If you are planning a trip to Kamikochi, Hirayu Onsen is one of the most practical and atmospheric places to stay. Located in the Okuhida region of Gifu Prefecture, this small alpine hot spring village sits just 25 minutes from Kamikochi by direct shuttle. It allows you to explore the Japanese Alps while avoiding the premium hotel rates inside the national park basin.

Hirayu Onsen is the oldest of the five hot spring hamlets making up Okuhida Onsenkyo. Legend has it that back in the 1560s during the Sengoku Period, weary samurai warriors from warlord Takeda Shingen’s army discovered these mineral-rich waters and used them to heal their battle wounds and exhaustion. Centuries later, the tradition remains unchanged. After a long day trekking trails like the Karasawa Cirque or Mount Yari, returning to Hirayu to soak in an outdoor thermal bath before a traditional multi-course dinner is tough to beat.

Why Hirayu Onsen is the Best Base for Kamikochi & Okuhida

Direct, Hassle-Free Access to Kamikochi: Private cars are banned from entering Kamikochi. The Nohi Bus Kamikochi Line departs directly from the Hirayu Bus Terminal every 30 minutes during peak season (running 17th April through 15th November). A one-way ticket is ¥1,500 per adult (purchased at the station vending machine), no advance reservation is required, and the ride takes only 25 minutes.
Multi-Day Luggage Storage: If you are heading into Kamikochi for a multi-day trek or hut stay, you can leave large suitcases behind. The self-service lockers right by Hirayu Bus Terminal accommodate baggage for up to 7 days (starting from ¥400; coin-operated).
Gateway to the Wider Northern Alps: From Hirayu Onsen, direct buses connect to the Shinhotaka Ropeway (for double-decker cable car views of the peaks), Mount Norikura, and the historic old town of Takayama.
- Read our Northern Alps Itinerary!

Best Ryokan & Hotels in Hirayu Onsen

There are around 20 traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and hot spring hotels in Hirayu Onsen to choose from. We stayed at both a more affordable traditional ryokan and a more luxurious property, and both offered very different experiences.

Miyamaouanbekkan Yumegurinoyado Hirayukan

Hirayukan delivers classic Japanese hospitality with spacious tatami rooms. Upon arrival, you can choose your own colorful yukata robe and slippers from the lobby.

Best for: Authentic, traditional ryokan experience at a mid-range price
Location: Less than a 5-minute walk from Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal

The Onsen: Gender-separated indoor and open-air hot spring baths fed by natural thermal water, surrounded by tranquil greenery.
The Food: Stays typically include both dinner and breakfast. The dinner buffet is generous, featuring fresh sashimi, sushi, regional hot pot, and grilled specialties, alongside a Western and Japanese breakfast spread.

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Mi yama Ouan Kyoritsu Resort

Tucked into a wooded hillside, Miyama Ouan offers a higher-end mountain lodge feel with dark timber architecture, tatami flooring, and modern amenities.

Best for: Upscale rustic luxury and private hot springs
Location: A 15-minute walk (or a quick, free shuttle ride) from the bus terminal
The Onsen: Alongside spacious public indoor and outdoor baths, the property features two private open-air onsen cabins available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, making it ideal for couples and families. Some rooms also come with their own private hot spring tubs.
The Food: Multi-course seasonal kaiseki dinners featuring local Hida beef cooked over charcoal, followed by traditional Japanese breakfast.

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Our Top Choice:

Overall, Miyama Ouan was easily our favorite stay and the ultimate post-hike reward. After days on the trail, having multi-course meals served directly to your table, sleeping in exceptionally comfortable beds, and booking a well-earned massage felt like pure luxury. Best of all, having a private hot spring tub right in our room meant we didn't have to get dressed and walk through the property just to soak our aching muscles, which can get surprisingly tiring after a long trek.

Private Open-air Onsen Cabin at **Miyama Ouan**

On the other hand, Hirayukan is the ideal spot for a pre-hike stay. It is significantly more budget-friendly, and because your legs aren't tired yet, you won't mind walking around to help yourself at the generous dinner and breakfast buffet.

Hirayu no Mori: The 16 Outdoor Baths & Day-Use Guide

If you are staying at accommodation without its own hot spring or simply visiting Hirayu on a day trip after trekking through Kamikochi, Hirayu no Mori is the village’s premier bathing facility.

What makes this onsen unique is its extensive network of open-air forest baths. Situated under the native alpine canopy, the facility features 16 outdoor pools scattered across the woodlands (seven for men and nine for women), each varying slightly in temperature, stone layout, and mineral composition. The baths tap directly into natural thermal springs, offering a mix of soothing clear spring water and a distinctive, sulfur-rich milky-white mineral pool that is legendary for soothing aching trail legs. There are also spacious indoor wooden baths, cold plunge tubs, and saunas if the mountain air gets chilly.

The day-use bath is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (with last entry at 8:30 PM). Admission is ¥700 per adult. You will need to bring your own small towel or purchase one at the vending machine at the front desk. Unlike many traditional onsens, Hirayu no Mori is tattoo-friendly with no cover-up required, making it one of the most welcoming and accessible traditional hot springs in the region.

How to Get to Hirayu Onsen from Tokyo, Takayama & Matsumoto

Hirayu Onsen is particularly convenient because it sits on the main transport route between Takayama, Matsumoto and Kamikochi.

From Takayama: Regular Nohi Buses run from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center directly to Hirayu in about 53 minute for ¥1500 (no reservation required).
From Matsumoto: Direct highway buses link Matsumoto Bus Terminal to Hirayu Onsen in roughly 90 minutes.
From Tokyo (Shinjuku): Take the JR Limited Express Azusa train from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Station, then transfer to the local bus toward Hirayu Onsen. Alternatively, direct express highway buses run from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal directly to Hirayu Onsen in about 5 hours for ¥8000 (reservation required).

Read our other Japan Guides!

Where to Stay in Hirayu Onsen: Best Ryokan, Baths & Kamikochi Base

Located just 25 minutes from Kamikochi by direct shuttle, Hirayu Onsen is the ultimate base for exploring the Japanese Alps without the national park hotel price tag. From traditional mid-range ryokan buffets to private open-air hot spring retreats and day-use forest baths at Hirayu no Mori, here is our complete guide on where to stay, how to get there, and where to store your bags before hitting the trail.