Complete Guide to Tateyama Secret Hot Springs: 5 Sky-High Thermal Baths in the Japanese Alps
Numerous secret hot springs embraced by the magnificent nature of the Tateyama mountain range. Hot springs scattered throughout mountains exceeding 2,000 meters in elevation provide truly special experiences worthy of being called "heavenly baths." This article introduces 5 famous hot springs accessible in Tateyama based on 2025's latest information, covering everything from fees to accommodation details.
Why Tateyama Hot Springs Are Special
The greatest charm of Tateyama's hot springs lies in their location. Hot springs emerging at high altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters are extremely rare in Japan, offering precious experiences of bathing while viewing magnificent mountain scenery. Particularly, the hot spring groups accessible via the Tateyama Alpine Route attract not only mountaineers but also tourists.
1. Mikurigaike Onsen | Japan's Highest Natural Hot Spring
Basic Information【2025 Latest】
- Elevation: 2,410m (Japan's highest natural hot spring)
- Operating Period: April 15 - November 24, 2025
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring (no dilution, no heating, 100% free-flowing source)
- Effects: Fatigue recovery, muscle pain, neuralgia
- Rate: From ¥29,700 for 2 guests (tax included)
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Access: About 15-minute walk from Murodo Terminal
Attractions and Recommended Points
Mikurigaike Onsen is Japan's highest natural hot spring at 2,410m elevation. A 15-minute walk from Murodo Terminal toward Mikurigaike brings you to this "Mikurigaike Onsen" amid spectacular scenery overlooking Tateyama. The source is in Jigokudani (Hell Valley), with separate men's and women's scenic indoor baths. The 100% free-flowing water, white and turbid with sulfur aroma, warmly heals the day's fatigue.
Since ancient times, Tateyama's Jigokudani has been considered one of Japan's three great sacred places, where people of Tateyama faith worshipped hydrogen sulfide fumaroles. Mikurigaike Onsen sits directly above this Hell Valley, with the valley's hot water overflowing into the bathtubs.
Facility Information
- Total Rooms: 21
- Facilities: Restaurant, cafe, large bath, shop, vending machines, Montbell shop
- Dining: Japanese-centered menu rich in seafood and mountain delicacies prepared by dedicated chefs
2. Raicho Onsen Raichoso | Historic Mountain Lodge Hot Spring
Basic Information【2025 Latest】
- Elevation: 2,370m
- Operating Period: April 15 - November 24, 2025
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-bearing spring (free-flowing source)
- Effects: Rheumatism, skin diseases, neuralgia
- Rate: From ¥12,000 per night with 2 meals (¥500 discount for web reservations)
- Day-trip Bathing: 11:00-20:00, ¥1,000
- Access: About 30-minute walk from Murodo Terminal
Attractions and Recommended Points
2025 operations run from April 15 to November 24 (check-in date). Web reservations offer ¥500 discount per person per night compared to phone reservations.
Raichoso is a historic mountain lodge located on Tateyama's Murodo-daira, positioned in an area with high probability of encountering the special natural monument ptarmigan (raicho). From the panoramic scenery, cloud-top paradise at Tateyama Murodo-daira Raicho Onsen "Raichoso," the proud free-flowing scenic bathhouse soothes tired bodies with magnificent panoramas.
Facility Information
- Capacity: 260 people
- Facilities: Scenic bathhouse, indoor bath, shop, vending machines, various goods sales
- Features: Also operates Onanjo Rest House (scheduled July 11 - October 5)
3. Raichozawa Hutte | Japan's Highest Open-Air Bath
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Basic Information【2025 Latest】
- Elevation: 2,280m
- Operating Period: April 15 - October 12, 2025
- Spring Quality: Raichozawa Onsen (outdoor bath only hot spring, indoor bath is heated water)
- Effects: Fatigue recovery, sensitivity to cold
- Rate: Accommodation only ¥8,000, with 2 meals from ¥12,000
- Day-trip Bathing: 10:00-19:00, ¥500
- Access: About 40-minute walk from Murodo Terminal
Attractions and Recommended Points
A 40-minute walk from Murodo Station, the terminal of the Kurobe Alpine Route. Passing mystical Mikurigaike and sulfur-scented Jigokudani, our facility stands in Raichozawa where alpine plants bloom abundantly. From our proud large bathhouse, enjoy magnificent panoramas of Oyama, Onanjo, Masagodake, Betsuzan and other peaks.
The semi-open outdoor bath is Japan's highest open-air bath. As a hot spring facility adjacent to Japan's highest campground, it's extremely popular as a base camp for mountaineers, with tent campers also able to use the hot springs.
Facility Information
- Capacity: 120 people
- Facilities: Indoor bath, open-air bath, drying room, campground
- Payment: Credit cards, PayPay accepted
- Web Reservations: Start April 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
4. Babadani Onsen | Kurobe Gorge Secret Spring Accessible from Keyakidaira
Basic Information【2025 Latest】
- Elevation: About 800m
- Operating Period: Usually late June - early November (varies with weather)
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring
- Effects: Bruises, cuts, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes
- Rate: Adults ¥700 (day-trip bathing 11:00-15:00)
- Access: About 50-minute walk from Kurobe Gorge Railway "Keyakidaira Station"
Attractions and Recommended Points
In Unazuki, Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, the Kurobe Gorge Railway is popular as the "trolley train" running through Kurobe Gorge. About an hour's walk from its terminal Keyakidaira Station through Meiken Onsen brings you to the secret spring Babadani Onsen emerging in Babadani valley. The surrounding riverbed springs hot water wherever you dig, and you can stay at the solitary Babadani Onsen inn or enjoy day-trip bathing.
