Okutama Onsen Moegi-no-Yu: Hot Spring Guide & Prices

Tucked into the mountains of Okutama at the far western edge of Tokyo, Moegi-no-Yu is an easygoing day-trip hot spring just a ten-minute walk from JR Okutama Station. The water is drawn from one of Japan's oldest geological layers, and you can soak while gazing down over the gorge of the Tama River. It is the kind of place you want to drop into on the way home from a hike or a day by the water.

Highlights

• Open-air baths with sweeping views of the Tama River and the ridgelines beyond
• A smooth, slightly silky source water that feels gentle on the skin
• A calm interior with the warmth of natural wood
• A dining area serving dishes made with mountain ingredients from Okutama

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the pale green of fresh buds fills the valley, in summer a cool breeze drifts up the gorge, and in autumn the slopes blaze with red and gold, all framed by the bathtub view. In winter the crisp air makes the mountain scenery beyond the rising steam feel especially quiet and beautiful.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 119-1 Hikawa, Okutama, Nishitama District, Tokyo
• Access: about a 10-minute walk from Okutama Station on the JR Ome Line (with a slight uphill stretch at the end)
• Hours: April to November 10:00 to 20:00 (reception until 19:00); December to March 10:00 to 19:00 (reception until 18:00)
• Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday)
• Admission: about 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for elementary students (a 3-hour rate, including the bathing tax)
• By car: parking is available (about 40 spaces). The water is 100 percent from one of Japan's oldest strata

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season: autumn foliage is spectacular, and early summer greenery and summer river play are also popular.
• Time needed: about 2 hours for a bath and a meal, ideal as a finish to an Okutama hike.
• Avoiding crowds: weekends and the foliage season get busy, so early morning or the quieter early evening are good targets.
• Real spots nearby: Lake Okutama, the Nippara Limestone Cave, Hatonosu Gorge, and the Hikawa Gorge promenade are reachable by train or car.
• Budget sense: admission is around 1,200 yen for adults, and a meal of mountain fare adds a little more.

A Quick Tip

Weekends and the autumn foliage season can get busy, so aim for early morning or the quieter early evening hours. Although the station is close, there is an uphill stretch at the end, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. Since admission is time-limited, allow room in your schedule if you want to linger.