Highest Outdoor Onsen in Japan
Summary
Activity: Hike to Onsen
Distance: 5.5 km each way (11 km total)
Time: 1-2 hrs each way (summer) 4+ hrs each way (winter)
Start / finish location tag - Parking lot google maps link
Tattoo friendly :)
Altitude (M) Distance (KM)
Unjou Onsen (雲上温泉) sits at 2,150m altitude. “Above the Clouds” is the literal translation of the highest outdoor hot spring in Japan. It’s located at Honzawa Onsen mountain hut on the east side of the Yatsugadake Mountain Range.
At an altitude of 2150m, this is Japan's highest open-air bath. It utilizes a hot spring sourced from the Iodake Craters Yu river. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Hakusan Rhododendron plants, Veitch's silver-fir, and Northern Japanese Hemlock, this secluded hot spring offers a serene and natural experience.
The outdoor bath of Honzawa Onsen is located on the slope of a rocky valley, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Iou's volcanic crater (2,760m). The spring water is characterized by its cloudy, light-blue appearance and high content of hydrogen sulfide, calcium, and sodium.
It’s a 5.5 km (11 km with the return) hike to the hot spring and takes about 1-2 hours in summer from the parking gate (located here). The mountain hut and onsen are open year-round so it’s possible to do this in winter. Allow around 4 hours each way during winter hikes.
Additionally, there is a designated campsite available for tent camping which is currently 1,000 yen per tent site. It’s also possible to stay at the mountain hut which starts at 9,000 yen per person exclusive of food. For dinner and lunch included the total cost is 12,000.
FROM THE HONZAWA MOUNTAIN HUT WEBSITE
Left column from top: 1 night, 2 meals. 1 night, dinner. 1 night, breakfast.
Column 2 = New building, private room. Column 3 = Main (older) building, private room. Column 4 = Main building, dorm room.
Getting to the trail hard will require a car rental and parking is at the trailhead. If you would like a 5% discount on rental cars check out Klook car rentals :)
This is really worth the trip! It’s not too difficult to access with a car and the hike itself is very straightforward. There are two parking lots and I would suggest just parking at the first parking area. The road to the second parking is narrow, a little offroad, and a bit sketchy with hikers sharing the road.
Happy travels!
Matt
