Hirayu-No-Mori Hotspring Resort – Full Guide 2025

If you are looking for the best onsen experience in the Takayama region in 2025, we highly recommend a visit to the Hirayu-No-Mori hotspring resort.

Hirayu is often referred to as the Onsen town. This beautiful mountain town is situated around one hour to the east of Takayama. This is off the beaten track, so if you are planning to visit, we recommend doing some careful preparation and planning.

In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan a visit to Hirayu-No-Mori hotspring resort. We will include all of the important information such as transport details, prices, bus times, entry fees. We will also share some top tips to help you make the most of your day in Hirayu village.

FUN WAY TO SEE THE HOT SPRINGS IN THE AREA – Why not book THIS Amazing Takayama Hot Spring Tour on KLOOK?

Why should you visit Hirayu-No-Mori?

If you are planning to visit Takayama, there are lots of reasons to include a visit to Hirayu-No-Mori.

Firstly, the village itself is very beautiful, so if you’re hoping to cut out into the mountains and experience stunning wild central Japanese scenery, then we highly recommend a visit to Hirayu Village.

Secondly, the Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort is one of the biggest hot spring resorts in the region. So if you want to experience a place with plenty of different pools and variety, then this is a great choice. There are 16 open-air pools plus indoor pools and private pools. There really is something invigorating about taking a dip in hot geothermal water surrounded by cold fresh mountain air.

Thirdly, Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort is a tattoo-friendly resort. Many Onsens in Japan have strict rules prohibiting tattoos, and you will not be allowed to enter if you have any tattoos on your body. Hirayu-No-Mori is relatively unique because they welcome guests with tattoos (no need to cover up your tattoos with awkward soggy bandages at this wonderful Onsen).

And finally, many of the Onsens in the Takayama region are exclusively reserved for in-house hotel guests. So if you are not staying at a hotel with an Onsen, you may struggle to find that Japanese onsen experience. In contrast, Hirayu-No-Mori is open to anyone and everyone. In fact, not only can outside guests visit this beautiful Onsen, they also have private onsens if you want a romantic dip or you want a private Onsen with your family.

Find out more on the Hirayu-No-Mori official website

Two similar Hot Springs – Don’t get confused

There are two different Onsens in Hirayu Village with similar names, and that can be quite confusing. In this article, we are writing about the Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort. This is not to be confused with Hirayu-No-Yu free hotspring (which is around a five or ten-minute walk away). If you’re able to visit this Village, we do recommend getting to both of these Hot Springs. Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort is a paid-for Onsen. It is also much larger than Hirayu-No-Yu. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort.

How do you get to Hirayu-No-Mori from Takayama?

Takayama – Hurayu Village: 

7am 7.40am 8.40am 9.40am 10.40am 11.40am 12.40pm 1.40pm 2.40pm 3.40pm 4.40pm 5.40pm 6.40pm

Hurayu Village – Takayama: 

6.45am 7.30am 8.30am 9.30am 10am 10.30am 11.30am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.30pm 3.30pm 4.30pm 5.30pm

Bus to Hirayu Step-by-Step Guide

Most people stay in Takayama and take a bus to these hot springs. It is relatively easy to travel from Takayama to Hirayu by bus. 

Firstly, you will need to get to the Takayama Nohi Bus Station, which is situated next to the train station. Buses depart seven days a week every hour starting in Takayama at 7am with the last return bus from Hirayu departing at 5.30pm.

We recommend arriving at the bus station at least 15 minutes before your bus is scheduled to depart. You will need to purchase your ticket in the ticket office. You can either do this using one of the automatic vending machines or there is also a ticket desk. 

If you use the vending machine, select ticket for “Okuhida Onsenkyo and Shinhodaka ropeway.” Adult bus tickets cost 1600 yen (£8 or $10) to the onsen (Children 6 – 12 years old pay half price for a ticket, 800 yen – £4 or $5).

Children under six years old do not need to pay. You can pay by cash or card. Once you have purchased your ticket, wait for the bus at Bus stand number 5. There is also a small convenience store to buy snacks and drinks situated in the ticket office area. 

The bus has charging sockets but no toilet on board. It is a very beautiful bus journey into the mountains.The bus journey takes approximately one hour and drops you off at the Hirayu bus terminal.

The hotspring resort is situated right next to the bus terminal; 1 or 2 minutes walk back up the road (in the Takayama direction). You can actually see the entrance to the hot spring resort from the bus terminal.

Top tip: Make sure you know the time of your return bus. The last bus of the day is at 5.30pm. After this, you will be stuck in the town.

Why not stay at the Hirayu-No-Mori Hotel?

If this sounds like too much for a day trip why not book a stay at the hotel? You get free access to the onsen AND you can reserve your room on Agoda or Booking.com…

What are the hot springs like at Hirayu-No-Mori?

There are 16 outdoor hot spring pools at Hirayu-No-Mori. Each pool offers a subtly different experience. All hot springs come from the same origin and the temperatures range from 39 to 41 degrees Celsius (this is a bit like getting a satisfyingly hot bath). The water is genuine geothermal hot spring water enriched with dissolved minerals (so you can also enjoy the physical health benefits of relaxing in this water). There is also an indoor hot spring, showers, and a sauna. There is a separate male and female hot spring area and separate changing rooms. If you are visiting with a partner or family and you want to share a hot spring experience, you will need to pay for a private hot spring room (this costs 1,500 yen and we will tell you more about the private facilities soon).

