OKUHIDA Onsen Gifu ken

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The road between Matsumoto (Nagano ken) and Takayama 'Gifu ken) is one of the few roads linking the western and eastern parts of the japanese Alps through the moutains (long tunnel).

This road links kami-kochi area to Hirayu Onsen known as Okuhida with many onsen, most have rotenburo with view on montain, rivers and forests.

Many have mixed baths, frequented by families and couples switching from the river to the onsen.

Okuhida garden hotel Yakedake at shin-Hirayu is a modern ryokan with a mixed rotenburo.

Kami no yu at Hirayu is a mixed rotenburo but has a direct view from the bridge crossing the Kamata river.

Hodaka ryokan is an old style japanese hotel along the Kamata river, on the left side before Shin hodaka ropeway, with a lady outdoor bath and a three level mixed rotenburo. Probably the most frequented by couples and families in the area. The ryokan has also private bath along the river.

Awa no yu : on the road between matsumoto and Hirayu has a special milky mixed water where ladies feel confortable. The white color of the water is not transparent at all.

Okuhida is also very popular for montain hikker. You can take the 3,200 meters long ropeway at Shinhodaka Onsen and going up to Nishihodaka guchi. You can enjoy breathtaking scenery in every season at a hight of 2,156 meters.

If you love the past don't miss a visit of Takayama with its preserved old town.