Written by: The Shiroumaso Team — a ryokan operating for over 50 years in Hakuba
Want to experience a Japanese onsen but not comfortable being naked in front of strangers? Looking for a hot spring you can enjoy with your partner or family?
Hakuba has the answer to all of these.
This small mountain village in Nagano Prefecture is home to natural hot springs with a pH level above 11 — among the highest alkaline onsen in all of Japan. Known locally as "Bijin no Yu" (Beauty Water), these springs leave your skin silky smooth after just one soak. Best of all, Hakuba has 2 private onsen (kashikiri-buro) where you can enjoy the bath with your partner or family in complete privacy.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to the 6 best onsen in Hakuba: 2 private baths + 4 public hot springs, complete with prices, booking info, and etiquette tips — all from locals who soak in these springs every day.
New to Hakuba? Read our Complete Hakuba Travel Guide first.
What Makes Hakuba Onsen Special — pH 11 Water You Can't Find Anywhere Else
Japan has thousands of onsen, but Hakuba's hot springs stand apart for one clear reason.
pH 11+ Alkaline Springs — "Beauty Water"
Hakuba Happo Onsen is one of the most alkaline natural hot springs in Japan, with a pH level exceeding 11. To put that in perspective, most onsen in Japan have a pH of 7-9.
The moment you step into pH 11 water, you'll feel a distinctive silky, slippery sensation on your skin. This is because the highly alkaline water gently dissolves dead skin cells, leaving your skin noticeably smoother after bathing. The Japanese call this type of water "Bijin no Yu" — literally "Beauty Water."
For those with dry or sensitive skin, the effect is real and immediate — not marketing speak.
3 Types of Hot Springs in Hakuba
Hakuba isn't limited to just alkaline springs. There are 3 distinct water types, each offering a different experience.
| Water Type | Key Feature | Where to Find It | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakuba Happo Onsen | pH 11+ alkaline | Mimizuku no Yu, Sato no Yu, Shiroumaso | Skin smoothing, dry skin relief |
| Hakuba Shio no Michi Onsen | Sodium chloride | Kurashita no Yu | Long-lasting warmth after bathing |
| Himekawa Onsen | Sodium chloride-carbonate | Asahiso | Warming effect, joint relief |
Having 3 different water types in one area is rare even in Japan. If you have time, we recommend trying at least 2 types to feel the difference.
2 Private Onsen in Hakuba — Your Own Private Space
Want to enjoy an onsen with your partner or family in a private setting? Private onsen (kashikiri-buro) is the way to go. Hakuba has 2 options.
Shiroumaso — Must-Try pH 11 Ryokan Onsen
Shiroumaso is a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) that has been operating for over 50 years, located just a 2-minute walk from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. The private bath uses pH 11 alkaline water from Hakuba Happo Onsen, and here's what makes it unique: you can enjoy sake or beer while soaking in the hot spring.
The pH 11 water makes your skin feel silky from the very first moment. After bathing, the smoothness is noticeable — this is something we experience every single day, not a sales pitch.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Hakuba Village (2 min walk from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal) |
| Water | Alkaline pH 11 (Hakuba Happo Onsen) |
| Price (Green Season) | 2,200 yen (~550 THB) / person / hour (child: 1,500 yen / 375 THB) |
| Price (Winter) | 3,000 yen (~750 THB) / person / hour (child: 2,100 yen / 525 THB) |
| Hours | 11:00-15:00 (reservation required) |
| Minimum | 2 people |
| Booking | Contact form or phone: 0261-72-2121 |
| Amenities | Face towel & bath towel provided (yukata & toothbrush on request) |
Best for: Couples / families / anyone wanting authentic pH 11 onsen at an accessible price.
Why we recommend this: This is where we work and bathe every day. The effect of pH 11 water on your skin is something we feel firsthand — it's the real deal.
