Hike

Mt. Tengu-dake Honzawa Onsen Route

Length: 14km / 8.7 miles

Time: 8 hours

Season: All seasons

Key features: Hike to Japan's highest outdoor hotspring. Mixed gender hot spring. Tattoo friendly. Option to stay overnight at the mountain hut available all seasons.

Access

Take your own car or a cab (40 minutes from Koumi Station on the JR Koumi Line) to the Honzawa entrance

Description

Honzawa Onsen is Japan's highest outdoor hot spring at 2,150m (7,053ft). It's located in the Yatsugatake Mountain Range and despite its small size and remote location, this wooden box on the side of a cliff offers a well-deserved soak in natural hot water with stunning mountain views.

The first time I visited here in the winter I learned that during certain times of the year the roads and parking close due to snow. This means the walk is longer and of course through the snow. In the warmer months the hike can be shorter as the higher parking area opens. Driving is the best way to arrive to the start of the hike however, public transport is available.

Mountain hut accommodation

Reservations are available and must be made by phone with more information on the website https://www.yatsu-honzawaonsen.com/

The phone number is 090-3140-7312.