Overview of “Okuhida Onsenkyo”
“Okuhida Onsenkyo” is a hot spring area located in the northeastern part of Gifu Prefecture, spread at the foot of the beautiful mountains of the Northern Alps. This region is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and its natural beauty is remarkable. “Okuhida Onsenkyo” is composed of the following five hot spring areas, each with its own unique charm:
- “Hirayu Onsen”
- “Fukuji Onsen”
- “Shinhirayu Onsen”
- “Tochio Onsen”
- “Shinhotaka Onsen”
The distinguishing feature of the hot springs in this area is their abundant water output. With a flow rate of 37,000 liters per minute, it ranks third in Japan. The hot springs have an average temperature of over 60°C, allowing visitors to enjoy luxurious “kakenagashi” (free-flowing) hot springs at various facilities.
Attractions and How to Enjoy the Hot Springs
Each hot spring has different water qualities and benefits. Representative types include simple springs that are clear and colorless, sulfur springs with a distinctive sulfur smell, bicarbonate springs known for their beauty benefits, and chloride springs known for their high heat retention. These hot springs offer benefits such as improving skin health and warming the body from the core.
Moreover, “Okuhida Onsenkyo” offers attractions throughout all four seasons:
- Spring: Beautiful fresh greenery
- Summer: Popular as a cool summer retreat
- Autumn: Stunning autumn foliage, selected as one of the “Hida-Mino Thirty-Three Autumn Foliage Spots”
- Winter: Snowy landscapes, with the unique experience of enjoying hot springs while viewing the snow
Every year on June 26th, “Rotenburo Day” (Open-Air Bath Day) is celebrated, when the open-air baths in the hot spring area are open to the public for free. This day attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the hot springs.
Tourist Spots and Activities
In the vicinity of “Okuhida Onsenkyo,” there are numerous tourist attractions. Spots such as “Kamikochi,” “Norikura Kogen,” and “Shirahone Onsen” offer the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty. The tourist spots of “Hida Takayama” are also nearby, where visitors can experience traditional streetscapes and culture.
Outdoor activities are also abundant, including trekking, hiking, and skiing in winter. The “Shinhotaka Ropeway” is particularly popular, providing access to the “Hotaka Mountain Range.” At the mid-station of the ropeway, there is an onsen bath where visitors can enjoy breathtaking mountain views while soaking in the hot spring.
Access
Access to “Okuhida Onsenkyo” is as follows:
- From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then a limited express train to Takayama, and finally a bus to “Okuhida Onsenkyo.”
- From Osaka: Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then a limited express train to Takayama, and finally a bus to “Okuhida Onsenkyo.”
- From Nagoya: Take a limited express train to Takayama, and then a bus to “Okuhida Onsenkyo.”
For transportation within the area during your stay, rental cars, shuttle buses, and taxis are available.
Official website: https://www.okuhida.or.jp/about
