Hot thermal water soaking achy sore muscles. After pushing it on the impressive runs in the Hakuba Valley, there is a must do, unique and very Japanese après-ski experience – visiting an Onsen in Hakuba.
There are a number of different onsens in Hakuba, from high-end spa style, hotel based or even the public foot onsen in Happo.
We have listed 6 to look out for when planning you next ski trip and travelling from Tokyo to Hakuba.
- Shobei No Yu Onsen (Mominoki Hotel)
- Mizubasho Onsen (Sierra Hotel)
- Tokyu Hotel
- Tenjin no Yu Onsen (Hakuba Highland Hotel)
- Happo-no-Yu Onsen
- Mimizuku-no-Yu Onsen
What is an Onsen?
An onsen holds important cultural significance in Japan as a place of relaxation and purification. They are been in use for thousands of years and visitors today follow a set of rules to enjoy.
Onsen’s are thermal hot springs and contain various elements and minerals, which have different cleansing properties and health properties, depending on the mix. They are particularly good for relaxing those well-used muscles after a day on the hill.
They are typically separated by gender, with women and men sections, for a full naked bathing experience, for relaxation and the associated health benefit form the minerals and elements present in the spring water.
Onsen in Hakuba – Types
There are various different types of onsens including indoor, outdoor, private, foot, mud etc.
For indoor onsen, they are as you would expect, fully enclosed and can be a single pool or multiple pools, catering for an individual through to a large number of people
Outdoor onsens allow for either the pool to be fully open to the outside elements or it may be an open roof or sliding door.
There are even foot onsen’s, which as the name suggests are for feet and lower leg. For these ones, you do not need to get naked.
In Hakuba, there are a number of these types of onsen that you can experience, to level up your après-ski recovery.
Onsen Cost in Japan – Hakuba
While cost varies, for public bath houses, you can expect it to be around ¥700-¥1000 for Adults, in Hakuba. For some of the more premium locations, this can go up to ¥1500 for adults.
If you staying in a hotel that includes an onsen on-site, these are often free to use for hotel guests.
Best Onsen in Hakuba Happo for Adventure Travelers
In Hakuba, particularly around Happo, there are a number of Onsens to choose from.
The source of spring water for Happo Hakuba Onsen is used in four public bathhouses and around 65 accommodation locations.
The unique properties of the spring has a very high hydrogen ion content and is said to be excellent for reducing inflammation, increase energy and reduce recovery times. All ideal properties for a post-ski relax.
Shobei No Yu Onsen (Mominoki Hotel)
Located in the Wandano area and opposite Rhythm Sports, Mominoki Hotel has excellent onsen facilities on-site for guests and public use.
This is the hotel that we stayed at and has an impressive indoor/outdoor onsen that is free for guests. Mominoki hotel also includes a private onsen, that can be booked. The highlight is the open-air onsen, set within a garden.
As with other accommodation in Happo, the spring water is from the same source, providing hot, high alkaline water to local onsens.
Easy to navigate, especially for newbies, with clean facilities and includes a sauna for those additional therapeutic benefits.
- Opening Times: 5:00am -10:30am / 12:30 – 24:00 (all year round)
- Cost: Adults ¥1500 / Children ¥700
- Towel set Rental: ¥300
Private Onsen Hakuba
The Mominoki Hotel also has a private onsen that can be booked for 1 hour at a time. This can be booked for up to 4 people.
- Opening Times: 3:00pm -9:00pm
- Cost: ¥4500 (towels included)
Mizubasho Onsen (Sierra Hotel)
The Mizubasho Onsen is an impressive bath house with both indoor and outdoor options, with incredible views of the Alps. Listed as one of the largest onsen in Hakuba, and noted for it pure spring water (meaning no top up of tap water)
The construction of the onsen is in two buildings, rebuilt in 2012 from repurposed timbers of the previous older structure. These original structures were built more than 150 years ago, retaining the traditional feel and offering a unique and authentic experience.
With friendly, helpful staff, this onsen is highly rated by many looking for a perfect ski onsen experience.
The hotel is a little out of the way for those staying closer to Happo, which can be a benefit, in that the Onsen is not too crowded with visitors. Perfect for those stying at the hotel, itself.
The video is just one view of a bath, with a number of other options to choose from.
- Opening Times: 1:00pm – 5:00pm for non Hotel Guests
- Cost: Adults ¥1000 / Children ¥500
- Towel set Rental: ¥300
Tokyu Hotel
The Tokyu Hotel is an impressive hotel by Hakuba standards, set on spacious grounds, within a mini-forest and commanding views of the surrounding Alps. This 5 star hotel facility has an equally impressive onsen.
