Immerse Yourself in the Spectacular Japan Alps

Set in the flank of Mt. Norikura, a 3,026-meter volcano, Hirayu Waterfall is a magnificent cascade falling 64 meters into a pool below. Designated as one of Japan’s 100 renowned waterfalls, Hirayu Waterfall is an eye-popping sight located in a pristine natural environment, and even though the observation area is a short distance from the falls, visitors can feel this natural wonder because it sends out clouds of misty water droplets.

According to legend, samurai warriors under warlord Takeda Shingen paused here, exhausted, while invading the Hida region. An old white monkey appeared at the falls and guided the warriors to recuperate at a hot spring, which became Hirayu Onsen. Hirayu Waterfall is a three-minute drive or 28-minute walk from Hirayu Onsen.

Goshikigahara Forest is a mystical place of majestic beech and fir trees, gushing springs and dazzling waterfalls.

You can hike through deep-green ravines, around crystal-clear ponds and over giant boulders formed by lava. Here, explorers are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of refreshment that can only come through communing with nature.

The highlight is Nunobiki Falls, a dazzling web of threadlike cascades fed by underground springs from the snows of Mt. Norikura. Guides are required for the three hiking routes through the forest, which range from half-day to full-day excursions. The hiking season runs from mid-May to the end of October.

Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is a gondola that takes passengers to an observation deck and forested walkway at an elevation of 2,156 meters. Open even in winter, the rooftop deck at Nishihotakaguchi Station provides eye-popping, 360-degree views of the Hotaka Mountains including Mt. Nishihotaka, Mt. Yarigatake and Mt. Kasagatake.

The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, a Michelin-starred experience, has recently been renovated with wooden decks in the forest around the top gondola station, a departure point for hiking the Hotaka Mountains. The Yari no Kairo (corridor of spears) deck is a U-shaped relaxation space where visitors can soak in the views of Mt. Yarigatake and surrounding peaks. The nearby Ooshirabiso path allows visitors to experience forest bathing, or shinrinyoku, in a virgin forest of alpine plants.

Megumi, a new souvenir shop, has cookies, sake, premium Hida beef curry, postcards, bear bells, hiking gear and many other products and local specialties. At the foot of the No. 2 Ropeway, visitors can enjoy free hot spring footbaths before setting off on their next mountain adventure.

Newly renovated in 2024, the Okuhida Visitor Center in Hirayu Onsen is the perfect spot to get yourself oriented for exploring the Okuhida region and the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Located beside the Hirayu Onsen bus depot, the Okuhida Visitor Center is partly made with natural materials including cedar on the ceilings and tiles from Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture.

Staff here can provide information about weather, transportation and tourism options around Norikura, Shin Hotaka and the surrounding area. There’s also a large room with maps, high-resolution touch-panel displays, and information about local wildlife and geology including samples of volcanic rocks. In addition, there is a multipurpose area for meetings and workshops, as well as indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

Visitors can also rent power-assisted electric road bikes here starting from 3,000 yen for 2 hours to 8,000 yen for 7.5 hours with a 2,000 yen deposit.