Cold water plunge bath, typically used after sauna
OnsenYes
Uses natural hot spring water
Capabilities
Private BathNo
Private bath available for day-use visitors or hotel guests to reserve
Room OnsenNo
Private onsen bath in guest rooms, for overnight guests only
Mixed BathingNo
Shared bathing area for all genders
Policies & Services
TattooYes
Allows entry with visible tattoos
KidsYes
Welcomes children and families
DiningYes
Restaurant or dining open to visitors (not just hotel meal plans)
WashingYes
Shower, wash stations, soap and shampoo provided
TowelsYes
Towels available to rent or borrow
Rest AreaYes
Relaxation space for after bathing
ParkingYes
On-site or nearby parking available
湯
ほったらかし温泉
Hottarakashi Onsen
湯
Simple
Classification
Sodium HSiO3 spring
A strongly alkaline simple thermal spring at pH 9.9. With only about 168 mg/kg of dissolved solids it is lightly mineralized and gentle on the body, while the high alkalinity gives the pronounced slippery feel of Japan's beauty-water family. At the source the water shows a faintly pale-yellow, slightly turbid look with a weak sulfur note.
555. Hottarakashi Onsen, Yamanashi ★★★
Mirror cross-review of Hottarakashi relative to Mitama onsen.
Top 1-2 onsen in Yamanashi, an incredible place. Its main rival in Yamanashi for the top spot is Mitama. They're very similar in format, located on opposite mountain sides, and both have epic views of the city and mountains, so comparison is inevitable.
In Hottarakashi's favor: better countryside atmosphere at the location, the postcard-worthy view of Mt. Fuji from the rotenburo, having two separate onsen zones in one place, opens very early. In Mitama's favor: more interesting water, infinity onsen, slightly richer city view with more landmarks, slightly more panoramic view from the onsen overall, more services. So on a day with Fuji visibility, Yamanashi's #1 onsen is Hottarakashi, and when Fuji isn't visible, Yamanashi's #1 is Mitama.
Hottarakashi actually has not one but two onsens next to each other with separate entrances, separate fees, and schedules. The main onsen is 900. Operating hours are listed from one hour before sunrise to 22:00. They stamp the Yamanashi 100 Onsen book. Bath photos are from the internet, match the real thing.
The additional onsen was listed as open from 10:00 to 17:00, but on one visit I was there before opening, and on our second visit it still wasn't operating.
1. Outdoor area. Incredibly cool panoramic view of the city, mountains, and Mt. Fuji.
1.1. Rectangular bath, positioned higher than the other baths. Excellent overall and Fuji view. There are stones in the bath to sit on and be even higher for a better panorama. Clear water, temperature around 41.
1.2. Right stone bath. If you submerge a bit you get a picturesque view: water from the rotenburo, stones on the edges of the bath, and Mt. Fuji. Clear water, temperature around 41.
1.3. Left stone bath, shallow. Clear water, temperature around 40.5.
2. Indoor bath. Clear water, temperature around 40. Breathing inside is fine.
Top-tier place. If visiting Kofu and the area — it's a must. This onsen alone can be a reason to come to the city.
13.05.2025 16.05.2025
