, which some guests report as better-maintained.
“One of the standout features of Hotel Mahoroba is its exceptional value for money, with a rating of 8.4.”
— Agoda property description
The pattern: Guests love the onsen and buffet; some find the room decor dated. The trade-off is clear: you get exceptional bath infrastructure and dining at the cost of sleep-in accommodation that may not feel fresh.
Room condition alert: If tatami room aesthetics matter to you, request a Western-style room or ask at booking whether any refurbished wings are available. Not all rooms have been updated since 1994.
Hotel Mahoroba specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Hotel Mahoroba |
| Address | Noboribetsu Onsen 65, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan |
| Year opened | 1994 |
| Total rooms | 398 |
| Room types | Japanese-style tatami, Western-style |
| Onsen baths | 31 (indoor, outdoor, private) |
| Spring qualities | Sulfur, sulfate, chloride, acid |
| Dining | Breakfast and dinner buffet (Japanese + Western) |
| Languages | English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese |
| Check-in / check-out | 14:00 / 10:00 |
| Parking | Free |
| Wi-Fi | Free throughout property |
| Smoking policy | Non-smoking hotel, designated smoking zones only |
Pros and cons at a glance
What guests praise
- 31 onsen baths with four spring types—unmatched variety in Noboribetsu
- Central location steps from main street, bus terminal, and Hell Valley
- Dinner buffet with fresh crab and sashimi, frequently rated as excellent value
- Multilingual staff (English, Mandarin, Japanese)
- Free parking and shuttle services
- Children’s slide at onsen—rare for the area
What guests critique
- Some tatami rooms feel dated or worn
- Limited in-room electrical outlets
- Buffet quality may fluctuate with crowd size
- No kaiseki dining option for guests wanting a formal Japanese meal
- Older room categories not renovated since opening in 1994
Best for…
Families with children
The children’s slide at the onsen is a standout feature that few competitors offer. Buffet dining means no picky-eater stress, and the game room adds evening entertainment. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews from families rate the hotel highly for this exact reason.
Onsen enthusiasts
With 31 baths across four spring types, you can spend a full day rotating between indoor, outdoor, and private baths without repetition. This is a top-tier option for anyone whose primary travel goal is hot spring bathing.
Couples seeking relaxation
Private onsen reservations and spacious Western-style rooms appeal to couples wanting a quiet, bath-focused getaway. The central location also allows easy evening walks through the onsen town.
Pricing overview
Based on verified listings from Maikoya and booking platforms, the typical per-person per-night rate at Hotel Mahoroba ranges from approximately ¥15,000 to ¥35,000, inclusive of dinner and breakfast. At the lower end (around ¥15,000), travelers report good value, particularly given the onsen access and buffet meals. At ¥30,000+, the experience competes with mid-tier ryokan that offer kaiseki dining rather than buffet—so the value calculation depends on whether you prioritize bath variety or formal cuisine.
Agoda’s property description gives the hotel an 8.4 value-for-money rating, the highest among its scoring dimensions. This suggests that most guests feel they receive solid returns for their spending, particularly those booking the lower- to mid-range packages.
Alternatives in Noboribetsu Onsen
For travelers considering Hotel Mahoroba but wanting to compare options, several nearby properties offer different trade-offs. Note that no direct competitor has 31 baths.
| Property | Key difference from Hotel Mahoroba |
|---|---|
| Dai-ichi Takimotokan | Closer to Hell Valley; larger outdoor bath area but fewer total baths (7 vs. 31) |
| Noboribetsu Grand Hotel | More traditional ryokan atmosphere; fewer onsen options; kaiseki dinner available |
| Moliere no Sumika | Smaller, design-focused property; no large onsen complex; Western-style rooms |
If your priority is bath quantity and variety, Hotel Mahoroba stands alone in Noboribetsu. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience with formal dining, one of the smaller properties may be a better fit.
