Hirayu Otaki Illumination

Frozen Hirayu Otaki & Illumination

Every year during mid winter, after weeks upon weeks of sub-zero temperatures, the largest waterfall in the Hirayu Hot-spring area freezes up completely to become a beautiful spectacle of nature.

From the 15th-25th February 2014, the entire Hirayu Otaki Waterfall will also be beautifully illuminated.

When?:
Everyday 15th-25th February 2014
From 18:00 til 21:00

Where?: Hirayu Onsen-go (Next to the Hirayu Onsen Ski Area)
         

Access?: 

By Car: 50 mins to 1 hour + 10 mins walk

Coming from Takayama, just before you enter Hirayu Onsen-go (Hot-spring) you should see a Eneos Gas Station on the left, before the Station please take a right turn and then continue on up the hill until you reach the car park.

By Bus: 1 hour + 15 mins walk

Depart from Takayama Bus Terminal and then disembark at the "Hirayu Camp Area" bus stop. From here, continue past the ski area and on up the hill until you reach the waterfall.
It will take roughly 15 minutes walk.

How much?: 

There is no entrance fee to the waterfall, however if you decide to come by car there is a 500 yen car park fee!

Hyotenka no Mori Tour

Hyotenka no Mori 
(The Crystal Forest)

Hyotenka no Mori is an Ice Festival in a small onsen located south-eastwards in the upper outskirts of Takayama and due to the location and elevation it experiences continual freezing temperatures during the winter season.

The trees and scenery is coated in a thick, glossy layer of ice and is illuminated beautifully during the evening. It is a truly magical experience and well worth seeing! You can even try drinking from a cup made of ice if you're feeling daring enough!

This year, iSite Takayama is providing a return bus service w/ tour to Hyotenka no Mori for only 3,800 yen/pp (500 yen discount for J-Hoppers Guests)

This service will run from January 2nd until March 20th 2014. There will be a morning tour departing at 9:30am and an evening tour departing at 4:00pm every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday.

Morning Tour: 

Depart Takayama Station: 9:30 / Arrive Hyotenka no Mori: 10:30
       (1 Hour Free Time)
Depart Hyotenka no Mori  11:30 / Arrive Takayama Station: 12:30~

Evening Tour: 

Depart Takayama Station: 16:00 / Arrive Hyotenka no Mori: 17:00
       (1 Hour Free Time)  (Light-up)
Depart Hyotenka no Mori  18:00 / Arrive Takayama Station: 19:00~

(~) Arrival time back at Takayama Station is subject to change due to local weather conditions.

If you're interested in this tour or require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us directly via phone or email.

Notice: During Mid-January, temperatures in this area usually rise to a maximum of -1c and a minimum of -13c so please dress accordingly. (Snow boots are provided here at J-Hoppers for free or can be rented on the tour for 500 yen)