Obinata no Yu — Private Outdoor Bath with Japan Alps Views
Obinata no Yu is an outdoor onsen (rotenburo) surrounded by forest with views of the Japan Alps. During winter, it operates exclusively as a private bath — book in advance and you'll have the entire hot spring to yourself, soaking in steaming water surrounded by snow.
The water is pH 11+ alkaline from the Hakuba Happo source, flowing directly from the spring (gensen kakenagashi) — 100% natural, no dilution, no recirculation.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Hakuba Village (10 min by car from Hakuba Station) |
| Water | Alkaline pH 11+ — gensen kakenagashi |
| Regular Price (Green Season) | 800 yen (~200 THB) adult / 400 yen (~100 THB) child |
| Private Price (Winter) | 25,000 yen (~6,250 THB) / 60 min / 1-5 people |
| Hours (Green Season) | 12:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) |
| Hours (Winter) | Private only (reservation required) |
| Booking | Online (CHILLNN) / Phone: 0261-72-3745 |
| Parking | 20 spaces |
Best for: Nature lovers wanting a private outdoor onsen experience. Groups of 3-5 friends.
Tip: The 25,000 yen winter private price may seem steep, but split among 5 people it's just 5,000 yen (~1,250 THB) each for a private snow-viewing onsen — excellent value.
4 Best Public Onsen in Hakuba — Affordable & Easy to Access
If you want to experience a traditional Japanese public onsen, Hakuba's day-trip hot springs (higaeri onsen) start from just 600 yen (~150 THB).
Mimizuku no Yu — Outdoor Bath in the Forest
Mimizuku no Yu is an outdoor onsen using pH 11+ alkaline water from Hakuba Happo. Set in a quiet, forested location, it feels like bathing in the middle of nature.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | 800 yen (~200 THB) adult / 500 yen child / 300 yen infant |
| Water | Alkaline pH 11+ — natural hydrogen hot spring |
| Hours | 10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30), open year-round |
| Type | Outdoor (rotenburo) — gender-separated |
| Highlight | Peaceful forest setting, surrounded by nature |
Sato no Yu — Quick Indoor Soak in the Village Center
Sato no Yu is a small indoor bath in the heart of Hakuba Happo village, using the same pH 11+ alkaline water. Perfect for a quick soak between activities.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | 800 yen (~200 THB) adult / 500 yen child / 300 yen infant |
| Water | Alkaline pH 11+ |
| Hours | 16:00-20:00 (last entry 19:30), winter only (late Oct-Mar 31) |
| Type | Indoor — gender-separated |
| Highlight | Central village location, easy walk-in, winter season only |
Kurashita no Yu — Stunning Golden-Colored Water
Kurashita no Yu stands out with its golden-brown water from the Shio no Michi Onsen source (sodium chloride spring). This type of water retains heat exceptionally well — your body stays warm long after you leave the bath.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | 800 yen (~200 THB) adult / 400 yen child (under 3 free) |
| Water | Sodium chloride-carbonate (Shio no Michi Onsen) |
| Hours | 10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30), open year-round |
| Type | Outdoor (rotenburo) — gender-separated |
| Highlight | Unique golden water, long-lasting warmth, ideal after skiing |
Tip: Kurashita no Yu is close to the ski resorts. After a full day of skiing, soak in the golden water here — your body will stay warm all evening.
Asahiso — Unique Cave Onsen
Asahiso is located in Otari Village, next to Hakuba. Its standout feature is a cave bath (dokutsu-buro) — a hot spring carved into rock, giving you the experience of bathing inside a real cave.
The inn also offers private baths for rent, making it an option for those wanting privacy.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price (Public) | 600-700 yen (~150-175 THB) |
| Price (Private outdoor bath) | 3,000 yen (~750 THB) / 90 min (reservation required) |
| Water | Sodium chloride-carbonate (Himekawa Onsen) — 100% natural source |
| Hours (Public) | Approx. 9:00-18:00 (irregular holidays — call 025-557-2301) |
| Highlight | Mixed-gender cave bath, women-only time 20:00-21:00 |
How to Use a Japanese Onsen — 7 Etiquette Rules You Need to Know
Never been to a Japanese onsen before? Don't worry. Follow these 7 steps and you'll be fine.
