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A hot spring resort area consisting of five hot spring resorts where you can enjoy the view of the Northern Alps from the open-air baths.
Okuhida Onsen-go consists of five hot spring resorts: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shinhirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka Onsen.
Located in the bosom of the Northern Alps, the open-air baths are blessed by nature with abundant natural hot spring water, and offer beautiful views of the mountains in each season.
Hirayu Onsen is the oldest of the Okuhida Onsen-go hot springs, and is said to have been discovered by a vassal of Takeda in Koshu during his invasion of Hida, and is legendarily famous.
Located at the foot of Mt. Norikura, it is said to have become lodging for the lords of the Hokuriku region during the Edo period (1603-1867) to relieve their fatigue.
The other four hot springs are "Fukuji Onsen," which retains the legend of the fallen Heike warriors; "Shinhirayu Onsen," which is lively and has abundant hot water; "Tochio Onsen," where many down-home inns are located and mountain stream fishing is popular; and "Tochio Onsen," which is familiar as a trailhead for the Northern Alps and offers magnificent views close at hand.
Shinhotaka Onsen
Image of the open-air bath in Hirayu Onsen
Hirayu Otaki Keppyo Matsuri (Frozen waterfall Festival)
Snowy Hirayu Onsen
Some reviews are AI-translated.
I stopped by Higaku-no-Yu and the Mountaineer's Cafeteria at Shin-Hotaka Onsen after visiting the Northern Alps Bridge. They have two types of hot springs—simple and sulfur—so you can enjoy both at once! The only downside is that it's a bit pricey, but the water is excellent! I didn't eat at the cafeteria this time, but the menu looked hearty with things like Hida beef.
This area is made up of several hot springs and is pretty deep in the mountains, so getting there isn't very convenient. Visiting in winter feels amazing.
I once stayed a night at Hirayu Onsen, and took the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway early the next morning.
