Oku-Hida Onsen Villages Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages with our comprehensive guide including itinerary, places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Complete Guide to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Located in Gifu prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan, Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is a hidden gem that offers visitors the opportunity to relax, explore the outdoors, and experience Japanese culture. From its natural hot springs to its scenic hiking trails, there is no shortage of things to do in this picturesque destination.

Introduction to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is composed of five onsen (hot spring) villages nestled in the Japanese Alps: Hirayu, Shin-Hirayu, Fukuchi, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka. Each village has its unique charm, and visitors can easily hop between different onsen villages to experience various hot spring styles and scenery.

List of Places to Visit in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hida Folk Village: A museum showcasing traditional wooden houses from the Hida region, perfect for a cultural immersion.

  • Takayama Jinya: A former government office turned museum housing displays on Japanese architecture and culture.

  • Takayama Old Town: A preserved historic district featuring old merchants’ houses and shops.

Natural Attractions of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Shin-Hotaka Ropeway: A scenic cable car ride with views of the Japanese Alps and the surrounding countryside.

  • Kamikochi: A natural reserve with crystal-clear streams and surrounded by mountains, offering hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.

  • Oku-Hida Bear Park: A hilly park home to native Asian black bears.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

  • Hirayu Great Falls Trail: A peaceful hike along the Azusa River with a stunning view of the waterfall.

  • Norikura Skyline: A mountain drive or cycling route that offers panoramic views of the Japanese Alps.

  • Shin-Hotaka Trail: A challenging hike that includes mountain summits and high alpine ridge walks.

Best Things to Do in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Activities and Tours

  • Onsen Hopping: Relax in the various hot springs (onsen) located in different villages, each offering unique bathing experiences.

  • Traditional Crafts Workshops: Take part in a pottery or weaving workshop to create traditional Japanese crafts.

  • Nighttime Strolls: Walk around Shin-Hotaka and enjoy the illuminated atmosphere of the village.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Day Activity
1 Travel to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages, settle in and visit a nearby onsen.
2 Hike in Kamikochi or Shirahone Onsen.
3 Visit Takayama Old Town followed by dinner at one of its restaurants.
4 Take a scenic drive on the Norikura Skyline or mountain bike ride.
5 Relax in one of the hot springs located in the different villages.
6 Visit Hida Folk Village to learn about traditional Japanese houses.
7 Take the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway and enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

Food and Drink Scene of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hida Beef: A specialty dish of the region, the local Hida beef is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.

  • Sobagaki: A traditional dish made with soba flour and hot water, typically served with tsuyu dipping sauce.

  • Takayama Ramen: A local variant of the popular Japanese noodle soup that uses thin, curly noodles.

Local Beverages

  • Hida Takayama Brewery: A local brewery that produces a wide range of sake.

  • Hida Koshihikari: A locally-grown type of rice that is well-known for its high quality and rich flavor.

Where to Stay in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hidatei Hanaougi: A luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that features hot spring baths and Japanese kaiseki cuisine.

  • Hirayunomori: A modern hotel featuring both Japanese and western-style rooms and a hot spring bath.

  • Ryokan Tanabe: A traditional inn located in a peaceful setting, featuring hot spring baths and Japanese-style rooms.

What to Buy in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sarubobo Dolls: These cute traditional dolls are sold in various colors and sizes and make great souvenirs.

  • Hida Sake: Take home a bottle of sake from Takayama Brewery to savor the flavors of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages.

  • Hida Wood Crafts: Bring home a beautiful piece of Japanese craftsmanship, such as a wooden dish or chopsticks.

Local Culture and Customs of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

  • It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or any other building.

  • Japanese hot springs are typically enjoyed nude. Make sure to wash thoroughly before entering the bath.

Best Time to Visit Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

The best time to visit Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is from late spring to early summer (May to June) or in autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the autumn leaves add to the area’s beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Do:

  • Try the different hot springs available in the onsen villages.

  • Respect the local customs and culture.

  • Take home some traditional crafts or souvenirs.

Don’t:

  • Wear outdoor shoes inside buildings.

  • Enter hot spring baths with any clothing or towels.

  • Speak loudly or disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the hot springs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

The city of Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is generally a safe place with low crime rates. However, visitors should take general safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their valuables and following traffic rules while cycling or driving.

Health in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

While soaking in hot springs (onsen) has many health benefits, such as relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation, visitors with skin irritation or sensitive skin might want to avoid hot spring baths. Additionally, visitors should stay hydrated and be mindful of overexertion when hiking or engaging in any outdoor activities.

Getting to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Transportation Options and Logistics

The best way to get to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is by train or bus from Tokyo or Nagoya. Visitors can take the JR limited express train from Tokyo or Nagoya to Takayama, then transfer to the Nohi Bus bound for Oku-Hida Onsen Villages.

Airports Near Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

The nearest airport to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is Chubu Centrair International Airport located in Nagoya, which is approximately 3.5 hours away by bus.

Bus Stations Near Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

Visitors can take the Nohi Bus from Takayama Station to get to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Oku-Hida Onsen Villages. However, it is important to note that some of the roads leading to the area can be narrow and steep.

How to Get Around in Oku-Hida Onsen Villages

The easiest way to get around Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is by bus or taxi. Visitors can buy a one-day bus ticket that allows unlimited rides between the different onsen villages.

Where to Go Next from Oku-Hida Onsen Villages: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO-listed traditional village famous for its gassho-zukuri-style thatched-roof houses.

  • Kanazawa: A city known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, historic buildings, and art museums.

  • Kyoto: A city renowned for its temples, shrines, and traditional geisha culture.

Conclusion

With its stunning scenery, relaxing hot springs, and traditional Japanese culture, Oku-Hida Onsen Villages is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Japan. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this hidden gem.

Hot springs in the Oku-Hida Onsen Villages Hot springs in the Oku-Hida Onsen Villages View towards the Northern Japan Alps, near Shin-Hotaka View towards the Northern Japan Alps, near Shin-Hotaka