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Okuhida Onsenkyo is a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains at an altitude of around 1,000 meters. The temperature is lower than in urban areas, and even in the middle of summer, the mornings and evenings are enveloped in cool air. Furthermore, if you take the Shinhotaka Ropeway up to Nishihotakaguchi Station at an altitude of 2,156 meters, the average summer temperature is around 18℃. A cool, different world unfolds, a stark contrast to the heat of the lowlands.

In this cool weather, the traditional summer festival continues at Fukuchi Onsen. Other hot spring resorts also have a plethora of events unique to this time of year. As autumn approaches, the slopes of the Northern Alps will change color, and there will be more to enjoy at night, such as illuminated autumn leaves and stargazing.

This page lists events taking place in and around Okuhida Onsenkyo from summer to autumn 2026, in chronological order. We also introduce events that our association plans to participate in outside of the prefecture. Please use this information to help plan your outings.

Event List

August Events

Fukuchi Onsen Summer Festival

period

August 4th (Tuesday) - August 20th (Thursday), 2026

time

20:00-21:00 (Cancelled in case of rain)

place

Fukuchi Onsen Old Tales Village Festival Square

Fee

free

This is a traditional summer event that has been passed down in Fukuchi Onsen for generations. Every evening during the event, the lion dance "Henbetori," which is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Takayama City, will be performed. In addition, there will be demonstrations of "chicken performances," an ema (votive tablet) market, and night stalls, making for a lively evening. Please come and enjoy the cool evening air after finishing your dinner at your accommodation.

Official website (Fukuchi Onsen Tourism Association)

HIDA OUTDOOR DEEP #02

schedule

Monday, August 10, 2026 10:00-16:00
August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, National Holiday) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM *Event will proceed even in light rain.

place

Shinhotaka Ropeway, Summit Forest (Nishihotakaguchi Station)

Fee

Admission is free (parking and ropeway fees are charged separately).

Organizer

HIDA OUTDOOR FREAKS (Co-sponsored by Shinhotaka Ropeway)

This outdoor event is organized by a local community group of outdoor enthusiasts. The venue will be the Summit Forest, a first for the event. At an altitude of 2,156m, with an average temperature of 18℃ even in midsummer, you can enjoy an outdoor experience themed around "coolness."

The event consists of three parts: the "Itadaki Concert Stage" featuring acoustic performances by musicians from Hida, the "Komorebi Experience" offering craft gin making and smoked ice cream, and the "Unjo Cool Lounge" featuring four local shops. Please check the official website for details on each experience and stage performance times.

Official website (HIDA OUTDOOR FREAKS)

Okuhida Photo Contest 2026

Application period

1st: August 11, 2026 (Tuesday/Holiday) - November 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
2nd session: December 19, 2026 (Saturday) to February 23, 2027 (Tuesday/Holiday)

theme

This season, Okuhida that you encountered

Target area

Photos taken within the Okuhida Onsenkyo area (Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, Shin-Hotaka, and other areas in the southern part of the Northern Alps)

How to apply

Follow the official Instagram account (@okuhidagram), post your photo with the hashtag "# Okuhida Photo Contest 2026", and submit your entry through the application form.

Landscapes, hot springs, food, people—any subject is welcome. Please submit a photo that captures the essence of Okuhida in that particular season. Prizes will be awarded separately for each round, including a 20,000 yen accommodation discount voucher (Grand Prize). For application rules and details about the prizes, please check the details page.

Details page (Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association)

September Events

A geotour with Satoshi Harayama, exploring the memories of the earth.

schedule

Saturday, August 22, 2026, Saturday, September 5, Saturday, September 12, 2026
*Only those who can attend all three days are eligible.

Fee

30,000 yen for 3 days

application

First-come, first-served basis. Kuguno Tourism (TEL 0577-52-2992)

This is a three-day geotour with geologist Satoshi Harayama, tracing the formation of the land in Okuhida and its surrounding areas. Please check the details page for more information.

Details page (Okuhida Visitor Center)

Norikura Rock Ptarmigan Route Sightseeing Bus

Operating days

Every day from September 1st (Tue) to September 18th (Fri), 2026
Every day from Thursday, September 24th to Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

departure

Departure from Takayama Station West Exit at 7:20 / Departure from Hirayu Otaki Parking Lot at 8:15 / Departure from Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal at 8:30

destination

Norikura Tatamidaira, Norikura Plateau, Kamikochi

This sightseeing bus tour circles Mount Norikura, spanning two prefectures, Gifu and Nagano. It takes you to Norikura Tatamidaira (2,702m above sea level), Norikura Plateau with its milky-white hot springs, and Kamikochi, all in one day. For those traveling by car, it's convenient to park at the Hirayu Otaki parking lot before boarding.

A digital stamp rally will also be held during the event period. Collect five or more stamps to enter a prize draw.

*If the Norikura Skyline or Norikura Echo Line is closed, the tour will be cancelled.

Official website (Norikura Rock Ptarmigan Route)

It's hot! Climbing Mt. Yake

schedule

Sunday, September 6, 2026: Meet at Hirayu Otaki parking lot by 7:00 AM.

course

We will take a minibus to the Nakanoyu trailhead. After descending the mountain, we will be transported to Kamikochi.

application

From the QR code on the flyer

This guided mountain climbing tour takes you up Mt. Yake and allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of Kamikochi. Transportation is provided both ways, so you don't need to worry about parking. However, the itinerary is quite challenging, so it is not recommended for beginners.

