Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu: Hot Spring Guide (Tokyo)

Mount Takao, a popular hiking destination even featured in the Michelin guide, has its gateway at Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, and right next door stands Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu. Using natural hot spring water drawn from underground, it lets you rinse off the sweat of the trail and ease your tired body in the open-air baths. Its location right by the station is its greatest charm.

Highlights

• A location just steps from the station, ideal after a hike
• Open-air rock baths where you can feel the nature of Takao
• A variety of baths including a carbonated bath, a microbubble bath, and a sauna
• A dining area serving dishes such as grated yam soba

Enjoying the Seasons

The fresh green of spring and the foliage of autumn are when Mount Takao itself fills with hikers. Soothing a body warmed by the climb in the hot spring is a special pleasure. In summer people come for a cool break and in winter to warm up from the core, so it pairs with a hike all year round.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2229-7 Takao-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo
• Access: right by Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Takao Line (adjacent)
• Hours: roughly 8:00 to 22:30 (last entry in the 21:00 hour)
• Closed: open year round except for maintenance days
• Admission: about 1,100 yen for adults (around 1,300 yen on weekends, holidays, and busy periods) and about 550 yen for children
• Spring quality: an alkaline simple spring, with natural open-air rock baths, a carbonated bath, a microbubble bath, a sauna, and a dining area

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season: autumn foliage and spring greenery pair wonderfully with a Mount Takao hike, and it works year round for a summer cool-down or winter warm-up.
• Recommended time: the early afternoon to evening descent rush gets busy, so first thing in the morning or later in the evening is a good bet.
• Time needed: about 1.5 to 2 hours for a bath and a meal, just right as a finish to a hike.
• Real spots nearby: Mount Takao (its cable car and Yakuoin Temple), the Takao 599 Museum, and the Tama Forest Science Garden are all close.
• Budget sense: admission is around 1,100 yen for adults (with a weekend surcharge); towels can be rented inside, so you can come empty-handed.

A Quick Tip

Weekends, holidays, and the foliage season get very crowded with hikers. If you want a relaxed visit, time your stop for the morning or evening, slightly off the descent rush. Towels can be rented inside, so you can drop by empty-handed, and note that rates rise on weekends and holidays.