Toyama Prefecture features diverse terrain, from the towering Northern Alps to the coastline along Toyama Bay. Within this rich natural environment lie numerous hidden hot springs. Here we introduce 10 captivating secret onsen in Toyama, ranging from wild outdoor baths to remote mountain lodges.
1. Mikurigaike Onsen (Tateyama Town)
At an elevation of 2,410 meters, Mikurigaike Onsen is renowned as Japan's highest natural hot spring. Located about a 15-minute walk from the Murodo Terminal on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this solitary ryokan stands amid spectacular views of Mount Tateyama.
The source spring originates in Jigokudani (Hell Valley), offering 100% natural flowing hot spring water with no added water or heating. The milky white sulfurous water gently soothes bodies tired from mountain climbing and trekking. Separate indoor baths for men and women feature views of the Dainichi Mountain Range, allowing guests to enjoy this heavenly hot spring experience.
The meals feature seasonal kaiseki cuisine rich in seafood and mountain delicacies, centered on Japanese dishes. The quality is surprisingly luxurious for a mountain lodge. Operating from mid-April to late November, the facility closes during winter.
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring (hydrogen sulfide type)
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2 (separate for men and women)
- Source Temperature: Approximately 60°C
- No added water or heating
- Day Use: Available (700 yen for adults)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Mid-April to late November
2. Takamagahara Onsen (Toyama City)
Located at approximately 2,100 meters elevation in the deepest part of the Northern Alps, Takamagahara Onsen is known as "Japan's most remote hot spring." Even experienced hikers require one night each way, while general visitors typically need three nights and four days.
The hot spring emerges along Onsen Creek, featuring three locations: a mixed outdoor bath, a women-only outdoor bath, and separate outdoor baths for men and women. The milky white sulfur water offers a rustic bathing experience surrounded by nature, providing blissful moments that make visitors forget the arduous journey.
Managed by Takamagahara Mountain Lodge, the hot spring is about a 20-minute walk down from the lodge. Non-guests pay 300 yen for day use. The operating period is limited to July through September.
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring (hydrogen sulfide type)
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Outdoor baths = 3 (1 mixed, 1 women-only, 1 separate)
- Source Temperature: 51.1°C
- Day Use: Available (300 yen, free for lodge guests)
- Accommodation: Available (Takamagahara Mountain Lodge)
- Operating Period: July to September
3. Kuronagi Onsen (Kurobe City)
Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded lodge deep in the Kurobe Gorge, accessible only by trolley train. Discovered in 1645 (Shoho 2), it was used as a "hidden bath" until receiving official permission from the Kaga Domain in 1868.
Adjacent to the inn is a source spring with an abundant flow of 2,000 liters per minute, supplying the entire Unazuki Onsen area. The colorless, transparent, soft water is popular as a beauty bath that leaves skin smooth and supple.
The large mixed outdoor bath (equivalent to 28 tatami mats) and the women-only outdoor bath "Tennyo no Yu" allow guests to fully appreciate the wild, magnificent natural beauty of Kurobe Gorge. Operating from early May to late November, guest rooms have no televisions, allowing visitors to enjoy slow-paced time away from daily hustle.
- Spring Quality: Weakly alkaline simple spring
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2, Outdoor baths = 2
- Source Temperature: Over 90°C
- Day Use: Available (700 yen for adults)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Early May to late November
4. Omaki Onsen (Nanto City)
Known as a secluded ryokan accessible only by boat, Omaki Onsen is located along the Shogawa River gorge. The Shogawa pleasure boat journey to the inn offers beautiful seasonal scenery.
The outdoor baths are divided into three locations: the men's bath is located on a cliff behind the main building, surrounded by primeval forest. The women's bath is situated further from the building, offering panoramic views of the mountain gorge. Occasionally, serows and tanuki may make an appearance.
Meals feature high-quality Japanese kaiseki cuisine showcasing Toyama's seafood and mountain delicacies. The seasonally inspired, carefully prepared dishes can be enjoyed alongside fine sake. Wi-Fi is now available throughout the entire facility, improving convenience.
- Spring Quality: Hydrogen carbonate spring and others
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2, Outdoor baths = 3
- Day Use: Available (confirmation required)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
5. Ogawa Onsen Motoyu Hotel Ogawa (Asahi Town)
Nestled at the foot of the Northern Alps, Ogawa Onsen Motoyu has a history dating back to its establishment in 1617. Renowned as one of the "Four Famous Hot Springs of Etchu," it features hydrogen carbonate spring water with high heat retention properties.
The inn's greatest attraction is two wild outdoor baths located 7-8 minutes' walk away. The natural cave outdoor bath (mixed bathing), formed from solidified hot spring deposits, is designated as a natural monument. Nearby is the women-only outdoor bath "Renge no Yu," offering an exhilarating bathing experience overlooking Ogawa Stream.
The facility includes separate outdoor rock baths for men and women, plus a 3-meter diameter cypress barrel outdoor bath, totaling five bathing areas for complete hot spring immersion. The wild outdoor baths operate from mid-April to late November and close during winter.
- Spring Quality: Hydrogen carbonate spring
- Natural flowing spring (400 liters per minute)
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2, Outdoor baths = 2, Wild baths = 2
- Day Use: Available (confirmation required)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round (wild baths mid-April to late November)
6. Shogawa Yudani Onsen (Tonami City)
Located near Komaki Dam, Shogawa Yudani Onsen is a famous secret hot spring among onsen enthusiasts. Once operated as a ryokan, it now functions as an unmanned day-use facility.
