Noboribetsu, undoubtedly is the best representative of all hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. Situated south of Sapporo, this noted spa can be reached in about two hours by train or bus. The town lies along the stream of the Kusurisambetsu River. Kusurisambetsu means “stream of hot water” in the Ainu language. The altitude of the town is some 200m (660ft) above sea level. The hot springs here must have already been known to the Japanese in the medieval ages. Noboribetsu is famous for the variety of its hot springs. There are clear thermal springs without mineral content and hot spring with mineral content.