Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission — at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own. Please note: the information provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified professional if needed.
If you’re planning a trip through the Japanese Alps and wondering where to stay in Hirayu Onsen, this small mountain town turned out to be one of my favorite overnight stops in Japan.
Many travelers pass through Hirayu Onsen on the way to Kamikochi, Takayama, or Matsumoto, but it deserves more than just a quick stop. Surrounded by mountains and known for its natural hot springs, Hirayu offers a quieter side of Japan with a slower pace, relaxing onsens, and easy access to incredible outdoor scenery.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hirayu Onsen, look no further than Hirayukan. After two nights there, it became one of my favorite accommodations in Japan.
Why Stay in Hirayu Onsen?
Hirayu Onsen is best known for two things:
- Easy bus access to Kamikochi
- Its famous outdoor bath experience at Hirayu no Mori
Many travelers use Hirayu as a jumping-off point before hiking in Kamikochi, but staying overnight gives you the chance to slow down and enjoy the area itself.
One of the biggest advantages is how walkable everything feels. The town is small, peaceful, and easy to navigate.
Hirayukan is only about a 5-minute walk from the bus stop, making arrival simple even if you’re traveling entirely by public transportation.
Why I Loved Staying at Hirayukan
Out of multiple accommodations I stayed in during Japan, Hirayukan ended up being one of my favorites.
Like many traditional Japanese spots, they ask you to take your shoes off and provide slippers when you enter the facility. After checking in, you’ll pick out your samue and yukata – two different styles of Japanese robes. You can wear these anywhere in the ryokan, and some people choose to wear them in the town as well.
One thing I noticed throughout Japan was that many hotels are moving away from stocking every room with amenities. Instead, guests can grab what they need from a common area near the front desk. It’s a simple way to reduce waste, and you’ll usually find items like toothbrushes, combs, razors, and other toiletries available.
The onsen experience at Hirayukan
You may have heard of Hirayu Onsen because of its popular day spa: Hirayu no Mori
While it has a fantastic public day spa, it’s an expensive spot to stay overnight and usually booked up. That’s how I found Hirayukan!
Overall, I’m really glad I didn’t end up staying overnight at Hirayu No Mori. I loved that Hirayukan felt quieter and more private.
Unlike Hirayu no Mori, which attracts many day visitors, Hirayukan’s baths are primarily for guests staying at the ryokan.
The property has two separate spa areas, and each includes indoor and outdoor baths.
The baths rotate between men and women throughout the day, so whichever bath women use in the morning becomes the men’s bath later in the evening (and vice versa). That means if you’re staying overnight, you get to experience both!
The outdoor baths were especially relaxing after long travel days and hiking.
Dining at Hirayukan
Dinner at Hirayukan felt like part of the experience rather than simply a meal.
Guests choose a dinner arrival time – typically 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM – though if you miss your assigned time (like me), you can still head down later.
One tip: arrive early if possible.
If you’re among the first guests downstairs, you may be able to grab one of the tables overlooking the garden. I loved facing the garden – it felt very peaceful, especially since I was traveling solo.
Across two nights, some dishes repeated, but there was enough variety that it didn’t feel too repetitive.
My favorite was the personal burner you could use to cook food. For dinner, I made a beef sukiyaki-like dish, and in the morning I cooked eggs and bacon.
Hirayukan also offers a late-night ramen and tea service. It smelled SO good, but I was full from dinner – so I never ended up grabbing any.
The rooms at Hirayukan
One thing that stood out immediately was the size of the room. They have a few different room styles. I booked the Standard Twin Room as it was the most cost-efficient option.
Standard Twin Room at Hirayukan Ryokan in Hirayu Onsen
Bathroom at Hirayukan Ryokan in Hirayu Onsen
Picking your Yukata at Hirayukan Ryokan in Hirayu Onsen
Hirayukan Hirayu Onsen samue outfit
Coffee and tea for your room!
Japanese hotel rooms – especially in larger cities – tend to feel fairly compact, but here I had plenty of space! In comparison to other locations, there was still a good amount of space even if I was sharing the room with someone else.
Hirayukan felt noticeably larger than many places I stayed during my trip and had enough space to spread out luggage and relax comfortably after hiking and travel days.
That extra room made staying for two nights especially enjoyable.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Hirayu Onsen
While there are several places to stay in this charming mountain town, Hirayukan ended up being one of my favorite stays in Japan, and somewhere I would absolutely book again.
For me, it checked so many boxes for that classic Japan experience:
✔ A quiet outdoor onsen experience surrounded by nature
✔ Delicious meals to look forward to after a day of exploring
✔ Larger rooms with space to truly relax
✔ Peaceful mountain scenery and a slower pace
✔ Easy access to Kamikochi, Takayama, and Matsumoto
After two nights here, I realized some of my favorite moments weren’t the big attractions – they were soaking in the outdoor baths after a long day, enjoying dinner overlooking the garden, and slowing down enough to appreciate the peace of the Japanese Alps. If you’re looking for a stay that feels relaxing, traditional, and memorable, Hirayukan is one I’d happily recommend
Love Ryokans and unique stays?
👉 Check out this amazing ryokan in Hakone!
Hi, I’m Amber —
A Michigan native now living in Washington with a deep love for travel and the outdoors. What started with church mission trips and years of traveling across the U.S. as a nurse has grown into a passion for exploring destinations across Asia and America through hiking, scenic landscapes, local food, wildlife encounters, and underwater adventures. Sometimes I’m joined by my goldendoodle, Millie, but I’m always traveling with my camera. My goal is to help you feel inspired and confident that travel is possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
