Hotel Mahoroba
8,1/10 Excellent - Based on 1001 reviews
Hotel Mahoroba sits in the onsen district of Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido, offering a blend of traditional Japanese ryokan elements and modern hotel conveniences. The property occupies a central position close to the thermal attractions and pedestrian hot‑spring street, with easy access by local bus from the JR station. Interiors balance tatami and carpeted floors across a mix of Japanese and Western room types; select rooms feature an open‑air bath that allows private soaking on the room balcony. Positioned as a ryokan with onsen in Noboribetsu, the hotel emphasizes bathing culture as the core of the stay while maintaining multi‑bed and family configurations for varied travellers.
The onsen complex at Mahoroba is a major feature: public bathing facilities incorporate multiple spring sources and a wide variety of pools and spa options, with listings and guest reports describing more than thirty distinct baths and themed pools. Guests can expect a combination of indoor and outdoor baths, communal soaking areas, and specialised hydrotherapy features such as jet or cascade baths; treatment and relaxation services, including massages, are available onsite. While the large public bath area serves most visitors, some accommodation types include room‑attached open‑air baths for those seeking greater privacy, so the property functions both as a ryokan with onsen in Hokkaido and as an option for guests wanting in‑room bathing.
Beyond bathing, Mahoroba provides practical amenities commonly sought in a resort ryokan: a buffet dining room serving local and seasonal dishes for breakfast and dinner, complimentary parking, Wi‑Fi in public areas, and leisure facilities such as a karaoke room and coin‑laundry services. The hotel operates on a half‑board model for many packages and supports English‑speaking staff at peak times; its scale and service range make it suitable for visitors who prioritise a comprehensive onsen programme paired with straightforward, family‑friendly accommodation in the Noboribetsu onsen district.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Mahoroba
Positive Reviews
Extensive, varied onsen facilities
Guests repeatedly praise the large onsen complex with many different baths (sulfur, iron, salt, bamboo, jacuzzi), indoor and outdoor areas and a sauna. Some suites also include a private in-room onsen and there are family-friendly outdoor features (e.g. waterslides).
Excellent central location
The hotel is conveniently located near Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the shops and restaurants street, the bus line and the ropeway to the bear park, making it easy to explore local attractions.
Generous buffet dining options
Many reviewers enjoyed the buffet-style dinner and breakfast with a wide selection of dishes and variety that suited most tastes, making meals a convenient part of the stay.
Cleanliness and helpful staff
Multiple guests note that the hotel is generally clean and that staff are friendly and helpful; housekeeping and front-line staff received positive mentions for service and assistance.
Spacious, comfortable rooms and family amenities
Rooms are often described as large and comfortable, with features such as air purifiers, comfortable beds and pillows. Families appreciated the hotel's scale and child-friendly facilities.
Negative Reviews
Buffet quality, management and limited Western/sweets options
Several guests reported that the buffet can be poorly managed, becomes repetitive after multiple meals, offers few Western breakfast options and has limited sweet/dessert choices; some meals were not replenished late.
Very large, crowded and impersonal atmosphere
The hotel's size and popularity—especially with large tour groups—create a busy, noisy environment described by some as 'factory-like' or impersonal, with crowding in dining and public areas.
Dated rooms and maintenance or cleanliness issues
A number of reviews mention worn or dated areas needing renovation, poorly maintained rooms or small bathrooms. A few guests reported specific cleanliness problems such as persistent odors in bathrooms or rooms.
Onsen opening hours and other guests' behaviour
Some guests were frustrated by onsen operating hours (closures during daytime cleaning that limit access before check-out) and by other visitors' inappropriate conduct in the baths (e.g. rinsing/ wringing towels in pools, not following etiquette).
Perceived poor value for price
A few reviewers felt the stay was overpriced relative to the condition and service received, citing disappointing meals or maintenance for the rate paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/twin to family-style Japanese rooms and suites; some rooms list up to nine futons while suites typically accommodate up to four guests.
Yes — the hotel operates an on-site public hot spring complex with more than 30 different baths and spa areas.
Some suites and select rooms feature private open-air baths, and private bath options are available for guests.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the property is served by a 15‑minute local bus from JR Noboribetsu Station, and New Chitose Airport is roughly 50–70 minutes by car.
Staff are primarily Japanese; the hotel provides English-language information on its English pages and many guests report basic English assistance from staff.
Standard check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
The hotel offers on-site restaurants with buffet breakfast, multi-course kaiseki options and a mix of Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes.
Pets are not permitted at the property; private baths or private-room bathing options exist but typically require advance reservation or a fee.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is about 600–700 m away and Noboribetsu Bear Park and local shops are within a short walk or brief drive.
The hotel includes a ground-floor convenience store, vending machines, free parking and common-area Wi‑Fi, plus additional guest facilities such as a sauna and massage services.