Winter is recommended for hot springs in Nagano! Introducing hot spring inns and bathing facilities near ski resorts

What are hot springs in Nagano?

Nagano Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan and is home to many famous hot spring towns. Just walking around the town is fun, with hot spring towns that have a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Showa era, and lively hot spring towns that are popular with locals. We'll introduce four of the charms of Nagano's hot springs, which can be accessed from Kanto and Kansai.

One of the leading hot spring countries in Japan

Nagano Prefecture is truly a ``hot spring country'' with 192 hot springs, the second largest in Japan after Hokkaido, 958 hot springs (7th in the country), and a gushing rate of 103,456 liters/min (8th in the country).

(From the Ministry of the Environment's "Hot Spring Usage Status in 2021")

All 11 types of hot springs are available, so you can enjoy each hot spring's color, smell, texture, and efficacy.

The hot spring is

1. Scientific action that promotes recovery from illness through absorption through the skin

2. Psychological effects of stress relief due to extraordinary spaces

3.Physical effects that activate metabolism depending on temperature and water pressure

It can be said to be the ultimate relaxation method that heals people through its three effects.

Easy access from the city center

Nagano Prefecture is relatively easily accessible from the metropolitan areas of Kanto and Kansai. For example, if you want to go from Tokyo to Nagano Prefecture, there are two main ways to get there: by Shinkansen or by bus.

To use the Shinkansen, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes). There are many Shinkansen trains, allowing you to travel in the shortest possible time. If I were to list a disadvantage, it would be that it is difficult to move with large luggage.

The special feature of using a bus is that you can choose a boarding location such as Tokyo Station, the Odaiba area, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport (Chiba), or Yokohama (Kanagawa). Although the travel time is long (approximately 4 hours) and the number of buses per day is limited, there is no need to transfer. This is the recommended transportation method for people visiting Nagano Prefecture for the first time.

Enjoy the scenery of each season

One of the attractions of Nagano Prefecture's hot springs is that you can enjoy a variety of scenery in each season. You can enjoy Japan's nature while soaking in hot springs, such as the slightly pink cherry blossoms in spring, the bright green mountains in summer, and the bright red autumn leaves in autumn.

We especially recommend winter, when you can experience a snowy bath. When you enter a hot spring with a completely cold body, you will feel so good that you can't help but cry out.

There is a ski resort nearby

Speaking of winter in Nagano, it's all about snow activities. There are several ski resorts where you can enjoy some of the best powder snow in Japan, and many skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad gather there.

There are hot springs near most ski resorts. After enjoying snow activities, take a leisurely dip in Nagano Prefecture's famous hot springs to soothe your body and soul.

7 hot springs in Nagano that you should visit in winter by area! Introducing recommended accommodations and facilities

We will introduce 7 hot springs in Nagano that you can enjoy after sightseeing in Nagano or snow activities. We will also tell you about recommended accommodations and hot spring facilities, so please take a look.

Yudanakashibu Onsenkyo area, representative of Nagano Prefecture

Yudanakashibu Onsenkyo refers to nine hot spring towns located along three rivers that flow through Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture. The ski resort area of ​​Shiga Kogen is also nearby, so you can enjoy snow activities along with it. Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen are the largest hot spring towns in Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo.

Shibu Onsen is a hot spring town with a nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops, making you feel excited just walking around. When staying at Shibu Onsen, we also recommend visiting the nine hot springs. Let's soothe the fatigue of your trip while visiting the 9 public baths.

It is said that the hot spring water at Yudanaka Onsen gushes out from a rice field. It opened over 1,350 years ago and has several sources, so you can enjoy hot springs with a variety of spring qualities. There are many historical sites related to hot springs, so we recommend taking a walk while feeling the history.

