A world away from the luxury chalets, bars and brand-name fashion stores of Hirafu Village, on the other side of the mountain lies Goshiki Onsen – the hidden hot spring.
Beyond the resort area boundaries and Mt Annupuri’s unpatrolled, weather-beaten western face, a timeless secret awaits. At 750m elevation, on a saddle deep between Mt Annupuri and the neighbouring peak of Iwaonupuri, a collection of rugged, age-wearied wooden structures lies almost entirely buried for most of winter by months of relentless, wind-driven snowfall.
“In stark contrast, inside you will find the warmth of a centuries-old Japanese tradition and sulfur-rich, turquoise hot spring baths.”
In stark contrast, inside these buildings you will find the warmth of a centuries-old Japanese tradition and sulfur-rich, turquoise hot spring baths. It’s not glamorous and it’s extremely rustic, but for those looking for a unique Japanese experience this is it.
From Hirafu it’s a 30-minute trip via one of two routes: the first a straight line from the Hirafu Welcome Centre up to the peak via a series of chairlifts and a short hike, and down the other side via a 10-minute descent; the other is by road, this route a little more than 20km, snaking around the mountain and up into the Annupuri range where the soothing waters of Goshiki Onsen await.
Photos: Aaron Jamieson
This article appeared in Powderlife 2018
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Hi, this looks wonderful. How would we get back to Hirafu resort from here after the onsen? Thanks!
You would need to organise a taxi to stay while you were there, or for one to come and pick you up after you were finished
One can also skin out about 1,5km to reach back the resort during daytime.