Hakuba Happo Onsen Obinata no yu

Beautiful spacious & most natural looking set up. Right under the sky ! It’s private booking for winter time. Water is very hot & you can rent out burning wood sauna for extra money. We enjoys everything. The only problem was that we arrived 15 min earlier for 12.30 booking & it was completely closed down. & considering it’s in the middle of the woods plz be aware. We had to wait over the bar up the street trying to reach them out. Unsuccessfully for 45 min. Strange unpunctuality for Japan. But we got in eventually & they added extra half for us to stay.

Stopped by this hot spring after a summer hike since it was the closest option. Noticed some people leaving after just seeing the facade, but I didn’t think much of it—I just wanted to freshen up before the drive home. Thats when I noticed the holes and gaps in the wall are as big as 1 yen coins. I took a closer look at one of the holes… and unexpectedly locked eyes with a man peeping from the other side. I’ll just say—enter at your own risk.

A genuine outdoor Onsen. Went in February. It was snowing so recommend that you wear a hat or beanie or a small towel on your head if snowing. As it is outside, water is lovely and warm and not as hot as at other onsens. So you can stay in water for the full duration. Caters for larger groups but booking online for up to 7 people only, extra people pay at door. Drop off service is great and included in price for up to 7 people only

We booked an 1 hour session and it went quick so I'd recommend 2 hours. The private spa that we had only had one shower assembly but it sprayed water everywhere so it was difficult to wash. The spa next door had alot of people chatting away so it was less peaceful in that sense. You could take whatever drinks you want from their fridge and then pay after. The water was nice and warm and the view of the mountain was incredible.

Great experience during winter. During this season, the place converts into a private onsen that you can book out. Check the website on when the dates are open, slots run out fast. They provide shuttle service from the main hakuba area if you dont drive. If you do, then It is kind of out of the way. But experience was great, having a outdoor onsen in the snow for the first time. Would reccomend!