Let’s Explore Tabayama Village: 5 Must-See Spots in the Great Outdoors

Every now and then, we all crave a break from our busy daily routines—to breathe in fresh air and relax in nature. That’s exactly what you can do in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Tabayama Village. The village is written as 丹波山村 and pronounced "Tabayama-mura." The Tama River, which originates here, flows through the village. There are various theories about the village’s name origin: one links it to “Tawa,” meaning mountain pass, while another suggests it evolved from “Tama,” referring to the Tama River.
Take a trip to Tabayama Village to enjoy some unique spots and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty.

1. Tabayama Onsen Nomekoi-yu

Tabayama Onsen “Nomekoi-yu” is a renowned hot spring located at the headwaters of the Tama River. It now serves as a hub for tourists. It’s conveniently located just past the suspension bridge from the roadside station "Tabayama." The name “Nomekoi,” also used for the facility, comes from the local dialect of Tabayama and means “silky smooth.”
The indoor baths feature both a Roman-style bath and a traditional Japanese hinoki (cypress) bath, with alternating days for men and women. There’s also an open-air bath where you can soak while feeling the breeze of Tabayama on your skin—an ideal way to unwind during your travels. The on-site restaurant, “Tabayama no Zen,” serves dishes made with local ingredients. A kids’ room is also available, making it a worry-free visit for families.

2. Water Source Village

Do you remember playing on roller slides until your backside hurt as a child? The roller slide here is one of Tabayama’s more unique tourist spots. This long roller slide stretches 247 meters in length with a height difference of 43 meters.
The village-operated fishing spot is a popular destination for families. You can catch rainbow trout and yamame (landlocked salmon), and the best part is—you can eat what you catch right on the spot. Kids can also enjoy hands-on experiences like fish grabbing, which is bound to keep them entertained. On weekends and holidays, the soba restaurant “Yamabiko-an” opens and serves locally famous soba noodles.
In summer, Tabayama’s biggest event, the “Tabayama Summer Festival” and a fireworks display, draw large crowds of visitors.

3. Gion Festival (Sasara Lion Dance)

When you hear “Gion Festival,” Kyoto might come to mind. However, Tabayama Village also hosts its own Gion Festival every summer. A traditional lion dance called Sasara Shishimai is performed as a sacred offering, featuring a troupe made up of three lion dancers, four performers with flower hats, and two with white-bladed swords, all dancing intensely to the beat of festival music. The “Children’s Sasara Lion Dance” performed by local elementary and junior high students is also a charming highlight. Over the years, the dance has been continuously studied and revived, with many of its older forms being restored.
The procession, led by the Morioka family who inherited the lion dance tradition, travels through the village, stopping at Kawakami Shrine, Dairokuten Shrine, Ko-no-Kami Shrine, and Kumano Shrine. This parade has become a quintessential part of Tabayama’s summer culture and is sure to capture the attention of tourists. With a history of over 300 years, this highly esteemed event is recognized as a cultural asset of Yamanashi Prefecture. If you visit, be sure to experience this piece of living tradition.

4. Tabayama Gorge

Tabayama Gorge is the village’s most famous spot for autumn foliage. The Ome Highway in Tabayama runs along the Tabayama River, and the roughly 10-kilometer stretch leading to the Tama River is known for its breathtaking autumn views.
A particularly recommended scenic area is Nametoro, where the river flows smoothly over bare rock surfaces, creating a unique landscape. On sunny days, the vivid contrast between the yellow and red leaves against the blue sky is truly stunning. Other notable spots include Hanedo Tobikoe no Iwa and Oiran Fuchi.
Of course, it’s not just about autumn leaves. The fresh greenery that sprouts from spring to summer is also beautiful. No matter what season you visit, Tabayama Gorge offers a soothing retreat. Surrounded by vast nature, it’s the perfect place to bathe in negative ions and feel revitalized.

5. Sanjo-no-Yu

Sanjo-no-Yu is a hot spring lodge located at an elevation of 1,103 meters, on the southwestern slope of Mt. Kumotori—one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. It’s a popular destination for hikers exploring Mt. Kumotori or Mt. Hiryuu from Tabayama Village. Visitors can not only enjoy the hot springs, but also stay overnight and relax in the quiet of the surrounding mountains.
The area around the hot spring is home to ancient forests with trees several hundred years old. The facility also demonstrates environmental care, using hydroelectric power from stream water and composting kitchen waste, showing harmony with nature.
This hot spring was discovered about 200 years ago by a man named Genjirou Kawamura from the Ushiroyama area of Tabayama Village. He was reportedly tracking a wounded deer during a hunt, and saw the animal immerse itself in the hot spring, as if to heal its wounds. It’s the kind of place that seems perfect for treating injuries and soothing your body. A visit to Sanjo-no-Yu is sure to be a healing experience.

◎ Summary

Tabayama Village is a stunning tourist destination surrounded by unspoiled nature. It offers healing scenery that soothes both body and mind—perfect for relieving the daily fatigue of visitors. With the Tabayama River that flows into the Tama River, the towering Mt. Hiryuu, and calming hot springs, just imagining it is enough to bring peace of mind.
Whether you spend your days staring at a computer screen or tiring yourself out on sales rounds, consider taking a drive to Tabayama Village. A relaxing soak in the hot springs will surely refresh both your body and spirit.