7 Steps for Bathing in an Onsen
1. Remove all clothing in the changing room — Store in a locker. You may only bring a small hand towel.
2. Wash your entire body before entering the bath — Sit on the low stool at the washing station. Shampoo, soap, rinse thoroughly. (Standing while washing is considered rude.)
3. Pour hot water over your body (kake-yu) — Before getting in, scoop water from the bath and pour it over yourself to adjust to the temperature.
4. Enter the bath slowly — Onsen water is approximately 40-42°C (104-108°F). Ease in gradually.
5. Soak for 10-15 minutes — Don't stay too long. Get out, rest, and re-enter if you want. Maximum 3 times per day.
6. Dry off lightly before returning to the changing room — Wipe water from your body to avoid dripping on the floor.
7. Hydrate — Onsen bathing causes significant sweating. Drink water immediately after.
Important Don'ts
- Never put your towel in the bath water (place it on your head instead)
- No photography or video in the bathing area
- Keep conversations quiet
- No swimming, jumping, or splashing
- No food or drinks (except in some private baths)
- Tie long hair up — it must not touch the water
Hakuba 6 Onsen Comparison — Complete Chart
| Onsen | Type | Price | Hours | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiroumaso | Private | 2,200-3,000 yen / person / hr | 11:00-15:00 (reservation) | pH 11, drinks OK |
| Obinata no Yu | Private (winter) | Winter: 25,000 yen / Regular: 800 yen | Green: 12:00-18:00 | Outdoor + Alps view, pH 11 |
| Mimizuku no Yu | Public | 800 yen | 10:00-21:00 (year-round) | Outdoor, pH 11, hydrogen spring |
| Sato no Yu | Public | 800 yen | 16:00-20:00 (winter only) | Village center |
| Kurashita no Yu | Public | 800 yen | 10:00-21:00 (year-round) | Golden water, warming |
| Asahiso | Public + Private | 600-700 yen / private 3,000 yen | ~9:00-18:00 (irregular) | Cave bath (unique) |
Quick guide: Private onsen → Shiroumaso or Obinata no Yu / Budget → Asahiso (600-700 yen) / Unique experience → Asahiso (cave) or Kurashita no Yu (golden water)
Hakuba Onsen FAQ
What are the opening hours?
Each facility has different hours. Shiroumaso's private bath: 11:00-15:00 (reservation required). Obinata no Yu (green season): 12:00-18:00. Hours may change seasonally, so always check with the facility before visiting.
Do I need to book a private onsen in advance?
Reservations are required at Shiroumaso (phone booking, 1 week advance recommended). Obinata no Yu offers online booking via chillnn.com. During winter (Dec-Mar) demand is high, so book as early as possible.
What should I bring?
Most facilities provide towels (some charge 100-200 yen for rental). Bring: drinking water. Do not bring: swimsuits, smartphones, or jewelry.
Are Hakuba onsen close to the ski resorts?
Yes. Hakuba's ski resorts and onsen are conveniently close to each other. Kurashita no Yu is near the ski area — perfect for an after-ski soak. See our Hakuba Ski Resort Guide for details.
How do I get to Hakuba?
Hakuba is just 3-5 hours from Tokyo, depending on how you travel. See our complete Hakuba access guide for all 4 routes compared by price and time.
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Want to experience pH 11 private onsen in Hakuba?
Shiroumaso is a ryokan with over 50 years of history. pH 11 alkaline private baths, sake while soaking, kaiseki cuisine with local ingredients.
Book a Private Onsen / Check Availability →Last updated: March 2026 | Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm with official websites before visiting.