Quick FactsOverview
About Hottarakashi Onsen
Hottarakashi Onsen, Japan is a hot spring facility at 700 metres elevation on a mountain slope northeast of Kofu, in Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The name translates roughly to abandoned or left to itself, referencing its origins as a shelved health facility. It is positioned to provide panoramic views of the Kofu Basin, the surrounding mountain ranges, and Mount Fuji to the southwest. The Kofu Basin's night view has been designated one of Japan's three most beautiful night views, and the all-day hours make it possible to experience the panorama at sunrise, during the day, at dusk, and under stars.
The facility has two separate baths, each with its own admission. Kocchi no Yu, or this bath, was the original facility opened in 1999 and features wooden and stone open-air pools with direct views of Mount Fuji. Acchi no Yu, or that bath, opened in 2003 and is approximately twice the size, facing the broader Kofu Basin and also offering Mount Fuji views. Both open one hour before sunrise and close at 22:00, allowing visitors to experience the sunrise from within the hot water. The spring is an alkaline simple hot spring with pH values of 9.6 at Kocchi no Yu and 10.1 at Acchi no Yu. A gift shop and two small eateries are on site; the specialty is Ontama-Age, deep-fried hot spring egg balls.
Location & Access
Getting to Hottarakashi Onsen
Hottarakashi Onsen is at 1669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture. There is no public bus service directly to the facility. The most practical access is by car from Kofu, which takes around 30 minutes, or by taxi from Yamanashishi Station on the JR Chuo Main Line; the taxi takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately 2,500 yen one way. Yamanashishi Station is 15 minutes and 260 yen by local train from Kofu Station, or served directly by some Kaiji and Azusa limited express services from Shinjuku, which take approximately 90 minutes. A local city bus from Yamanashishi Station to the Fruits Park stop takes around 10 minutes, followed by a 25-minute uphill walk to the facility.
Both baths are open every day of the year, from one hour before sunrise to 22:00. Admission is charged separately for each bath at around 800 to 900 yen per person; confirm the current price at hottarakashi-onsen.com. Tickets are purchased from a vending machine at the entrance. Towels can be purchased on site. Free parking is available at the facility. Sunrise visits require arriving before opening to queue; the facility opens its gates at the advertised time and early positions in line secure the best outdoor bath spots.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Hottarakashi Onsen Suits
Hottarakashi Onsen suits visitors who want a scenic outdoor onsen experience with exceptional views of Mount Fuji and the Kofu landscape, without the infrastructure of a large resort. The combination of low admission price, tattoo-friendly policy, and all-day access including sunrise and night hours makes it a flexible choice for day-trippers from Tokyo or Kofu. It is particularly well-regarded for pre-dawn visits when the sunrise over Mount Fuji, viewed from the outdoor bath, is the main draw.
Families and visitors of a wide age range are welcome; the alkaline spring water is described as gentle on the skin. Tattooed visitors are welcome in both baths, which is unusual for a traditional communal onsen in Japan. The on-site food options are simple but include the popular Ontama-Age hot spring egg specialty, and the views make the stop worthwhile on any Yamanashi itinerary.
The facility lacks public transport access and requires a car or taxi; this is its primary practical limitation. The buildings have a rustic, handmade character that is intentionally low-key. There is no sauna. Wheelchair accessibility has not been confirmed; the approach to the bath involves steps downhill from the upper area. Confirm current conditions directly with the facility if accessibility is a concern.
Safety & Etiquette
Hottarakashi Onsen Safety Tips
Hottarakashi Onsen is generally safe as a managed public hot spring facility with staff on site during operating hours. The main safety considerations are the high alkaline pH of the water, the pre-dawn access conditions for sunrise visitors, and standard onsen health contraindications.
The spring water has pH values of 9.6 and 10.1, which are strongly alkaline. High-pH water is generally gentle on the skin but can cause eye irritation; avoid submerging your face or splashing water toward your eyes. Rinse thoroughly after bathing. Limit soaking to 10 to 15 minutes, rest and drink water between soaks, and exit immediately if dizzy or overheated. People with heart conditions, hypertension, or open wounds should consult a doctor before using the baths. The outdoor baths are kept at a moderately warm temperature; the indoor baths run somewhat hotter, so acclimatise gradually when switching between the two.
Pre-dawn visits require arriving in darkness on a mountain road without public transport. Bring a torch or use your phone light when navigating the facility before sunrise. The steps leading down to the bath area require care in wet or icy conditions; wear appropriate footwear, especially in autumn and winter when the mountain surface can be slippery. At 700 metres elevation, temperatures are noticeably colder than at valley level; bring warm layers and change quickly after bathing outdoors to avoid rapid chilling. Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering any bath; this is both a standard onsen etiquette rule and a hygiene requirement. No swimwear is permitted; the baths are gender-separated. The outdoor bath is exposed to the elements; avoid visiting during severe weather warnings.
