Shinhotaka Outdoor Public Onsen — Local services in Takayama

This was a great experience for us, a couple from USA. We visited at 8:30 in the morning, parked across the street at what we believe was a bus stop parking lot. We walked about 50 paces to the bridge and crossed over to the entrance to the pool. We made our donation of 300 yen each, and found only one other person there. He did not have on the required bathing suit but was covered appropriately with his towel. Soon afterwards a Japanese couple joined along with one other man. None of the people made a donation while we were there for about 30 minutes. The changing areas are very basic. There are lockers for 100 yen and also baskets available. We just kept our clothes in a basket with us by the pool. The pool was warm like a bath, but definitely not too hot. Very relaxing though. Highly recommend...

Come really early in the morning for the best chance of having it to yourself. Put 300 yen into the box. Its very Hida style, you are quite exposed to the world, but women are permitted to wear a towel into the bath. Also what seems to be Hida style, there are no fresh water faucets to wash with before getting in, so be a trooper and find some place to clean yourself...

Unique experience of taking a bath in a natural pool fed by a hot spring. The place tends to get a bit crowded but there will always be room for you and quite a few people to engage in casual conversation. No swimwear required and you can use anything for your privacy towel if you don't have a proper one. You can use the pool for free but will be supposed to make a...