Backstage of Noboribetsu Hot Spring

We, Noboribetsu locals, are very proud of our Hot Spring for its quality and volume, however, many of us don't have any idea about how it works behind the scene. I had a rare opportunity to be guided to the backstage of Noboribetsu Hot Spring.

There is a hot spring keeper's company who manages, controls, provides, maintains the hot spring. With their dairy effort, Noboribetsu remains as No.1 hot spring town.

Seeing is believing, hey....

This is a photo of one of the sources. The water is actually boiling and the place is extremely hot with steamy sulfurous mist. The temperature was 90C degree at the time I visited.

The pipes are used to provide 100% pure hot spring to each hotel. Inside the pipe, the minerals contained in the water make chemical reaction and turn into iron sulfide and that causes the pipe to be blocked. The hot spring keepers ensure to remove what-they-call "hot spring scale" so that the water is provided to each hotel without any worries.

Here's another photo of the very rare spot. This is the inside of control room in one of the famous hot spring provider. The water temperature keeps changing depending on the volcano activities. With those temperature indicators, keepers can tell how to control the temperature and bathers can enjoy the nice hot water.

The opportunity itself was a treat, however, I had this special treat too! The keeper kindly boiled egg in the hot spring and gave it to me. I of course enjoyed it on the spot overlooking the source of hot spring, and the taste was just exceptional!!