The most comfortable outdoor snow hot spring in Japan
♨️Hot spring location:
I experienced an outdoor snow hot spring at Fukuji Onsen♨️, which was amazing. I chose the Hida Takayama route (Okuhida Onsen-go). I bought a 3-day Nohi Bus pass at Takayama Bus Terminal, which allows unlimited rides on the Takayama Bus Terminal - Shin-Hotaka Ropeway route + a round-trip ride on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway within 3 days.
🛻Transportation:
Take a bus to Fukuji Onsen Station, which is right next to the bus stop. Three private outdoor baths are open in winter, and two of them are open. You don't even need to make a reservation or pay extra for the private bath. You can go for a soak as long as there is no one in the bath. When you enter, turn the sign at the door to "occupied" and lock the door to enjoy your exclusive hot spring village, which includes both indoor and outdoor baths.
❄️Snow scenery:
That night, I soaked in the hot spring in the snow, and in the morning, I watched the snow and the sunlight reflecting on the hot spring. There was a naturally formed ice wall opposite, which was very photogenic🤣
🫵Summary tips:
In summary, Fukuji Onsen is a great value and worth visiting for a hot spring♨️.