Fukiage open-air Onsen

Fukiage is a free, unstaffed wild bath (noyu) in the forest near Tokachidake in Hokkaido, reached on a short walk from the nearest parking. There are two pools fed by the same source: the lower one sits around 44 degrees Celsius and is perfectly usable, while the upper pool runs close to 50 degrees and is mostly for the brave. The water is clear and odourless, a sodium-calcium chloride type flowing straight through without treatment. There are no changing rooms. The setting is pure forest, and after a long soak the walk back through the cold air feels part of the experience. Became briefly famous through the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the Northern Land).