Hot Spring Water and Its Benefits
Hirayu Onsen has approximately 40 natural hot spring sources, producing around 13,000 liters of hot water per minute. Its abundant waters come in a variety of types, including bicarbonate, chloride, simple, and sulfur springs.
The waters have traditionally been used for bathing and are believed to help relieve various ailments, including digestive disorders, rheumatism, nervous conditions, and skin problems.
Exploring the Hot Spring Town
The streets of Hirayu Onsen are lined with traditional inns, hotels, public bathhouses, footbaths, and souvenir shops. At the entrance to the town is Hirayu no Mori, a popular facility offering day-use bathing as well as accommodation.
Hirayu no Mori features 16 different outdoor baths, each with its own water characteristics and temperature. Visitors can relax in the hot springs, unwind in a traditional gassho-style thatched-roof rest area, or stroll along paths through the surrounding natural forest.
The on-site restaurant serves regional specialties such as handmade soba noodles and Hida beef grilled on an iron plate. During winter, seasonal wild boar hot pot is also available. The grounds feature a lighthouse-inspired structure called Mori no Todai, with a footbath located beneath it.
Public Bathhouses and the Secluded Kami no Yu
There are four public bathhouses in the hot spring town. A little farther away, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by trees, is Kami no Yu, an outdoor bath regarded as the birthplace of Hirayu Onsen. Its rustic setting offers a peaceful, secluded bathing experience away from the main streets.
A statue of Fudo Myoo, a Buddhist deity, stands nearby. The area is also associated with a legend about a white monkey that guided the forces of Takeda Shingen to the hot springs during the Sengoku period (1467–1615).
History of Hirayu Onsen
Located at the foot of Mount Norikura at an elevation of approximately 1,250 meters, Hirayu Onsen is regarded as the oldest hot spring resort in Okuhida. According to local tradition, its history dates back to the Sengoku period.
One famous legend tells of soldiers in the army of Takeda Shingen who suffered from poisonous volcanic gases while campaigning in Hida. A white monkey is said to have appeared and led them to the hot springs, where they could recover. This story remains an important part of the area’s folklore.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), feudal lords traveling between their domains and Edo under the system of alternate attendance are said to have stopped at Hirayu. The hot springs subsequently flourished as a place for recuperation and therapeutic bathing.
Places to Visit Around Hirayu Onsen
The surrounding area offers several attractions where visitors can experience local history, culture, and nature.
- Footbath Park: A relaxing place to soak your feet in natural hot spring water.
- Hirayu Shrine: A local shrine associated with the history and traditions of the hot spring village.
- Hirayu Folk Museum: Features the Toyosaka family residence, designated a cultural property by Takayama City, along with the Shinohara Munen Memorial Museum.
- Hirayu Yakushido Buddhist Hall: A historic religious building designated a cultural property by the city.
- Hirayu no Mori: A hot spring facility offering multiple outdoor baths and regional cuisine.
- Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort: A destination for winter sports in the surrounding mountains.
- Hirayu Great Falls: A spectacular waterfall in the nearby mountain landscape.
- Hida and Northern Alps Nature and Culture Center: A place to learn about the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
A Convenient Gateway to the Northern Japan Alps
The hot spring town extends from Hirayu Bus Terminal toward the Abo Pass area along National Route 158. The terminal is a major transportation hub for exploring the surrounding mountains and hot spring destinations.
Hirayu Onsen is also located near the Gifu Prefecture entrance to the Abo Tunnel, which connects Gifu and Nagano prefectures. This location makes it a convenient base for travelers exploring the Northern Japan Alps, including those arriving from the Kanto region.
Relax in the Historic Hot Springs of Okuhida
With its abundant hot spring waters, mountain scenery, traditional bathing facilities, and fascinating local legends, Hirayu Onsen offers a memorable introduction to the Okuhida region. Visitors can enjoy outdoor baths surrounded by forests, savor Hida’s regional cuisine, and use the town as a base for exploring some of central Japan’s most spectacular alpine landscapes.