Hinohara Onsen Center Kazuma-no-Yu: Hot Spring Guide

Deep within Hinohara, the only village in Tokyo, Kazuma-no-Yu sits along the gorge of the Minamiakigawa River. Surrounded by mountains and quiet, its smooth and gentle alkaline water slowly eases away the fatigue of daily life. It is hard to believe that such deep mountain air can be found so close to the city center.

Highlights

• Smooth, silky alkaline natural hot spring water
• An open bathing area looking out over the surrounding mountains and gorge
• A dining area and gift corner featuring ingredients from Hinohara
• The quiet, unhurried pace of life in a mountain village

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh greenery the whole valley is wrapped in vivid green, in summer a cool breeze sweeps through the gorge, and in autumn the colored mountainsides delight the eye after a bath. In winter you can warm yourself to the core in the hot water while gazing at the snow-dusted ridges.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2430 Hinohara, Nishitama District, Tokyo
• Access: about 60 minutes by Nishi-Tokyo Bus (toward Tomin-no-Mori) from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line, alighting at the Onsen Center bus stop
• Hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry one hour before closing)
• Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day)
• Admission: about 1,050 yen for adults and 550 yen for elementary students (free for preschoolers)
• Spring quality: an alkaline simple spring, with open-air baths, a sauna, a dining area, and a shop

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended seasons: early summer greenery and autumn foliage are especially popular, and in winter you may enjoy an open-air bath with a snow view.
• Time needed: about 2 to 3 hours for a relaxed bath and meal, making a full day once the bus ride is included.
• Avoiding crowds: weekends in the foliage season get busy, so weekdays or just after opening are good bets.
• Real spots nearby: Tomin-no-Mori, Mitou Great Falls, Janoyu Onsen Takaraso, and Hossawa Falls are all within driving range.
• Budget sense: admission is around 1,050 yen for adults, and the dining area serves dishes made with Hinohara ingredients.

A Quick Tip

Since the bus winds along mountain roads, it is wise to check the timetable in advance, and because buses are infrequent, look up your return service too. If you drive, combining your visit with a walk through the nearby gorge or a tour of the waterfalls makes for a full day in Hinohara.