Mikurigaike hot spring
Hot Spring Overview
Mikurigaike Onsen is a natural hot spring located in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, situated at an altitude of 2,410 meters, making it the highest hot spring inn in Japan. It is located within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, about a 15-minute walk from the Murodo Terminal in the direction of Mikurigaike Pond. This area is considered one of Japan's three major sacred grounds, positioned directly above Jigokudani Valley, where people who followed the Tateyama faith would worship the hydrogen sulfide fumes. The spring source is in Jigokudani Valley, and the water is used with no added water or heat, offering a 100% flowing spring. The hot spring inn is a member of the "Japan Association to Protect Hidden Hot Springs" and is typically open from mid-April to late November, closing during the winter season.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
By train, you can access it from the Murodo Station of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Tunnel Trolley Bus, followed by a 15-minute walk. By bus, you can reach it by walking from the Murodo Bus Stop of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Highland Bus. Private cars are not allowed. From the Toyama side, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes using the cable car and highland bus from Tateyama Station. From the Nagano side, it takes about 2 hours using cable cars, ropeways, and buses from Ogizawa Station. Access requires traveling via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, then walking along the path toward Mikurigaike Pond after arriving at the Murodo Terminal.
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About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Unpaved 15min
Mikurigaike Onsen can be evaluated as Level 3: "Hidden Hot Spring" for the following reasons:
Private cars cannot access the area, requiring travel via the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. After reaching the Murodo Terminal by public transportation, an additional 15-minute walk is required.
The operating period is limited, open only from mid-April to late November, closing during the winter season.
It is a member of the "Japan Association to Protect Hidden Hot Springs," recognized as a facility that preserves traditional hot spring culture rather than being just a tourist facility.
The source spring is located in Jigokudani Valley, providing genuine hot spring water without added water or heat.
The facility is modest, combining elements of both a mountain hut and a traditional inn.
However, during summer, it can get crowded with tourists and students climbing Mount Tateyama. Additionally, it offers day-trip bathing, a restaurant, and a café, making it accessible to the general public, which somewhat lessens its status as a completely hidden hot spring.