{"id":3955,"date":"2024-05-29T16:24:15","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T07:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hbv1001vjsu4.previewdomain.jp\/jpn\/blog\/wp\/?p=3955"},"modified":"2025-03-21T16:41:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T07:41:10","slug":"okuhida-northern-alps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/okuhida-northern-alps\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Enjoying the Northern Alps and Okuhida, Takayama"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Natural Hot Spring Hot Spot in Takayama<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okuhida Onsengo in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, is a secluded area where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty, hiking, and hot springs<\/a> of Japan. It is located approximately 1 hour by bus from Takayama City and 90 minutes by bus from Matsumoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Famous for its five hot spring resorts (Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin Hotaka)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Recommended Spots in Okuhida?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In the Shin Hotaka area, the Shin Hotaka Ropeway<\/mark> 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<\/mark> in particular offers a beautiful photo op.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the Hirayu<\/mark> area, Hirayu Great Falls, which<\/mark> 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)<\/mark>, standing in the midst of a silent forest, is a sight to behold.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the Shin-Hirayu area, visitors can experience feeding the bears and take commemorative photos with the cubs at the Okuhida Bear Farm<\/mark>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In the Fukuchi onsen area, the morning market<\/mark> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nearby Attractions: Kamikochi and Mt.Norikura<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, 2. by foot, and 3. by bicycle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kamikochi\"<\/figure>
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Kamikochi<\/strong> is one of the best national park resorts in Japan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The area around Kappa-bashi Bridge (overlooking Azusa River) and the powerful mountains (in the Hotaka mountain range), are most popular amongst tourists.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Norikura Skyline<\/strong> is a beautiful mountain road on Mt. Norikura<\/a>. It leads to Tatamidaira, the highest point in Japan accessible by bicycle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Get Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Rent a Car<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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With a car, you can move around quickly, store a lot of luggage, and you can accommodate a lot people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Going by Local Bus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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This can be one of the cheapest methods of transportation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3\u3001Rent an electrically power assisted bicycle (e-bike) and ride around (rent a bicycle)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Electric bicycles (e-bikes) can be rented at Okuhida base, a 2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal at the entrance to Okuhida Onsengo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okuhida Bike Rental Info:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n