Hotel Mahoroba - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido
Does Hotel Mahoroba Allow Tattoos?
Partially, tattoos are accepted at Hotel Mahoroba, but only in private baths—not public bath areas.
Overview of Hotel Mahoroba
Nestled amid the steaming volcanic landscape of Noboribetsu, Hotel Mahoroba stands as a sanctuary for onsen enthusiasts seeking variety and inclusivity. This prestigious ryokan-style resort offers an extraordinary bathing journey through 31 distinctive baths, each drawing healing properties from four different mineral-rich spring types that have made this region Hokkaido's premier hot spring destination.
For tattooed travelers who often find themselves limited in Japan's bathing culture, Hotel Mahoroba offers a welcome compromise—private onsen experiences where you can soak freely while admiring panoramic mountain views, making this an ideal base for exploring the mesmerizing "Hell Valley" (Jigokudani) and surrounding natural wonders.
Tattoo Rules & Guidelines
Private Bathing Allowed for Tattooed Guests: Hotel Mahoroba welcomes tattooed guests in their private reservation-based onsen baths, while public bathing areas require tattoo covering (small tattoos may be permitted without covering—inquire when booking).
Why Bathe Here? Benefits and History
- Extraordinary Bath Variety: Explore 31 unique baths across two floors, featuring four different spring types for a therapeutic tour of Noboribetsu's famous waters
- Private Onsen Options: 16 guest rooms include private open-air baths where tattoos are welcome without restrictions
- Spectacular Setting: Located minutes from the otherworldly steam vents and vibrant mineral deposits of Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
- Hokkaido Culinary Delights: Feast on local specialties including the region's famous snow crab in expansive buffet spreads
- Family & Accessibility Friendly: Accommodates diverse travelers with wheelchair access and family-suitable facilities
- Four Healing Spring Types: Experience the different therapeutic properties of sulfur, sulfate, chloride, and acid springs all in one location
Onsen Facilities & Amenities
♨️Bath Types
- Traditional Indoor Bath
- Rotenburo (Outdoor Bath)
- Private Onsen Bath
- In-Room Onsen
- Sauna
🍽️Dining
- Kaiseki Dinner
- Buffet Dinner
- Breakfast
- Alcohol Available
✨Amenities
- Vending Machines
- Rest Lounge
- Free Parking
🌐Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- English Signage
📅Booking
- Online Reservations
💳Payment
- Credit Cards Accepted
👥Suitable For
- Family Friendly
- Good for Couples
- Good for Solo Travelers
Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette
Descend into Hotel Mahoroba's underground bathing paradise where two floors house an astonishing variety of 31 baths, each offering unique therapeutic properties. As you move from bath to bath, you'll experience the complete spectrum of Noboribetsu's famous waters: milky sulfur springs that heal skin conditions and soothe arthritis; sulfate springs that relieve muscle tension and improve circulation; chloride springs that retain body heat perfect for Hokkaido's chilly climate; and acid springs with natural antibacterial properties.
The crowning jewel is the expansive open-air bath where you can soak while gazing at forested mountains, listening to the gentle trickle of water against stone. The therapeutic waters maintain temperatures between 40-42°C (104-107.6°F)—ideal for promoting deep relaxation while the mineral composition works its healing magic on tired muscles and stressed minds.
Directions to Hotel Mahoroba in Noboribetsu Onsen
✈️ New Chitose Airport → 🚌 80-minute airport bus to Noboribetsu Onsen Chuo Bus Stop → 🚶 1-minute walk
🚆 Sapporo Station → 🚂 90-minute express train to Noboribetsu Station → 🚕 15-minute taxi/🚌 15-minute bus
🚌 Noboribetsu Bus Terminal → 🚶 5-minute walk to Hell Valley (Jigokudani) → 🚶 10-minute walk to Hotel Mahoroba
🚙 Free shuttle service connects major Noboribetsu attractions (check schedule at front desk)
Map
Booking & Contact Information
Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you have tattoos and want to secure a private bath experience or book a room with an in-room onsen. English booking assistance is available through the hotel website or by phone.
🌐 Website: https://noboribetsu-spa.jp/en/hotels/hotel009/
📞 Phone: +81 143-84-2211
📍 Address: 65 Noboribetsu-City, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan
Travel Tip
Look for flexible booking options like free cancellation. This way, you can easily reach out to your onsen to make sure their tattoo policy feels right for your needs and enjoy peace of mind for your trip.
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Last updated on Apr 16, 2025 by Mat Roniss – Founder of Tattoo Friendly Onsen , and hot springs enjoyer who has been visiting Japanese onsen for over 30 years.
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