Hottarakashi Onsen Natural Hot Spring

Hottarakashi Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring that began in 1998. It has two bath areas, “Acchi-no-Yu” and “Kocchi-no-Yu.” The spring quality is similar, though temperature, pH, and yield vary slightly. The water is nearly colorless and transparent, with little taste or smell, and the temperature is around 38–42°C. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises and sprains, frozen shoulder, chronic digestive conditions, beauty skin, and sensitivity to cold. The main highlight is the view: located on a hillside about 700 m above sea level overlooking the Kofu Basin—an area known as one of Japan’s “New Three Great Night Views”—the open-air baths offer expansive scenery, with Mt. Fuji visible in the distance. You can soak while enjoying these sweeping views. There is also a light-meal spot called “Momotaro” serving reasonably priced udon and soba; a particularly popular item is “On-tama Age” (deep-fried onsen egg). Both “Acchi-no-Yu” and “Kocchi-no-Yu” have shops selling local souvenirs and original onsen goods. Access to Hottarakashi Onsen: by train, get off at JR Chuo Main Line “Yamanashishi Station,” then take a taxi about 10 minutes. By car, it’s about 25 minutes from Chuo Expressway “Katsunuma IC” or “Ichinomiya-Misaka IC.”