Hirayu Onsen (hot springs in the Japanese Alps)

Hirayu Onsen is the most famous hot-spring resort in the northern Japanese Alps, located at 1.100 metres of altitude in the heart of the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, just 60 minutes by bus from Takayama. Its alkaline and slightly sulphurous waters gush out at 90 degrees and are cooled to 42-44 degrees in the baths. The place is especially spectacular in winter, when snow covers the surrounding pines and the snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) sometimes come down to the banks of the nearby river. Several ryokan and inns offer day bathing (higaeri nyuyo) without the need to stay overnight; the bathing pass costs between 800 and 1.200 ¥. One of the best establishments for a day visit is the Hirayu no Mori, with several rotenburo at different temperatures in a wooded garden. The Nohi bus from Takayama station takes one hour and costs 1.570 ¥. Hirayu is also the starting point for the panoramic route towards Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. Book the bus in advance in high season.