Fukuchi Onsen, the famous hot spring of the highlands, and 6 recommended sightseeing spots in the area!

Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, also known as “Hida Takayama,” is famous for having the largest area of any municipality in Japan. More than 90% of its total area is covered by forests, and it is known as a mountain city that boasts some of Japan’s most prominent peaks, such as Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Hotakadake. Fukuchi Onsen, which I will introduce this time, is one of the hot spring towns that represent tourism in Hida Takayama. The surrounding area is dotted with sightseeing spots where you can enjoy nature. Now, let’s take a look at the recommended tourist destinations you should definitely visit when at Fukuchi Onsen.

1. Mukashibanashi no Sato

One of the most popular sightseeing spots around Fukuchi Onsen is “Mukashibanashi no Sato.” This is a tourist facility where you can enjoy day-use hot springs, meals, and various hands-on experiences in traditional-style old houses. In the experience classes, you can immerse yourself in the traditional culture unique to Fukuchi Onsen, such as plant dyeing, making flower rice cakes, and weaving.

In addition, there is “Gohei-mochi Village,” where you can eat the local specialty gohei-mochi by the hearthside tatami room, the free-entry “Fukuchi Fossil Museum,” the public bath “Isurugi no Yu,” and a morning market that sells mountain vegetables harvested around Fukuchi Onsen. It is delightful that you can enjoy yourself all day long. Among them, “Fukuchi Fossil Museum” and “Isurugi no Yu” are must-sees.

◆ Fukuchi Fossil Museum

Fukuchi is one of Japan’s leading fossil-producing areas, and many fossils were once displayed at the “Hida Nature Museum.” Unfortunately, the museum closed in 2001. As a replacement, a free fossil museum was opened within “Mukashibanashi no Sato.”
The fossils are displayed under themes such as “The Evolution of Earth and History” and “The Ancient Sea,” making them easy to view. Although small in scale, the exhibits are impressive. It is also recommended as a place to learn about the history of Fukuchi, which was once a seabed.

◆ Isurugi no Yu

Named after the guardian deity of Fukuchi Onsen, “Isurugi Shrine,” “Isurugi no Yu” allows you to soak in hot springs while viewing the mountains of Fukuchi. It has a hot open-air bath and a lukewarm indoor bath, making it easy for children to enjoy as well. A special perk is that those who bathe here receive one freshly grilled gohei-mochi for free.

This charming “Mukashibanashi no Sato” had unfortunately been closed for a long period since March 2018. But the good news is that there is information about reopening! As of now, it is scheduled to reopen on December 26, 2018, so if you visit Fukuchi Onsen, be sure to stop by.

2. Onyado Hisui

If you want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of a classic Showa-era hot spring inn, “Onyado Hisui” is recommended. At night, the entrance is illuminated with torches and lanterns, enhancing the nostalgic ambiance. At the back of the lobby, you will find a large table and chairs made from logs, as well as an irori (sunken hearth) boasting over 300 years of history, all helping to ease your travel fatigue.

All guest rooms are Japanese-style with mountain views. From this inn located on a hill, you can fully enjoy the magnificent scenery of Okuhida. Meals feature local ingredients from Fukuchi Onsen such as mountain vegetables, wild plants, and river fish, with the main dish being a choice of Hida beef, hoba steak, or shabu-shabu. It is a luxurious lineup unique to this region.

All ten types of hot springs in the inn are, of course, natural flowing springs. Enjoy the fresh hot water to your heart’s content. For those who want to soak in a private space, head to the detached private bath “Tochi-yu.” Here, you will find an indoor bath carved out of a 200-year-old giant tree and an outdoor rock bath. Don’t miss the large private outdoor bath with reclining space, “Yawaragi no Yu,” or “Isurugi no Yu,” the oldest mixed-gender outdoor bath in Okuhida.

3. Mt. Fukuchi

Mt. Fukuchi, standing at 1,672m, rises just behind the Fukuchi Onsen area. The hiking trail, established in 2004, is easy to walk, and you can reach the summit in just about two and a half hours one way, making it a casual trekking option. From the summit, you can admire the Northern Alps, the highlight of Okuhida tourism.

