What is Open-Air Bath Day?
June 26th is "Open-Air Bath Day," a date chosen because of the wordplay "ro-ten-bu-ro" (open-air bath).
Established by the Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association, this event has been a regular occurrence since 1993 and has been enjoyed by many hot spring enthusiasts.
2026 marks the 32nd annual "Hot Spring Hopping Day" in the Okuhida Onsenkyo area.
*Some events may be suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Okuhida Onsenkyo is a treasure trove of open-air baths, a rarity in Japan, and is said to have the largest number of them in the country.
On the day of the event, among the approximately 100 open-air baths located within the hot spring resort area, including Hirayu, Fukuchi, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shin-Hotaka, we will be showcasing some of the most popular open-air baths.6 locationsWe will be opening the facility to the public free of charge for one day only, so that you can fully enjoy the hot springs and use it to refresh your mind and body.
You can enjoy a unique Okuhida experience by visiting a variety of hot springs, such as open-air baths amidst fresh greenery or rustic baths where you can feel the murmur of the river up close.
Furthermore, a stamp rally will be held, where participants can visit the participating facilities.
Of the 6 locations, 4Collect stamps and receive an original commemorative gift.
Free admission applies only to the six locations designated by the tourism association, so please check before your visit.
*Please note that not all open-air baths in the Okuhida Onsenkyo area will be open to the public free of charge.
*The five facilities other than Okada Ryokan allow free bathing even without a stamp book. (However, bringing a stamp book is required only at Okada Ryokan.)
2026 Event Guidelines
◇Date
Friday, June 26, 2026
◇Contents
Six designated open-air baths within the Okuhida Onsenkyo area will be open to the public free of charge for one day only. A stamp rally will also be held in conjunction with the event.
◇ Commemorative gift
Target facilitiesOf the 6 locations, 4Those who collect all the stamps will receive an original commemorative gift.
- Market bag (image is for illustrative purposes only)
- Face towel (image is for illustrative purposes only)
*Commemorative gifts are for the recipient only.
*Due to limited quantities, this offer will end once supplies run out.
Six open-air baths are included.
The unique Okuhida Onsenkyo6Let me introduce you to this hot spring.
*On the day of the event, registration will be accepted until one hour before closing time.
[Hirayu Onsen] Hirayu no Yu
6:00-21:00 / Separate open-air baths for men and women
This is a representative open-air bath in Hirayu Onsen that I would recommend for your first bath.
Located next to the Hirayu Folk Museum, this quiet space surrounded by trees offers a chance to experience the gentle atmosphere characteristic of Okuhida.
[Hirayu Onsen] Okada Ryokan
15:00-19:00 / Separate open-air baths for men and women
*At Okada Ryokan only, bringing your stamp book is required.
An open-air bath at a long-established inn that represents Hirayu Onsen.
Enjoy a relaxing bath in our spacious bathtub, which takes advantage of our abundant hot spring water, and in a calming space that evokes the warmth of wood.
Hirayu Onsen Hirayu Prince Hotel
14:00-19:00 / Separate open-air baths for men and women
In this tranquil open-air bath surrounded by trees, you can relax and unwind while feeling close to nature.
This hot spring resort offers a peaceful and relaxing experience, typical of Okuhida, surrounded by crisp air and soothing waters.
[Tochio Onsen] Kojin no Yu
8:00-22:00 / Separate open-air baths for men and women
This open-air bath features colorless, transparent, simple hot spring water, offering a sense of openness along the river and a feeling of being surrounded by abundant nature.
This is a communal open-air bath that has been loved by locals for a long time, and is typical of Okuhida.
[Shinhotaka Onsen] Shinhotaka no Yu
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM / Mixed-gender open-air bath
Experience the natural beauty of the Northern Alps up close in this rustic open-air bath, a representative of Okuhida.
Spending time immersed in the gentle murmur of the Kamata River truly gives you the feeling of being "immersed in nature."
*Swimsuit or bathing suit is required / Bathing suits can be purchased at: Higaku no Yu, Nakazaki Sanso
[Shinhotaka Onsen] Higaku no Yu
11:30-20:00 / Separate open-air baths for men and women*Includes dining area
A popular and easily accessible hot spring resort with a delicious restaurant on-site.
You can relax and unwind in the spacious open-air bath during your trip.
*Content is subject to change.
How to participate
- Hirayu no YuorHigaku no YuReceive your stamp book here. *One book per user.
- Collect stamps by visiting the designated open-air baths. *Self-stamping is required at unmanned open-air baths.
- 4 out of 6 locationsReceive a commemorative gift with this stamp.
Souvenir exchange location
Hirayu Onsen Tourist Information Center
(Located inside the Okuhida Visitor Center, 763-12 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo)
TEL: 0578-89-3030
Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association Office
(1689-3 Murakami, Okuhida Onsenkyo)
TEL: 0578-89-2614
Higaku no Yu
(442-7 Nakao, Okuhida Onsenkyo)
TEL: 0578-89-2855
Redemption date and time
Friday, June 26thUntil 17:00 (Higaku no Yu only until 20:00)
Saturday, June 27th9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Hirayu Onsen Tourist Information Center and Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association Office only)
*For other details and precautions, see below.Event GuidelinesPlease check.
In June, the mountains are a deep green, and the sound of the river is soothing in the Okuhida Onsenkyo hot spring area.
2026 looks set to bring scenery that evokes the feeling of early summer.
On days dedicated to open-air baths, you not only get to visit hot springs, but also to experience the very flow of time in this region.
Explore the hot springs of Okuhida Onsenkyo, where each bath has a different water quality and scenery.
Take a leisurely stroll through Okuhida, soaking in the hot springs, feeling the breeze, and listening to the sounds of the river.
Surely, there you'll find the "Japanese pace" that we've somehow forgotten amidst our hectic daily lives.
June 26th. Come and forget about time and immerse yourself in the depths of Japan.