What are the private hot spring facilities like at Hirayu-No-Mori?

If you are looking for a private onsen experience in the Takayama region, Hirayu-No-Mori is one of the only options (unless you are able to book a hotel with private onsens available to guests). The private hot spring facilities here are absolutely excellent.

A private hot springs room costs 1,500 yen. The private onsen could comfortably accommodate a family of 5 or more. There is a private shower area and a reasonably large pool (the pool has an indoor and an outdoor section). Private onsen rooms are available daily between 12 pm to 3 pm (with a last entry of 2.15 pm).

They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so we recommend arriving early if you are hoping to have a private person.

What do you need to bring to Hirayu-No-Mori?

Here are some things that you may want to bring with you:

• Hairbrush
• Shampoo and moisturizer
• Towel
• Water bottle
• Slippers (not compulsory but it can be nice)
• Flip flops or sandals when you are walking around between the pools outside

It is traditional to bathe naked at hot springs in Japan so you do not need to bring any swimming costume or swimming shorts with you. You can also rent towels from the vending machine at the reception desk (in Japan that you really can get everything from a vending machine!):

• Large towel: 500 yen
• Small towel: 200 yen

When is the Hirayu-No-Mori Hot Spring open?

This hot spring is normally open seven days a week, 10 am – 9 pm. The private hot springs are available from 12 pm to 3 pm with a last entry of 2.15pm. Hirayu-No-Mori is open throughout the year in all weather. In fact, an outdoor onsen is probably at its best on a cold crisp winter day. Hirayu-No-Mori closes for maintenance around three times a year (normally one time in April, one time in September, and one time in December). Check on the Instagram for announcements about closures.

Is it compulsory to bathe naked at Hirayu-No-Mori?

Yes, it is compulsory to bathe naked at this hot spring. This is almost universally the case at hot springs across Japan, so if you are hoping to experience a Japanese onsen, you will need to be willing to bathe naked with members of the same sex. This can feel very weird at first, but when you realize that this is just a standard part of the culture and no one else is feeling self-conscious or staring at you, you will be able to relax into the experience. If you are not convinced, you can still bring a large towel with you and use this to cover yourself when you are walking between hot spring pools. Just remember you’re not allowed to dip your towel in the pool (this is an important rule if you are using a Japanese onsen).

Can you go to Hirayu-No-Mori if you have a tattoo?

Most onsens in Japan have a strict prohibition on tattoos. If you go to an onsen with a tattoo, you will either be asked to leave or not be allowed to enter in the first place. In some cases, people use bandages to cover up tattoos (in many onsens, even covering a tattoo is not allowed). Hirayu-No-Mori is a happy exception to the rule. Everyone is welcome at this onsen whether you have tattoos or not.

What facilities are available at Hirayu-No-Mori Hot spring Resort?

Hirayu-No-Mori Hot Spring Resort is also a hotel. So if you are looking for a beautiful place to stay in the Hirayu area, why not stay at this amazing hot spring resort? In fact, if you stay at this resort, you can use the onsen free of charge. There is also a beautiful restaurant serving a selection of tempting fresh, delicious local Japanese dishes. And don’t miss the souvenir shop (open from 7 am to 9 pm). Hirayu-No-Mori has traditional Japanese Tatami floor throughout the building, no need to wear shoes (socks or barefoot is fine). In general, onsens in Japan also include a resting area. In Japanese culture and thinking, it is very important to slow down, rest, and recalibrate after you have spent time soaking in hot geothermal water.

Step by step guide to using a Japanese Onsen (and not offending the locals!)

Japan has a very conservative and refined culture. If you’re planning to visit a traditional Japanese onsen, it is important to get to grips with the etiquette and customs.

When you first arrive at Hirayu-No-Mori, you will need to take your shoes off and leave them in the entrance area. From here, you can wear socks, flip-flops, sandals, or go barefoot. There is a clean, comfortable tatami floor to walk on.

When you get to the changing rooms, you can put your belongings into a locker. In some cases, there will be baskets or shelves available for your belongings. Hirayu-No-Mori has lockers available to rent in the changing rooms for 100 yen (non-refundable).

You will need to keep your towels and toiletries out. Once you have stored your belongings, you can get undressed and put your clothes and towels into a basket. Generally speaking, you can take a small towel into the bathing area (although if you would prefer to take your larger towel, this is also acceptable).

Once you have undressed, you can go through to the shower area. In Japan, one will traditionally sit on a small stool or seat while you shower yourself. At this point, you can use soap to wash your hair and body before you get into the Onsen (you are not allowed to use soap or wash yourself in the Onsen itself).

Once you have showered, you can go to the Onsen area. In this area, you will need to bathe naked. People are generally very relaxed and comfortable with this because it is a normal part of the culture.

When you are moving around outside, you can either go barefoot or use sandals or flip-flops. It is important not to dip your towel into the Onsen water.

Once you have finished using the Onsen, there is a sauna. It is also a good idea to have a shower before you change. It is also good etiquette to dry yourself before you go into the changing room.

When you are walking around the Hirayu-No-Mori, you are allowed to wear slippers or go barefoot.

GET INSPIRED – Don’t miss our Full Guide on The BEST things to see and do in Takayama