Okuhida Onsen

Okuhida Onsen (奥飛騨温泉郷) is a hot spring resort area located in the Northern Japanese Alps in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The area is renowned for its hot springs, stunning natural scenery, and traditional Japanese culture.

Okuhida Onsen is comprised of five distinct hot spring villages: Hirayu Onsen, Fukuji Onsen, Shin-Hirayu Onsen, Tochio Onsen, and Shin-Hotaka Onsen. Each village offers its own unique charm and atmosphere, with a variety of accommodations available, including traditional Japanese ryokan inns and hotels. Many of these accommodations feature outdoor baths (rotemburo) with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The hot springs in Okuhida Onsen are renowned for their therapeutic properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in the mineral-rich waters. In addition to the private baths offered by ryokan and hotels, there are also several public baths in the area where visitors can experience the local bathing culture.

Beyond the hot springs, Okuhida Onsen is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers numerous hiking trails, ski resorts, and scenic drives through the picturesque mountain landscape. For those interested in wildlife, the Okuhida Bear Park, located in Okuhida Onsengo Hitokake-ne of Takayama City, provides an opportunity to observe bears up close and learn about their habitat and behavior.

Getting there and around

By Train and Bus

From Tokyo:

• Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama (about 2.5 hours)
• Or take the JR Chuo Line to Matsumoto (about 2 hours 40 minutes)

From Toyama or Matsumoto, take a bus to Hirayu Bus Terminal in Okuhida (1.5-3 hours)

By Highway Bus

• Direct highway bus from Shinjuku (Tokyo) to Hirayu Onsen (about 4.5 hours)
• From Nagoya to Takayama by highway bus, then local bus to Okuhida (about 4 hours total)

By Car

• About 4 hours from Tokyo to Hirayu IC via Chuo Expressway and Chubu Jukan Expressway
• About 2 hours 50 minutes from Nagoya to Hirayu IC via Higashi-Hokuriku Expressway

Local Transportation

• Nohi Bus operates between the five onsen towns in Okuhida
• Various free passes available for unlimited bus use in the area
• Rental cars are an option, but be cautious of snow in winter