Due to heavy snowfall, it typically opens around late June and closes in October or early November at the latest when autumn foliage ends and snow begins. The spring quality is simple sulfur, with refreshing separate men's and women's open-air baths. The source is 90°C high temperature, still 80°C in the bathtubs, so it's diluted for use.
Special Experiences
- Wild Hot Spring Experience: Dig your own private open-air bath in the riverbed by hand
- Scenic Trolley: Access while enjoying beautiful gorge scenery on Kurobe Gorge Railway
- Source Viewing: Tour of source area called Babadani Hell
5. Takatenohara Onsen | "Japan's Most Remote Hot Spring" in North Alps' Deepest Area
Basic Information【2025 Latest】
- Elevation: 2,100m
- Operating Period: Usually July - September (varies with weather)
- Spring Quality: Simple hot spring
- Effects: Fatigue recovery, muscle pain
- Rate: Day-trip bathing ¥300
- Access: About 20-minute walk from Takatenohara Mountain Lodge
- Travel Time: Minimum 12-hour one-way mountain hike required
Attractions and Recommended Points
Takatenohara Onsen springs in Toyama Prefecture's North Alps mountains. The hot spring requires about 12 hours of mountain walking one way, earning it the title "Japan's most remote hot spring." While experienced, strong hikers might manage it in 1-2 days or even day trips, ordinary people should wisely plan 3-4 day itineraries.
Near the lodge is "Takatenohara Onsen," called Japan's most remote secret hot spring. There are mixed-gender and women-only partitioned open-air baths, popular with mountaineers drawn by the sense of achievement after long mountain walks.
Access Routes
- Oritate Trailhead Course: Via Taro-daira Lodge, Yakushizawa Lodge
- Shin-Hotaka Onsen Course: Via Kagami-daira Lodge, Sugoroku Lodge, Mitsumata Lodge
Both require proper mountaineering equipment and experience.
Latest Information for Enjoying Tateyama Hot Springs
2025 Best Seasons
- Late April - May: Snow-melting season, "Snow Corridor" at Murodo-daira is highlight
- July - August: Beautiful alpine plant season, warmest with stable weather
- September - October: Autumn foliage season, relatively fewer people, hidden gem timing
Essential Items【2025 Edition】
- Warm Clothing: Tateyama is 8-10°C cooler than flatlands (Tateyama town), so dress carefully
- Rain Gear: Mountain weather changes quickly
- Sunscreen: High altitude means strong UV rays
- Cash: Mountain lodges basically accept cash only (some credit cards accepted)
- Hiking Boots: High heels or sandals are dangerous
About Reservations
All Tateyama hot spring facilities require reservations. Particularly, Raichoso offers ¥500 discount per person per night for web reservations compared to phone reservations. Raichozawa Hutte web reservations start Monday, April 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
Price Comparison Table【2025 Latest】
Hot Spring | Elevation | Accommodation Rate | Day-trip Bathing | Operating Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mikurigaike Onsen | 2410m | From ¥29,700 | ¥1,000 | 4/15～11/24 |
Raichoso | 2370m | From ¥12,000 | ¥1,000 | 4/15～11/24 |
Raichozawa Hutte | 2280m | From ¥12,000 | ¥1,000 | 4/15～11/24 |
Babadani Onsen | 800m | Accommodation available | ¥700 | Late June～Early November |
Takatenohara Onsen | 2100m | Use Takatenohara Lodge | ¥300 | July～September |
Safety Precautions for Safe Enjoyment
Altitude Sickness Prevention
At hot springs exceeding 2,000m elevation, there's altitude sickness risk. Move slowly and hydrate frequently.
Weather Precautions
Mountain weather changes rapidly. Check latest forecasts and have courage to turn back in bad weather.
Environmental Protection
Murodo is within a national park. Please don't collect flora/fauna and take garbage with you when possible.
Summary | 2025 Tateyama Secret Hot Spring Tour
Each of Tateyama's secret hot springs has distinct charms making them special. Japan's highest "Mikurigaike Onsen," "Raichozawa Hutte" with the highest open-air bath, Kurobe Gorge's remote "Babadani Onsen," and "Japan's most remote hot spring" Takatenohara Onsen.
2025 Enjoyment Methods
- Advance Reservations Essential: Utilize web reservation discount benefits
- Proper Equipment: Clothing and hiking boots considering elevation differences
- Generous Schedules: Plans considering weather and physical condition
- Latest Information Confirmation: Watch for operating period and fee changes
Hot springs enjoyed in the cloud-top world exceeding 2,000 meters elevation will provide special experiences never possible in daily life. During the 2025 Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route opening period (April 15 - November 30), why not refresh both mind and body at Tateyama's secret hot springs? Unforgettable hot spring experiences await you alongside the magnificent nature of the Tateyama mountain range.