Recommended 4 tourist spots based in Shin-Hirayu Onsen, the heart of Okuhida Onsen Village

Okuhida Onsen Village also serves as a base for sightseeing in Takayama. Among its hot spring towns, the most bustling one located at the very center is Shin-Hirayu Onsen. Including the well-known Tochio and Fukuchi Onsen, this hot spring area is conveniently located for visits not only to Takayama, but also to Gifu Prefecture’s premier mountain sightseeing spots such as Kamikochi and Shin-Hotaka. With its high-quality hot spring waters, it is a popular destination for overnight guests. Nearby are famous attractions such as Hida Great Limestone Cave and Hirayu Great Waterfall. While Takayama is well-known, there are also some surprisingly charming, lesser-known spots around Shin-Hirayu Onsen. This time, we will introduce four relaxing spots unique to Okuhida.

1. Fukuchi Onsen Folk Tale Village

Fukuchi Onsen, located right next to Shin-Hirayu Onsen, is a quiet mountain hot spring town with a dozen or so inns scattered around. There you’ll find a small tourist attraction called Fukuchi Onsen Folk Tale Village. Nestled among traditional old houses of Fukuchi Onsen, the Folk Tale Village warmly welcomes visitors.

This is the oldest location in Okuhida Onsen Village to have hosted morning markets. True to its hot spring nature, you can use the public bath “Isurugi-no-Yu” for a very reasonable fee, and after a soak, you can enjoy simple Gohei-mochi at Gohei Village. Other attractions include a plant dyeing workshop, a fossil museum displaying Japan’s oldest fossils, a watermill hut, and Manyokan Pottery Teahouse, making it a hidden gem full of things to see. Those confident in their stamina might also enjoy a trek up Mt. Fukuchi.

2. Taruma Waterfall & Waterside Park

A well-known sightseeing spot in Shin-Hirayu Onsen, Taruma Waterfall & Waterside Park, is famous in winter for the “Taruma Icicle Light-Up.” Like the Hirayu Great Waterfall, Taruma Waterfall takes on a magical atmosphere during winter, with colorful lights welcoming overnight guests. The renowned Taruma spring water flows down the waterfall into the Hirayu River.

Along the riverbank of Hirayu River is the area’s largest attraction, Taruma Waterfall & Waterside Park. Its walking trails include a flood-control tunnel that runs beneath the Hirayu River, where you can enjoy illuminations. Nearby are a drinking spring of Taruma water and “Firefly Village,” where you can see fireflies flit about on summer nights and irises bloom in the daytime. Within the park, Mozumo Shrine is known as a matchmaking spot and is recommended for young couples seeking a little spiritual energy.

3. Hirayu Folk Museum

Heading slightly back toward Takayama along National Route 471 from Shin-Hirayu Onsen, you’ll arrive at Hirayu Onsen, famous for the Hirayu Great Waterfall. One of its attractions is the Hirayu Folk Museum. Here, you can see gassho-style houses, famous from Shirakawa-go, and old thatched-roof homes converted into exhibition halls.

The two-story museum recreates a nostalgic irori (sunken hearth) room on the first floor, while hemp and cloth garments are on display. The second floor houses farming tools and folk implements that give insight into the local lifestyle, making it feel as if you’ve stepped into a countryside grandmother’s home.

Besides the museum, Hirayu Folk Museum also features “Hirayu-no-Yu,” a hot spring bath available for day use at around 300 yen. There are also foot baths and light meals, making it an ideal stop on your way back from Shin-Hirayu Onsen.

4. Okuhida Bear Park

Right next to Shin-Hirayu Onsen lies Okuhida Bear Park, arguably the area’s largest local attraction. Around 100 Asiatic black bears and brown bears are kept here, charming visitors with their playful behavior. Purchase feed from the vending machines in the park, and you’ll see each bear beg with its own unique pose—something you don’t want to miss.

The all-weather “Forest Kumajium” hosts performances where bears do tricks like balancing on balls and ring toss, letting even adults feel like kids again. In the park’s Forest Souvenir Hall, you’ll find classic bear plush toys and the park’s original nutritional drinks—perfect souvenirs from Shin-Hirayu Onsen. There’s even a spot where you can hold a bear cub for a commemorative photo, creating heartwarming memories.

◎ Summary

Okuhida Bear Park is well-known, but the other spots are hidden gems worth visiting even during peak season. Around Shin-Hirayu Onsen in Okuhida Onsen Village, you’ll find plenty of attractive sightseeing spots. Returning to Takayama, you can enjoy the Festival Float Exhibition Hall, the Takayama Festival Forest, the old streets of Sanmachi, and the morning markets. Heading toward Shin-Hotaka, you’ll be awed by the grand scenery of the Northern Alps. Kamikochi is in Nagano Prefecture, but it is easily accessible from Shin-Hirayu Onsen. With its scenic open-air baths and excellent campgrounds, Okuhida Onsen Village is one of the Tokai region’s top year-round destinations.

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