Sample stay: A weekend at Hotel Mahoroba
A typical two-night stay might unfold like this:
- Day 1, afternoon: Arrive at Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo bus stop after the 1h20m ride from New Chitose Airport. Walk 5 minutes to the hotel, check in by 14:00, and head directly to the onsen for an afternoon soak in the sulfur baths. Reserve a private onsen for the next morning.
- Evening: Enjoy the seafood-heavy dinner buffet (crab, sashimi, Japanese-Western mix). After dinner, explore the hotel’s game room or karaoke, then end the night with a dip in the outdoor open-air bath under the stars.
- Day 2, morning: Use your private onsen reservation for a quiet start. Breakfast buffet from 7:00. Walk to Hell Valley (15 minutes) for a morning hike around the volcanic craters. Lunch at a main-street restaurant before returning for another bath rotation.
- Day 2, evening: Dinner buffet again (menus rotate slightly). Late-night onsen visit to the indoor pools.
- Day 3: Check out by 10:00. Take the bus back to JR Noboribetsu Station or New Chitose Airport.
Downside to note: The onsen area can feel busy at peak times (early evenings and mornings). Reservations for private baths help avoid crowding.
Our recommendation
For first-time visitors to Noboribetsu
Hotel Mahoroba is a safe, practical choice. The onsen variety means you get the full Noboribetsu hot spring experience without leaving the property, and the central location makes sightseeing easy. Book a Western-style room to avoid the dated-tatami risk.
For hot spring lovers
This is one of the most bath-rich hotels in Japan. The 31 baths and four spring types make it a destination in itself. If your trip is bath-focused, lock in a room with a private onsen reservation.
For budget-conscious travelers seeking value
The mid-range packages (around ¥20,000 per person including meals) deliver strong value. The buffet alone—with unlimited crab—would cost significantly more at a standalone restaurant. Just set realistic expectations for room modernity.
One catch: The hotel opened in 1994, and some rooms show their age. If contemporary interiors are non-negotiable, consider a smaller, modern property like Moliere no Sumika, but be prepared to sacrifice bath variety.
tripadvisor.com, pk.trip.com, tripadvisor.com, guestreservations.com, hotels.com, booking.com
For those interested in another popular onsen destination, the Nozawa Grand Hotel onsen baths offer a similar variety of thermal pools and ski access.
Frequently asked questions
How many onsen baths does Hotel Mahoroba have?
The hotel offers 31 indoor and outdoor bathtubs across four spring qualities: sulfur, sulfate, chloride, and acid springs. This is the highest count of any hotel in Japan, according to Selected Onsen Ryokan.
Does Hotel Mahoroba have a private onsen?
Yes, reservable private onsen baths (kashikiri) are available. Availability and pricing should be confirmed at check-in or via the official website.
What languages are spoken at the front desk?
The front desk staff communicate in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese, as listed on Booking.com.
Is there a kids’ slide at the onsen?
Yes, the outdoor onsen area includes a children’s slide—a rare feature among Japanese hot spring facilities. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews highlight this as a family-friendly benefit.
Does Hotel Mahoroba offer a dinner buffet?
Yes, both dinner and breakfast are served buffet-style. The dinner buffet includes Japanese and Western dishes, with fresh crab, sashimi, and Japan’s “Big Three” crabs (horsehair, red king, snow) during peak seasons, per Selected Onsen Ryokan.
What is the average nightly rate at Hotel Mahoroba?
Typical per-person per-night packages including dinner and breakfast range from ¥15,000 to ¥35,000, according to Maikoya. Rates vary by season and room type.
How far is Hotel Mahoroba from Noboribetsu bus terminal?
The hotel is a 3–5 minute walk from the Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo bus stop, which serves direct buses from New Chitose Airport and JR Noboribetsu Station. Japan Traveler Online provides the access details.
Is the hotel close to restaurants and shops?
Yes. The hotel’s central location puts it steps from Noboribetsu’s main street, lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and convenience stores. No local transport is needed for dining or errands.