Hottarakashi Onsen

The name Hottarakashi (ほったらかし) roughly translates to “leaving things as they are” or “setting troubles aside,” and once you are submerged in the shallow outdoor baths with the serene profile of Mount Fuji filling the horizon, the name feels perfectly apt. This facility is unapologetically simple; you won’t find the high-tech saunas, complex massage menus, or manicured gardens of Tokyo’s “resort” onsen. Instead, Hottarakashi offers a raw, elevated “lull” at 700 meters above sea level where the view does all the talking.

The facility is split into two distinct bathing areas: Kocchi no Yu (“This Bath”) and Acchi no Yu (“That Bath”). Kocchi is the original, smaller facility made of rustic wood and stone, favored by locals for its intimate, mountain-hut atmosphere. Acchi, opened later and built twice as large, is the primary destination for the “sunrise crowd.” It is specifically positioned to offer an unbroken 180-degree panorama of the Kofu Basin and the peaks beyond. Both feature basic, shack-like changing rooms with open baskets for clothing—though ¥100 lockers are available for valuables at the main reception area.

Outdoor bath at Hottarakashi Onsen — Unbeatable views across the Kofu Basin from the outdoor stone pools.

Rest area at Hottarakashi Onsen — A fire is often lit near the outdoor rest area, where you can sample local Yamanashi wines and produce.

What truly separates Hottarakashi from its rivals is its schedule. Acchi no Yu opens its gates one hour before sunrise year-round, allowing guests to watch the snow on Mt. Fuji shift from deep purple to soft pink as the sun clears the ridgeline. At the other end of the day, the onsen is famous for its “million-dollar” night view, as the lights of the valley below mirror the stars above. For many, no visit is complete without a stop at the humble food stand to try the Ontama-Age—a crispy, deep-fried soft-boiled egg with a gooey, warm yolk that is the perfect post-soak snack. It is also worth noting that Hottarakashi is famously tattoo-friendly, welcoming bathers with any level of body art without the need for covers or bandages.

Lower and upper baths at Hottarakashi — The baths are tiered, with the lower pools offering a slightly cooler temperature for extended soaking.

Visitor Information
Address	1669-18 Yatsubo, Yamanashi City, Yamanashi 405-0036 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	1 hour before sunrise – 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM) *Note: Kocchi no Yu usually opens later at 10:30 AM (weekdays) or 10:00 AM (holidays)
Must-Try	Ontama-Age (Fried soft-boiled egg)
Tattoo Policy	Fully Accepted (No covers required)
Website	Visit Official Website

Access
Station	Line(s)	Access Details
Yamanashishi Station	JR Chuo Main Line	10-minute taxi ride (~¥2,200).
Driving	Chuo Expressway	25 mins from Katsunuma IC or Ichinomiya-Misaka IC. Free parking available.