The Tokyu Hotel Onsen is what you may call it a more modern Japanese aesthetic, less traditional and more day-spa like. With this, you get excellent facilities, with additional services such as aromatherapy, restaurants and bars, for your after onsen experience.
Offering both an indoor and outdoor option for men and women (and a sauna in the men’s area), the Tokyu Hotel Onsen is step above in facilities and general surroundings.
- Opening Times: 1:00pm – 4:00pm for non Hotel Guests
- Cost: Adults ¥1500 / Children ¥700
- Towel set Rental: ¥300
Tenjin no Yu Onsen (Hakuba Highland Hotel)
It has been suggested that Tenjin no Yu has the best views of all the onsen in Hakuba. While we cannot vouch 100% on that statement, the views do look incredible.
With both indoor and outdoor pools available with a modern feel and a hat tip towards traditional architecture (timber beams, stone work etc.). This is also an excellent choice for a relaxing onsen experience, during your ski vacation.
The Hakuba Highland hotel is located closer to Hakuba train station, rather than Happo central, but would be worth the trip if some of the other Onsen options are unavailable or not close by.
- Opening Times: 11:00am – 6:00pm for non Hotel Guests
- Cost: Adults ¥800 / Children ¥400
- Towel set Rental: ¥400
Happo-no-Yu Onsen
Located in central Happo, a short stroll from Happo Bus terminal and Lawson is Happo-no-Yu Onsen.
This onsen is easily accessible, centrally located in Happo, with a 50 spot car park and shuttle bus stops, nearby. While this Onsen can get busy, the central location makes for a good option. This particularly good if your accommodation does not have an on-site onsen.
Out the front, is the foot onsen, which is perfect way to rest those weary legs. The foot and a great option to ‘test the waters’ of an onsen, without the full naked approach.
- Opening Times: 10:00am – 9:00pm (all year round)
- Cost: Adults ¥850 / Children ¥500
- Towel set Rental: ¥400
Mimizuku-no-Yu
This onsen is one of the better onsens as part of the Hakuba Happo Onsen group (of which there are 4). The group provides public access onsens to visitors in Happo and surrounds.
A very unique open air onsen, with impressive views of the Northern Alps and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Opening Times: 10:00am – 9:00pm (all year round)
- Cost: Adults ¥850 / Children ¥500
- Towel set Rental: ¥400
Onsen Etiquette and Tips
Onsen etiquette is an important aspect to fully embrace the experience. Ensure you adhere to the customs and rituals that are part of the preparation and bathing ritual.
There are a number of steps to consider, and whilst not difficult, careful attention needs to be followed.
- First, if you have tattoos, check with Onsen whether you are allowed to enter, as many Onsen do not allow guests with Tattoos.
- An onsen is a full naked experience, so prepare yourself for that when entering an Onsen
- Before entering the baths/pools, you are required to clean yourself, prior to entering. This normally involves, sitting naked on the small stools and washing yourself with a shower hose or bucket of water. Ensure all suds from any soap are completely rinsed off.
- Using the small modesty towel, make you way to the pool/bath to sit and relax. Note that the towel is not to touch the onsen water. It can be left on the edge or you can fold and place on top of your head.
- The onsen is for relaxing and rejuvenating, so no swimming/games and do not submerge your head in the onsen water.
- Once you have finished, dry yourself with the towel before entering the change rooms.
- Many of the change rooms will have towels available, as well as toiletries or bring your own.
There are often signs and information for tourists and visitors on what to do when visiting an onsen. The Japan Tourist office has good information on Onsen etiquette in Hakuba and onsen in general.
Incorporating Onsen into your Hakuba Adventure
It is highly recommended that you add an Onsen experience when you visit Hakuba. Many hotels and accommodation providers will have on-site onsen options. Double check during the planning, however the places listed above are some the more choice selections to consider.
An Onsen can be experienced throughout the day, although a long soak after skiing or snowboarding is very appealing. For many, this is a highlight of their ski trip, with an onsen experience to top off a brilliant day on the slopes.
Final Thoughts – Onsen in Hakuba
Yes, sitting naked in a hot bath with strangers can be intimidating for many westerners, but the Onsen experience is unique to Japan’s culture and tradition.
Combining this custom, with the health benefits after skiing in the Hakuba valley and you have the perfect balance of a cultural experience, cleansing health benefits and relaxing those well-used muscles.
You can’t go wrong with choosing one of the above Onsen in Hakuba. Be sure to put an onsen experience when looking for accommodation, throughout the Hakuba Valley.
