Raicho-so
Hot Spring Overview
Raichoso (Ptarmigan Inn) is a mountain lodge located in Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama Prefecture, situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters. It is located in the Murodo area of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and features a natural hot spring known as "Raicho Onsen" with flowing spring water directly from the source. Raichoso offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Tateyama throughout the seasons, including spring skiing, summer alpine plants, and autumn foliage. The area surrounding the facility is called Raichozawa, where the protected Japanese rock ptarmigan (raicho) can be found. The operating period of Raichoso is typically from mid-April to late November, closing during the winter season.
About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Unpaved 15min
Access is quite difficult, requiring multiple public transportation transfers followed by a 30-40 minute walk from the Murodo Terminal. The path includes elevation changes and has elements of a trekking course.
The operating period is limited to mid-April through late November, with complete closure during the winter season.
The water quality is very distinctive, with strongly acidic hot springs being relatively rare in Japan. Although water is added, it maintains the quality of genuine hot spring water with flowing water directly from the source.
The location is at a very high altitude of 2,400 meters, surrounded by harsh natural conditions including hydrogen sulfide gas drifting from Jigokudani Valley.
The surrounding area is primarily frequented by hikers and trekking enthusiasts, with most general tourists turning back at Mikurigaike Onsen, limiting the number of people who venture further to reach Raichoso.
However, the well-equipped facilities, including panoramic baths, restaurants, and Wi-Fi services, give it aspects of a "mountain resort" rather than a completely hidden hot spring. Additionally, day-trip bathing is available, making it accessible to anyone willing to make the journey, which means it is not entirely a hidden hot spring.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
To access Raichoso, you must use the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. From JR Toyama Station, take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Tateyama Station (approximately 55 minutes), then take the Tateyama Cable Car to Bijodaira Station (approximately 7 minutes), followed by a highland bus to Murodo (approximately 50 minutes). After arriving at Murodo, a 30-minute walk is required. If accessing from the Nagano Prefecture side, you need to transfer between cable cars, ropeways, and buses from Ogizawa Station to reach Murodo. Private cars are not allowed. From the Murodo Terminal, follow the walking path toward Mikurigaike Pond, then continue on the path leading to Raichozawa. The trail includes some uphill and downhill sections, which may be somewhat challenging for those without hiking experience.
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