Ryokan in Okuhida

奥飛騨

Five hot-spring villages deep in the Northern Alps, part of Takayama city but an hour away by bus, just across the mountains from Kamikochi. Hourly buses from Takayama stop at Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu and Tochio before ending at the Shinhotaka Ropeway, 90 minutes out.

Choosing an area in Okuhida

Map of the Okuhida hot-spring villages with a dot for each ryokan and rings at Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka Onsen — © OpenStreetMap

Hirayu Onsen 平湯温泉
The first stop, an hour from Takayama, where buses leave for Kamikochi.
Fukuji Onsen 福地温泉
A small village off the main road, 70 minutes from Takayama.
Shin-Hirayu Onsen 新平湯温泉
Along the road to Shinhotaka, 75 minutes from Takayama.
Tochio Onsen 栃尾温泉
The last village before Shinhotaka, 80 minutes from Takayama.
Shinhotaka Onsen 新穂高温泉
The end of the road, under the Shinhotaka Ropeway.

Okuhida through the year

Spring春
March to May
Cherry trees flower about a month later than on the plains, from late April at Tochio and on into mid-May higher up; the tourist association lights them up at night.
Summer夏
June to August
On 26 June, 'rotenburo day', the villages open chosen open-air baths free of charge.
Autumn秋
September to November
The leaves turn from early to late October.
Winter冬
December to February
Snow covers the roads in winter; the buses keep running.