Understanding "Secret Hot Springs": Our Unique Hitou Ranking System

Hello, hot spring enthusiasts! Today, I'd like to delve a bit deeper into the term "hitou" (secret hot springs).

What Are "Secret Hot Springs"?

The term "hitou" - you hear it quite often, don't you? Travel magazines and TV programs feature numerous content labeled as "secret hot spring specials." But when you really think about it, there isn't actually a clear definition of what constitutes a "secret hot spring."

Generally, there's an image of "hot springs in remote mountains with poor access and undeveloped facilities," but in reality, this varies from person to person. Even among hot spring enthusiasts, debates like "that's not a secret hot spring" or "no, this is a true secret hot spring" never end.

Our "Secret Level" Definition

Therefore, on our site, we've created our own unique "secret level" ranking system. We evaluate the "secret hot spring nature" of hot springs on a 5-point scale. While this is based on our subjective criteria, it's derived from our experience of visiting many hot springs.

Level 1: General
Level 2: Somewhat Secret
Level 3: Secret Hot Spring
Level 4: Quite Secret
Level 5: Ultra Secret

You might think, "Is it okay to use such arbitrary criteria?" But precisely because the charm of hot springs can't be quantified, we want to share our unique "secret hot spring perspective."

Characteristics of Each Level

Level 1: "General"

Hot springs that anyone can easily visit. Directly accessible by car with complete parking facilities. Clean changing rooms and showers are available, often attached to ryokan or hotels. This includes public bathhouses in hot spring towns and day-trip hot spring facilities in tourist areas.

Level 2: "Somewhat Secret"

Hot springs in slightly inconvenient locations, but basically accessible by car. Facilities are simple, and these are places beloved by locals. Few tourists visit, allowing for quiet, relaxing bathing.

Level 3: "Secret Hot Spring"

This is where genuine secret hot springs begin. Even if you can drive to the nearest point, you need to walk 10-30 minutes from there. Facilities are modest, and there may not always be a resident caretaker. These are places only introduced in specialized hot spring guides.

Level 4: "Quite Secret"

Access is quite difficult, requiring 30 minutes to 1 hour of walking. Changing areas are basic or simply involve placing clothes on natural rocks or tree branches. These are mostly unmanaged, and mixed-gender bathing is common.

Level 5: "Ultra Secret"

This is a hot spring experience that can truly be called an adventure. Completely inaccessible by car, requiring over an hour of walking on mountain paths or animal trails. No facilities whatsoever - completely natural outdoor baths. No changing rooms exist. Information is minimal, known only to local elders or dedicated secret hot spring hunters. Depending on the season, paths may disappear, and there's risk of encountering bears.

Why Focus on "Secret Levels"?

By defining "secret levels," we believe we can help hot spring fans more concretely imagine "what kind of experience they can have." If someone is looking for a Level 1 hot spring and we recommend a Level 5, they'll likely be dissatisfied. Conversely, if we recommend a Level 1 hot spring to an adventurous secret hot spring hunter, it will surely be insufficient.

Hot spring selection changes based on your mood, physical condition, and who you're traveling with. We hope the "secret level" can help you choose hot springs that match each occasion.

In Conclusion

The definition of "secret hot springs" varies from person to person. Our definition isn't absolute, and you may have your own unique "secret hot spring criteria." Please share them in the comments!

Also, we welcome feedback like "This hot spring should be Level ○, not Level ○!" Through dialogue with everyone, we hope to create a better "secret hot spring map."

If you have suggestions for better definitions, please contact us through our inquiry form!