Hottarakashi Onsen
ほったらかし温泉
A day-trip hot spring on a hill about 700 m up over the Kofu Basin. From its open-air baths you can watch Mount Fuji, the sunrise and the city lights below.
A hot spring called "left to its own devices"
Hottarakashi Onsen is a day-trip onsen (hot spring bath) on a mountainside in the city of Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture, about 700 m above sea level. Hottarakashi is Japanese for "left alone" or "not fussed over": an unpretentious name that warns you up front not to expect much in the way of service.
It opened in 1999 in a very simple form, with nothing but the baths and a changing room. Word of mouth made it popular, and a second bathing area was added later.
"Kotchi no Yu" and "Atchi no Yu"
There are two bathing areas, called Kotchi no Yu ("this bath") and Atchi no Yu ("that bath"). Kotchi no Yu, the original, has a calm atmosphere and looks straight out at Mount Fuji. Atchi no Yu, which opened in 2003, is larger than Kotchi no Yu and looks out over the Kofu Basin. Each bath charges its own admission fee.
It opens before sunrise, so you can watch the sun come up from the open-air bath. About 30 minutes to an hour after sunset, the lights of the towns in the Kofu Basin spread out below you. This night view has been chosen as one of the "new three great night views of Japan".
The water is an alkaline simple spring, said to leave your skin feeling smooth.
Famous snacks and getting there
At the shop on site you can try the house speciality, ontama-age (a deep-fried soft-boiled hot spring egg), as well as udon, ramen and more.
It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Yamanashishi Station on the JR Chuo Line. By car it takes about 25 minutes from the Katsunuma Interchange or the Ichinomiya-Misaka Interchange on the Chuo Expressway, and there is free parking. Opening hours change with the season to match the time of sunrise, so check the official website.
Tips
- The FAQ on the official website says that people with tattoos can bathe. Rules can change, so check before you go if this matters to you.
- You cannot use your smartphone or take photos in the baths. Burn the view into your memory instead.
- Free shampoo and body soap are provided. Lockers for valuables cost extra.
- Bathing after drinking alcohol is not allowed.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