Details page (Okuhida Visitor Center)

Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 [Exhibitor]

Exhibition period

[Industry Day] Thursday, September 24th and Friday, September 25th, 2026, 10:00-18:00
[General days] September 26th (Sat) 10:00-18:00 / September 27th (Sun) 10:00-17:00

venue

Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall and Conference Hall (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

Admission fee

1,500 yen on the day / 1,200 yen in advance *Admission is only available on general admission days.

This is one of the world's largest comprehensive travel events, bringing together tourism professionals from Japan, overseas, and inbound tourism. The theme for 2026 is "The Evolving Form of Travel." Our association is also planning to exhibit. If you live in the Tokyo metropolitan area or are visiting Tokyo during this time, please be sure to stop by the Okuhida booth.

Official website (Tourism EXPO Japan)

Events in October and November

ALPS OUTDOOR SUMMIT 2026 [Exhibitor]

schedule

Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00-17:00
October 4, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00-16:00

venue

iNet Yamabiko Dome (Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, within Shinshu Sky Park)

Admission fee

Admission fee applies (tickets available on the official website).

Held in Matsumoto, the gateway to the Northern Alps, this is Nagano Prefecture's largest outdoor event. Based on the concept of "LOVE CRAFTMANSHIP," it brings together domestic and international brands that value craftsmanship. In Matsumoto, which faces Okuhida across the Northern Alps, we will introduce the charm of the hot spring resort on the other side of the mountains.

Official website (ALPS OUTDOOR SUMMIT)

Mountain Festival

schedule

Sunday, October 4, 2026

place

Hirayu Onsen, Hirayu Folk Museum and Hirayu Shrine grounds

This one-day event centers around the traditional "lion dance" and "hot spring flower prayer" of Hirayu Onsen, and features gourmet food stalls and festival games. It's an opportunity to experience the old and new culture of Hirayu, beyond just its mountains and hot springs.

There is no dedicated parking available near the venue. Please use public transportation or nearby parking facilities.

*Further details will be announced sequentially. Please check our official social media accounts for the latest information.

Official SNS (Mountain Festival)

Shinhotaka Ropeway Stargazing Tour (Autumn Tour)

Operating days

October 2nd (Friday) – October 4th (Sunday), 2026
October 9th (Friday) - 12th (Monday/Holiday)
October 30th (Friday) - November 3rd (Tuesday/Holiday)
November 6th (Friday) to 8th (Sunday)

Operating hours

Shirakaba-daira Station: First northbound train departs at 18:00 / Last northbound train departs at 20:20
Nishihotakaguchi Station: First southbound train departs at 18:00 / Last southbound train departs at 21:00

Fee

Round trip on the second ropeway: Adults 4,000 yen / Children (elementary school students) 2,150 yen
*Includes a special fare ticket (300 yen round trip).

For a limited time, a special train service will operate that allows you to view the starry sky from the rooftop observation deck at Nishihotakaguchi Station and from the summit forest. The night sky viewed from an altitude of 2,156m is especially recommended in the clear autumn air.

Only the second ropeway operates at night. If you are traveling by car, please use the "Nabedaira Kogen Parking Lot" (paid parking) located before the ropeway. Reservations are not required. The mountaintop gets quite cold, so please remember to bring warm clothing and a flashlight.

*If stargazing is difficult due to severe weather or poor visibility, the event may be canceled without notice (decision will be made around 2 PM on the day of the event).

Official website (Shinhotaka Ropeway)

Fukuchi Onsen: Autumn foliage townscape light-up

period

October 5th (Monday) – November 5th (Thursday), 2026

time

Sunset to 9:30 PM

place

The entire main street of Fukuchi Onsen and the Old Tale Village area

Fee

free

To coincide with the autumn foliage season, the townscape of Fukuchi Onsen will be illuminated. From the main street to Henbe Slope, the trees throughout the area will be bathed in light. The peak is usually around the latter half of October, but the way the leaves change color day by day is a unique sight of this time of year. Enjoy a stroll after dinner.

Details page (Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association)

Shinhotaka Onsen Nakao Autumn Leaves Illumination

period

Mid-October to mid-November 2026 (tentative)
*The timing may vary depending on the coloring of the autumn leaves.

time

Sunset to 9:00 PM

place

Nakao Plateau, around Nonki Village

Fee

free

Nakao Plateau is located at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. The trees on the plateau are illuminated at night, creating a fantastical display of autumn foliage that is different from the daytime scenery.

Details page (Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association)

In conclusion

The Okuhida Onsenkyo area consists of five hot spring resorts: Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka. Due to its high altitude, temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer. If you're going out for an evening event, be sure to bring a light jacket. This is especially true at Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station, which is at an altitude of 2,156m; a jacket is essential even for stargazing in the middle of summer.

And what better way to warm up your chilled body than with a hot spring bath? After enjoying the event, relax in one of the baths and spend a peaceful evening in the mountains.

*Events may be subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions or other factors. Please check the official website and social media accounts of each event for the latest information.

*Please direct all inquiries to the respective event organizers. Some events are not organized by our association, and we may not be able to answer all questions.