1. Access to Fukiage Open-Air Hot Spring

This time, I went to Fukiage Onsen from the Furano area.
Head north towards Kamifurano, and continue straight into the mountains along Prefectural Road 291.

There weren't any particular landmarks along the way, so even though I was following the car navigation system, I felt a little uneasy, but just keep going straight and you'll be fine.

When you see the sign for Shirogane-so, turn left onto Prefectural Road 966.

In less than five minutes, you'll see the parking lot for Fukiage Onsen on your left.

As mentioned earlier, it is also accessible from the Biei/Blue Pond area.
However, due to winter road closures from late October until before Golden Week each year, access from Biei and the Blue Pond area is not possible during this period.
During the road closure period, head south to Kamifurano and take Prefectural Road 291.

2. I went to Fukiage Onsen.

I went to Fukiage Onsen on a weekday during the off-season, around lunchtime.
The parking lot is spacious, easily large enough to accommodate 20 cars.
Despite it being a weekday, there were about 10 cars.

The entrance to the forest path leading to the open-air bath is located at the back left of the parking lot.

Walking along the gravel path leading into the woods...
After about two minutes, I sensed human presence on the slope to the right, below and to my right.

There are several people!

After walking down the slope for another minute or so, we arrived right next to the hot springs.
There's a brave soul who actually made it all the way here by bicycle!
*I later found out that they were traveling from Osaka to Hokkaido!

I took the opportunity to look around the area without disturbing anyone.

There are two bathtubs; the upper one is hot, and the lower one is lukewarm.
There was a gentleman bathing in the upper tub, so I put my hand in the lower tub, and it was just right—not too hot, not too cold.

Beyond the bathtub is a cliff, and a river flows below it—it's truly a wild and natural scene!

When I looked it up online, it said there was a tent that served as a changing room, but when I went there, there was no tent.
There was a slatted area about the size of three tatami mats, and it might have been located there.

The water quality of the Fukiage Open-Air Bath is acidic and is said to be effective for neuralgia and skin diseases.
The spring water is quite strong, so those with sensitive skin should rinse off with fresh water after bathing.

It's supposed to be colorless and transparent, but am I the only one who thinks the water looks a little bluish?
The popularity of this Fukiage Open-Air Hot Spring was boosted by the popular drama "From the North Country '95: Secrets".
It was used as a filming location for a bathing scene featuring Kunie Tanaka and Rie Miyazawa.
Apparently, at that time, they used bath salts to make the bathwater cloudy.

Five rules for using the Fukiage Open-Air Hot Spring
① Watch your step
② Take your trash home with you.
③ Soap and shampoo cannot be used.
④ You are allowed to wear a towel or swimsuit.
⑤ Use of fire, camping, and eating/drinking are prohibited.

3. The Fukiage Open-Air Bath is always bustling with visitors.

Contrary to my expectation that there wouldn't be many people there on a weekday during the off-season, there were already three customers.
As I was returning to my car, a couple was walking down the hill.
I greeted a local regular in the parking lot.
The Fukiage Open-Air Bath is really popular, isn't it?

Since it's available 24 hours a day, early morning is the best time to go if you want to have it all to yourself.
Bathing is possible even in winter, but be careful of your footing due to snow!

Also, there were two portable toilets in the corner of the parking lot, but they didn't appear to be in use.

If you are uncomfortable using the portable toilets or do not have any toilet paper with you, you can use the restrooms at the nearby Shirogane-so (about a 10-minute walk or a 1-minute drive).
The baths at Shirogane-so are also excellent, and you can enjoy a day trip bath for ¥700 for adults.
If you can't set Fukiage Open-Air Hot Springs correctly on your car navigation system, you can try setting Shirogane-so as your destination.

Fukiage Open-Air Bath

Address

Fukiage Onsen, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

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