Bathing in traditional Japanese onsen hot-springs is a must-try experience for visitors to Japan. This is especially true for those enjoying a ski holiday in Japan, when taking a soak after a long day on the slopes provides the ultimate relaxation experience to soothe aching muscles. There’s nothing quite like it and after experiencing it for yourself, you just might reconsider your own definition of what exactly constitutes the perfect apres-ski activity.
Gazing out to the Hakuba Cortina slopes from the onsen at Hotel Green Plaza
Japan’s mountainous landscape is dotted with active volcanoes, which produces an abundance of geo-thermal activity underground. As a result, Japan is blessed with natural onsen hot-springs which can be found in almost every location. The Hakuba Valley in particular has a plentiful selection of onsens to enjoy. From hotel onsens which give you the chance to experience Japanese hot-springs in your own Hakuba accommodation, to public onsens, there are so many to choose from. Here we explore the top 5 onsens to try on your ski holiday to the Hakuba Valley
Photo by Ryujin Onsen, Hakuba Goryu
Happo Onsen
A true classic and must-visit Hakuba onsen, Happo Onsen is one of the most popular with tourists visiting Hakuba resort. This centrally and conveniently located public onsen underwent a complete renewal and rebuild a number of years back, and features both indoor and outdoor baths, plus modern facilities. You’ll find Happo Onsen just opposite the Happo Bus Terminal, overlooking the famous Happo One slopes.
Happo Onsen. Photo by Sarah Mulholland
Shobei-no-Yu at Mominoki Hotel
The Mominoki Hotel is one of Hakuba’s most popular hotels and it’s no wonder, with its fantastic location next to the Happo One ski resort slopes and comprehensive in-house amenities. Non-hotel guests can pay to use the hotel’s impressive onsen facilities. The highlight is the beautiful outdoor rock pool, which offers the perfect spot to bathe and relax after a big day skiing powder. The outdoor part of the onsen was extended in 2015, so there’s plenty of space to enjoy the unique high alkaline natural thermal waters. There’s also an indoor bath and sauna to enjoy.
Shobei no yu. Photo by Sarah Mulholland
Tenjin-no-Yu at Hakuba Highland Hotel
On a bluebird day, Tenjin-no-yu is simply unbeatable. This stunning onsen offers easily the best views from any onsen in the Hakuba Valley. With indoor and outdoor baths, plus a sauna, a trip to this spectacularly positioned onsen is a must on your Hakuba Valley ski holiday. The views of the Japanese Alps mountain range are sensational and we could easily spend all afternoon here. Dreamy!
Tenjin no-yu. Photo by Sarah Mulholland
Mizubasho Onsen at Sierra Resort Hotel
This large onsen is one of our absolute favourites in the Hakuba Valley. It’s a little more off the beaten track, located inside the luxury Sierra Resort Hotel, which is nestled between Iwatake and Tsguaike ski resorts. The onsen is 100% pure, with no additional heating or other water sources, and offers a serene experience. Set inside traditional buildings dating back 150+ years, you can enjoy relaxing in the indoor and outdoor pools, as snowflakes gently flutter down around you. Bliss!
Mizubasho onsen. Photo by Hakuba Sierra Resort Hotel
Mimizuku-no-Yu
Another of Hakuba’s finest public onsens and very popular with locals, Mimizuku is located between Hakuba train station and Happo village, next to the Snow Peak Land Station building (home to a restaurant, tourist info desk and Starbucks coffee shop). With indoor and outdoor bathing, you can enjoy incredible unobstructed views of Happo One ski resort and the Japanese Alps mountain range. The Happo water is crystal clear, pure and silky, providing the ultimate relaxation after skiing and snowboarding.
Mimizuku no-yu. Photo by Sarah Mulholland
Of the numerous activities and experiences you can enjoy in Hakuba, relaxing in an onsen hot-spring ranks high on the list. This traditional Japanese ritual is a ubiquitous experience for visitors to Japan. It’s the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, preparing your body and mind for the next big powder day! Trust me, your legs will thank you for it the next day.
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