Okuhida Onsen-go

The representative hot springs of Okuhida Onsen Village have four types of water quality. There are colorless and transparent "simple springs," "sulfur springs" with a typical hot spring smell, "carbonic acid hydrogen carbonate springs," and "chloride springs" that are said to be good for the skin. Not only the water quality, but also the color of the water varies, from colorless and transparent to brown, milky white, and dark green. In addition, the hot spring output is blessed with a rich amount of water, with a flow rate of 37,000 liters per minute, which is the third largest in Japan. It is also known as a hot spring village with carefully selected and flowing hot springs.

Okuhida Onsen Village is a natural hot spring resort surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps. Located at the foot of the 3,000-meter-class Northern Alps (Hida Mountains) in the northeastern part of Gifu Prefecture, it is close to mountainous scenic spots such as Kamikochi, Norikura Plateau, and Shirakawa Onsen, and has healed not only tourists but also many alpinists. The colors of the beautiful mountains are striking in every season, but especially during the autumn foliage season, the view is magnificent.

If you want to fully enjoy the Okuhida Onsen area, why not rent a buggy or bicycle and tour the tourist spots? The popular rental buggies can be driven by those with a regular driver's license after a 15-minute lesson! There are also electric bicycles available for easy hill climbing. If the weather is nice, why not try out an eco-friendly style and feel the refreshing breeze?

Hirayu Forest is a day-use hot spring facility in Hirayu Onsen. There are a total of 16 open-air baths scattered throughout the forest, with 7 for men and 9 for women. Additionally, there are two types of hot springs: the white and cloudy "Hirayu Forest Bath" and the colorless and transparent "Mizuishi Bath," allowing you to enjoy different scenery and water quality in each bath. Private open-air baths, large public baths, and サウナs are also available. There are also dining and resting facilities, so you can relax and enjoy the hot springs all day long.

In February 2023, a private barrel サウナ opened on the premises of Hira-yu no Mori in Okuhida Onsen-gou. A barrel サウナ is a サウナ room shaped like a barrel that has been passed down in Finland since ancient times. It is mainly made of wood and has become popular due to its natural appearance and the ease of enjoying it with a small group of around four people. With the barrel サウナ available in the midst of the great nature of Okuhida, it's impossible not to enjoy it! Whether you are a サウナ lover or not, please give it a try.

Okuhida Winter Story is a winter event that represents Gifu Prefecture. Various events unique to snowy regions are held from late December to the end of February. These include the "Talma Kaneko Ice Light-up" held in the area around Shin-Hirayu Onsen and Shinsui Park (Taruma Falls), the "Aoda Ice Light-up" seen near the "Fukuchi Onsen" bus stop in Fukuchi Onsen, the "Nakao Kamakura Festival" held at Nakao Shirayama Shrine in Shin-Hotaka Onsen and Nakao Kogen, the "Hirayu Otaki Ice Festival" held in the area around Hirayu Otaki and within Hirayu Onsen, and the "Dohtani Snow Sakura Light-up" that decorates the Dohtani area of Yunoshima Onsen, among others. Please enjoy the surreal and fantastic atmosphere.

In the Okuhida Onsen area, cherry blossoms typically bloom about a month later than in flatland areas. During the peak viewing season, beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen in various places, but the cherry blossoms in the Tochio Onsen Dobutani area are particularly stunning and are known as a famous cherry blossom spot. The Tochio Onsen Cherry Blossom Light-Up decorates the cherry blossom-lined streets and the surrounding area of the communal open-air bath "Arakami no Yu" with lanterns and illuminations, creating a beautiful and fantastic view of the cherry blossoms and the town. It has become a spring tradition in the hot spring resort area.

In the Okuhida Onsen area, there are footbath spots scattered about. Not only can you soak your feet, but each spot has its own unique scenery and charm, making it enjoyable to tour around. For example, at the "Alps Road Hirayu Footbath" in the Hirayu Onsen area, you can enjoy the famous Hida beef skewers and soft serve ice cream while using the footbath. At the "Hotaru no Yu" in the Tochio Onsen area, during the season, you can enjoy watching fireflies while soaking your feet.