Onsen Hot Springs in Hakuba

One of the best things about winter sports in Japan is the abundance of hot spring baths to relax your tired muscles in at the end of a hard day on the slopes.

Not only does it clean and refresh you, it also makes the après ski drinks even more delicious.

Hakuba has many Onsen dotted through out the valley where one can pay a small admission fee, get naked, and enjoy this Japanese tradition that dates back over 1,000years.

There are three main types of hot spring in Hakuba Valley. Firstly there are public hot springs, where anyone can go and soak for a small fee. Then there are a number of hotels (usually larger establishments) that have large hot spring baths and take some public customers (although hours are usually very limited). And finally there are a number of foot spas, where you take off you shoes or boots, roll up your trousers , and let the warm water flow over your feet.

Happo Onsen

Happo Onsen is the larger group of Onsen in Hakuba. Consisting of 4 bath houses located around the base of Happo Onsen Ski Resort, there are a wide variety of options. It is piping hot and most people cannot last more than a few minutes.

Happo no Yu

Mimizuku no Yu

Obinata no Yu

Happo No Yu is the largest of the bath houses and is located near Happo Information Center. During busy seasons it opens from 10:00 – 21:00 and costs 800yen per adult and 400yen per child. Tickets are bought at a vending machine in the lobby area. There are both indoor and outdoor baths here. There is also a large relaxation area, and a small cafe which operates at irregular hours.

Mimizuku No Yu offers some of the best views of the Japan Alps from their location near the Land Station Hakuba (Starbucks). This is a older facility, but still has indoor and outdoor baths. You have to walk through the indoor bath to get to the outdoor one.
Mimizuku no Yu is open daily and operates between 10:00 – 21:00. Admission is 650yen per adult and 300yen per child.

Obinata no Yu is a gem of an Onsen. It is located along the road to the mountain hut at Sarukura, and is more difficult to get to, but you are well rewarded for making the effort. This is an outdoor “rotemburo” bath only, but is situated in the snow. You undress in a small changing room and step out into the freezing cold. Of course the water is nice and warm, and sitting in a hot spring in the snow is one of the true pleasures of Japan. The other great thing about this onsen is that it closes at 18:00 and after that small groups can reserve the bath privately and enjoy a spa with friends only.
While they do not allow swim suits during the public hours, you are more than welcome to use a bathing suit if you have the place booked privately.

During pubic hours, the hot spring is 650yen per adult and 300yen per child. Private use is 20,000yen for a group of 5, or 4,000yen per person for 6 or more people (session is 1 hours, and includes pick up and drop off at your accommodation.

Kurashita no Yu

Iwatake no Yu

Juro no Yu

Kurashita no Yu is the source of the Shio-no-Michi Onsen bore and unlike Happo, across the river, is a sodium-chloride / bicarbonate spring, with a murky color (Happo Onsen is very transparent).

There is only an outdoor bath, but it is protected from the elements with wall and canvas. A little cooler than Happo Onsen, it is still a great way to warm your bones on a freezing cold day.

The bath seats about 15 people and you cannot see through the murky water to the bottom of the bath, so take care when entering.

Entry to Kurashita no Yu is 600yen per adult and 300yen per child. Operating hours are 10AM – 9PM

Iwatake no Yu is located at the base of the Iwatake Mountain Resort. It uses the waters of the Himekawa Onsen. It is a smaller onsen with only an indoor bath.

Adults are 600yen and Children are 300yen. It may also be privately booked out for groups. A warning though, hours are generally limited to 13:00 – 19:30, so it pays to call ahead and confirm if it is open or not. (0261-72-8304)

Located in the Goryu Area, Juro no Yu is one of the few hot springs in Hakuba to feature a Sauna. The source of this hot spring is called “Hakuba Katakuri Onsen”.

The bath house features both indoor and outdoor baths, but there is no view from the outdoor bath.

A popular bath house among locals, it is a good place to get away from the tourists and mingle with the residents of Hakuba.

Open from 10:00 – 22:30 it also has the longest operating hours in Hakuba. Adults are 600yen, while children are a hefty 500yen.

Hakuba Ryujin Onsen

Pokka Pokka Land

Miyama no Yu

One of the more recent and largest hot springs in Hakuba. It is located behind the Hakuba Road Station (Michi-no-Eki) in the Goryu Area. The hot spring features a wide range of baths of different sizes.

Not only can you soak in the baths here, but also get full meal service. making for a good night out.

Open from 13:00 – 22:00 on weekdays and 11:00 – 22:00 on weekends, there is plenty of time to visit. Entry is 800yen per adult and 400yen per child

Pokka Pokka Land is about 15 minutes drive from central Hakuba, and is one of the best value Onsen in the area.
Larger than other onsen in town, it has several different types of pool, as well as an outdoor bath, sauna and jet bath.
There is also a large relaxation area, a shop with lots of local souvenirs, and a restaurant.
All this for only 600yen per person. Pokka Pokka Land is a place you can easily spend a few hours.