A Natural Hot Spring Hot Spot in Takayama
Okuhida Onsengo in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, is a secluded area where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty, hiking, and hot springs of Japan, located approximately 1 hour by bus from Takayama City and 90 minutes by bus from Matsumoto.
Famous for its five hot spring resorts (Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin Hotaka) scattered throughout the area, it is also a popular hidden spot for tourists who want to enjoy the great outdoors. With the mountains, forests, and rivers of the Northern Alps right at your step, its a popular resort area for nature lovers.
What are Recommended Spots in Okuhida?
In the Shin Hotaka area, the Shin Hotaka Ropeway offers a panoramic view at a height of 2,156-meters. The scenery looking down at the clouds below is breathtaking. The view from the North Alps Bridge in particular offers a beautiful photo op.
In the Hirayu area, Hirayu Great Falls, which is 6 meters wide and has a 64 meter drop, has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. The presence of a giant 1,000-year-old tree, the giant nezuko (Japanese stone oak), standing in the midst of a silent forest, is a sight to behold.
In the Shin-Hirayu area, visitors can experience feeding the bears and take commemorative photos with the cubs at the Okuhida Bear Farm.
In the Fukuchi onsen area, the morning market is a retro space in a village of old stories. In this retro space, there is a corner for experiencing old-time games, nostalgic sundries, shopping for fresh vegetables, and souvenirs.
Nearby Attractions: Kamikochi and Mt.Norikura
Both areas are located in the Central Mountain National Park and are strictly regulated for environmental protection. Therefore, it is not allowed to enter the area by car.
Both can be visited in three main ways: 1. by bus, 2. by foot, and 3. by bicycle.
Kamikochi is one of the best national park resorts in Japan.
The area around Kappa-bashi Bridge (overlooking Azusa River) and the powerful mountains (in the Hotaka mountain range), are most popular amongst tourists.
Norikura Skyline is a beautiful mountain road on Mt. Norikura. It leads to Tatamidaira, the highest point in Japan accessible by bicycle.
How to Get Around
1. Rent a Car
With a car, you can move around quickly, store a lot of luggage, and you can accommodate a lot people.
If you wish to use a rental car, you will need to rent one around Takayama Station or Matsumoto Station and drive to Okuhida Onsengo. From Takayama Station, it takes about 1 hour by car, and from Matsumoto Station, it takes about 1.5 hours.
From Matsumoto, you will need to pass through a toll road. Recently, when you try to rent a car in the Matsumoto area, the cars are often fully booked, so we recommend that you make a reservation as early as possible.
To rent a car, you must have an international driver’s license in advance. However, please note that some rental agencies do not allow you to rent a car even with that international driver’s license.
2. Going by Local Bus
This can be one of the cheapest methods of transportation.
However, bus routes are limited and services are infrequent and you may feel rushed transferring from each spot. We recommend you plan with bus times in mind as some buses may come only once an hour.
3、Rent an electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike) and ride around (rent a bicycle)
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) can be rented at Okuhida base, a 2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal at the entrance to Okuhida Onsengo.
Unlike a regular bicycle, an electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike) provides electric assistance, making it relatively easy to get around even in the ups and downs of Okuhida.
Okuhida Bike Rental Info:
- Rent up to 10 hours a day from 7AM to 5PM
- Up to 5 bikes available
Note: *If you reserve a rental for consecutive days, you can use it after 5:00 p.m. And if you bring your own charger, you can park it at an inn or hotel to recharge your batteries, so you can get right back into action the next day.
4. LUUP
This electric kickboard can also be rented at Okuhida base. This is available by downloading a special application called LUUP.
Learn more about LUUP here (app is also available in English)
Benefits of LUUP:
- Doesn’t require a driver’s license (but you must be 16y/o and above)
- Powerful enough to withstand the hills of Okuhida
This electric kickboard does not require a driver’s license and is available to anyone over the age of 16.
In addition to this Hirayu, there is also a port (Okuhida Babnbakan) in the Fukuchi area, which can be used as a means of transportation between Hirayu and Fukuchi, as they are mutually transferable.
Comparing Different Transportation
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Rent-a-car | Easy to move even with luggage. If 4-5 people get together, they can use it at a discount. Easy to go far. | There is no store in Okuhida. An international driver’s license is required, but check with the store in advance. The car must be returned to the place where it was borrowed. |
| Local bus | Easy to plan around. | Depends on the location of the bus stop and the time of operation. |
| Electrically power assisted bicycles (e-bikes) | Freedom of movement. It is easier than a regular bicycle because it is motorized. It is good for your health. | Dependent on weather, fitness, and range. |
| Electric Kickboard | Freedom of movement. It is easier than a regular bicycle because it is electrically powered. | Requires app download. Short range of travel. Dependent on weather and range. |
| Walking | Freedom of movement. | Requires considerable physical strength. Takes a long time to get around. |
So far, we have shown you four means of transportation, but the best way to get around is on an electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike).
This is the best way to freely experience the great nature of Okuhida by yourself, with family or friends.
We invite you to make Okuhida your own by e-biking!
Okuhida Base
Located a two-minute walk from the Hirayu Bus Terminal at the entrance to Okuhida Onsengo in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, the hotel offers e-bike (electrically power assisted bicycle) rental and electric kickboard LUUP sharing services.