The best season is from June to October. Walking the forested trail surrounded by rich greenery provides a refreshing experience. The snow scenery from winter to early spring is also beautiful, but beginners should take caution as it can be dangerous. Even in summer, be sure to bring a long-sleeved layer, as well as light snacks, drinks, and a portable toilet when climbing Mt. Fukuchi.

4. Okuhida Bear Park

Located about 2 km from Fukuchi Onsen, “Okuhida Bear Park” is a popular spot where you can enjoy a fun time with bears. Over 100 adorable Asiatic black bears and brown bears are raised in the park. Since it is an indoor facility, it can be enjoyed even on rainy days. It is open year-round, regardless of season.

At the show called “Bear Learning Presentation,” you can see bears riding tricycles on their hind legs or balancing on balls. You can also take commemorative photos with bear cubs and feed them, making it fun for adults as well as children. At the “Forest Product Hall,” you will find plush toys, bear-themed sweets, and even “bear oil,” said to be effective for cuts and burns—perfect as souvenirs.

5. Michi-no-Eki Okuhida Onsenkyo Kamitakara

No sightseeing trip is complete without visiting a roadside station. These facilities offer local specialties, fresh vegetables, gourmet food, and souvenirs, making them the perfect final stop for travelers. Naturally, “Michi-no-Eki Okuhida Onsenkyo Kamitakara” is located close to Fukuchi Onsen. Be sure to stop by to find souvenirs.

Recommended items include real wasabi grown in Okuhida’s rich natural environment and hoba miso. Don’t miss pickled takana and Okuhida sansho peppers. At the restaurant, you can enjoy local dishes featuring Hida beef and char, making it an ideal place for a meal break during sightseeing. The grounds also feature an auto-camping site, popular with long-distance travelers by car.

6. Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Northern Alps, consisting of Mt. Yarigatake, Mt. Okuhotakadake, Mt. Nishihotakadake, Mt. Kasagatake, Mt. Sugorokudake, and Mt. Yakedake, are the highlight of sightseeing around Fukuchi Onsen. They can be admired year-round, but the autumn foliage is particularly spectacular. The breathtaking scenery awaits you. While climbing these peaks of 2,500–3,000m is no easy task, the Shinhotaka Ropeway allows you to enjoy them up close.

From Shinhotaka Onsen Station at the foot of the mountain, the first ropeway takes you to Nabedaira Kogen Station. At the visitor center “Sanrakukan” in Nabedaira Kogen, you can view exhibits about Okuhida’s nature and join events such as snowshoe tours. There are also attractions such as the open-air hot spring “Kamitarano Yu,” with flowing spring water, and the “Wildflower Garden,” decorated with alpine plants.

At Shirakabadaira Station, you’ll find the popular bakery “Alps no Pan-ya-san.” Its most popular croissants come in plain, chocolate, and red bean paste varieties, all praised for their crispiness and flavor. Don’t miss the Hida beef curry bread and fresh highland milk. You can also enjoy a footbath here.

From Shirakabadaira, the second ropeway takes you up to Nishi-Hotaka Station, a five-story building that serves as an observation deck at the summit. Here you can enjoy stunning seasonal views and find exclusive souvenirs. From Japan’s highest-altitude “Yamabiko Post,” sending a commemorative postcard will surely become a special memory.

◎ Summary

As expected of Okuhida, surrounded by mountains, there are plenty of sightseeing spots where you can enjoy nature. Fukuchi Onsen is charming all year round, but if you plan to challenge yourself with mountain climbing, it is strongly recommended to prepare well in advance. After climbing, refresh yourself in the hot springs! Be sure to also savor mountain vegetables harvested in Fukuchi and the famous Hida beef. Around Fukuchi Onsen, the “Outdoor Bath and Footbath Seven-Spring Stamp Rally” is also held, making it fun to tour hidden hot springs as well.

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Fukuchi Onsen, the famous hot spring of the highlands, and 6 recommended sightseeing spots in the area!