The most distinctive feature is the underground concrete bathing room, resembling a "hot spring sunk at the bottom of ruins." The signature "bazooka spout" powerfully ejects large volumes of hot spring water. The seesaw-type spout directs water forcefully to whichever side is tilted.
With abundant water volume, the stairs sometimes flood. The colorless, transparent water has a faint sulfur scent and flows naturally from the sodium-calcium chloride spring source. Visitors deposit 500 yen in a collection box to use the facility.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-calcium chloride spring
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2 (separate for men and women)
- Source Temperature: 41°C
- Day Use: Available (500 yen)
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating Period: 9:00-17:00, Closed Thursdays, Winter closure (late December to mid-March)
7. Kanetsuri Onsen (Kurobe City)
Kanetsuri Onsen is located a 5-minute walk from Kanetsuri Station on the Kurobe Gorge Railway trolley train. Established in 1819 (Bunsei 2), it is the oldest hot spring in the Kurobe Gorge, with numerous source springs along the Kurobe River.
The greatest attraction is that hot spring water emerges when you dig in the riverbed. Visitors can create their own original outdoor bath (foot bath) by surrounding an area with stones. Across the river, the Kurobe Bannen-yuki (perpetual snow) can be seen even in summer, and wild serows and Japanese macaques occasionally appear.
Two lodging facilities exist: Kanetsuri Onsen Ryokan and Kanetsuri Miyama-so. The riverbed outdoor baths are managed by Kanetsuri Onsen Ryokan but are open to general tourists until 4:00 PM. Access is only possible during the Kurobe Gorge Railway operating period (May to November).
- Spring Quality: Simple spring
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Outdoor (riverbed), cave rock bath
- Source Temperature: 42-43°C
- Day Use: Available (8:30-16:00)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: May to November (Trolley train operating period)
8. Raicho Onsen Raichouso (Tateyama Town)
At an elevation of 2,370 meters, Raichouso is known as a hot spring above the clouds. Located about 30 minutes' walk from the Murodo Terminal on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it stands on high ground overlooking Raichozawa and Jigokudani.
The pride of the lodge is Raicho Onsen, a natural flowing cloudy bath featuring simple acidic spring water. The second-floor observation bath offers excellent views of Mount Dainichi and the Jigokudani area. Sunsets can be viewed from here in the evening, and the water is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and chronic dermatitis.
Visitors can enjoy Tateyama's nature throughout the seasons: spring skiing, summer alpine plants, autumn foliage, and the natural monument rock ptarmigan. Day bathing is available, with operations from mid-April to late November.
- Spring Quality: Simple acidic spring
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor baths = 2 (observation baths)
- Day Use: Available (1,000 yen, 11:00-20:00)
- Accommodation: Available (58 rooms, capacity 300)
- Operating Period: Mid-April to late November
9. Kitaharasou (Nanto City, Toga Village)
Nestled quietly in a mountainous area surrounded by the mountains of Shogawa Gorge, this secluded hot spring inn was established in 1985 (Showa 60). It supplies all the water volume for Nagasaki Onsen with 100% natural flowing spring water without added water.
The spring quality is alkaline simple spring, known as a "beauty bath" gentle on women's skin. The outdoor bath offers seasonal views of Shogawa Gorge's nature, and at dusk, the fantastical lamp lighting is beautiful.
This mountain hot spring inn provides healing for both mind and body in a non-ordinary space. It features the rich natural greenery of Toyama's clear stream "Shogawa Gorge" and soothing baths with the warmth of wood.
- Spring Quality: Alkaline simple spring
- Natural flowing spring
- Bathing Facilities: Indoor bath, Outdoor bath
- Day Use: Available (confirmation required)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Friday-Sunday (17:00-20:00)
10. Unazuki Onsen (Kurobe City)
The largest hot spring resort in Toyama Prefecture, located at the gateway to Kurobe Gorge. Since its opening in 1923, it has been beloved by many literary figures and artists.
The colorless, transparent water drawn from Kuronagi Onsen upstream on the Kurobe River is renowned for having one of the highest transparencies in Japan. It is a weakly alkaline simple spring gentle on the skin. With source temperatures exceeding 90°C, it is known as a "beauty bath" that warms the body from its core.
Foot baths are scattered throughout the hot spring town, allowing visitors to rest while strolling through the atmospheric streets. Ryokan and hotels line the Kurobe River, offering views of mountains showing different seasonal expressions, where guests can fully enjoy magnificent nature and stunning scenery.
- Spring Quality: Weakly alkaline simple spring
- Source: Drawn from Kuronagi Onsen
- Bathing Facilities: Varies by ryokan
- Source Temperature: Over 90°C
- Day Use: Available (Public bath "Yumedokoro Unazuki" and others)
- Accommodation: Available (numerous ryokan and hotels)
- Operating Period: Year-round
Summary
Toyama Prefecture's hidden hot springs possess diverse characteristics, from heavenly onsen over 2,000 meters elevation to solitary lodges deep in Kurobe Gorge and secluded inns accessible only by boat. From wild baths to historic hot spring ryokan, each offers unique charm that soothes visitors.
The attractions of Toyama's hidden hot springs include not only the baths themselves but also the surrounding nature and cuisine: secluded springs surrounded by the majestic Northern Alps, hot springs where visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Shogawa Gorge, and lodges offering both Toyama Bay seafood and mountain delicacies.
Note that many hidden hot springs have winter closures or limited operating hours, so it is recommended to confirm the latest operating information before visiting. Additionally, for high-altitude springs or those requiring mountain climbing, please pay careful attention to weather conditions and your physical condition.
The information in this article is current as of the time of research, but errors may exist. Please confirm the latest information on official websites.