[Shibu Onsen] Historical Inn Kanaguya

A recommended inn in Shibu Onsen is ``Kanaguya, a historical inn'' where you can enjoy traditional architecture and hot springs. Part of the building has been designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and you can feel the warmth of the wooden architecture. In fact, it is said that this inn was the inspiration for the famous Ghibli movie ``Spirited Away.'' Although there are no records of people actually staying there, you can probably feel a similar atmosphere given the historical background.

All hot springs are 100% natural hot spring water, and there are 3 large public baths and 5 private baths. In particular, the Western-style bathhouse ``Romanburo'', which was completed in 1950, is a sight to behold. It is characterized by stained glass and a bathtub modeled after a Roman fountain, creating a mysterious space that will make you feel as if you have wandered into another world.

[Yudanaka Onsen] Yorozuya

A recommended inn in Yudanaka Onsen is Yorozuya, which has been in operation for over 200 years. As you pass through the entrance, you will find yourself in a space that harmonizes Japanese tradition with functional beauty, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time. The lobby and lounge are lined with antique furniture that has been passed down from generation to generation, providing a warm welcome to guests.

The hot springs are known as hot springs of longevity, and many famous people have visited them since ancient times in search of healing. Of the five baths, including a private bath, the Momoyama bath in the main building is a hot spring that you should definitely take a dip in. The bathroom is a pure wooden cathedral building and has been certified as a registered tangible cultural property, giving you a feel of the good old days of Japan. Please enjoy it together with the garden open-air bath where you can enjoy the scenery of each season.

Kitashiga Kogen area is popular as a sea of ​​clouds spot

The Kitashiga Kogen area is home to ``Sora Terrace'' on Mt. Ryuo, which has become a hot topic in recent years as a spot where you can see a sea of ​​clouds, and four ski resorts that are popular for their abundant snowfall. Yomase Onsen is a hot spring in the Kitashiga Kogen area that is recommended for sightseeing. This is a relatively new hot spring that opened in 1993 and was created by digging inside the Yomase Ski Resort.

Soaking in a hot spring while looking at the mountains of the Northern Alps and the nearby Chikuma River is a special experience. This hot spring is a must-see for those who come to the Kitashiga Kogen area for snow activities.

[Yomase Onsen] Hotel Akiyuki

Hotel Akiyuki, located next to Mt.KOSHA Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, is the perfect hotel to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The ski slopes are right in front of the hotel, and the ski resort base center is on the 1st floor. The base center has a ski and snowboard rental shop, a convenience store, changing rooms, coin lockers, and a lift ticket office. It is also convenient as it is the boarding and alighting point for each bus.

There are two types of hot springs: a large public bath that is open 24 hours a day, and an open-air bath with a view. The panoramic open-air bath ``Myojo-no-Yu'' offers a spectacular view of the Northern Alps. The quality of the spring water is said to be effective for lower back pain and muscle pain, and is sure to soothe you after enjoying snow activities.

[Yomase Onsen] Hotel Seran

Hotel Seran, located about a 2-minute walk from Mt.KOSHA Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, is a hotel where you can enjoy sports throughout the year. In addition to snow activities in the winter, you can also enjoy tennis, trekking, and golf in the spring and summer. The attached multipurpose hall can also be used for judo, aikido, brass bands, etc., so many groups stay here for training camps.

The hotel's pride is its open-air bath with a view, "Tominoyu." The bathtub made of natural rock creates a quaint atmosphere and soothes people's fatigue. From the open-air bath, you can see mountains such as the Northern Alps and Zenkojidaira, and at night, a beautiful night view spreads out below you. There is also an in-house large public bath and a private open-air bath.

Shiga Kogen area where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons

Shiga Kogen is located within the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, and you can enjoy nature in all four seasons, including trekking in the summer and snow activities in the winter. There are several hot springs in Shiga Kogen with different spring quality.

Particularly recommended is Hoppo Onsen, which opened in 1841. This hot spring is located in the central area of ​​the Shiga Kogen Resort Ski Resort and is popular with many skiers and snowboarders.

[Happo Onsen] Hotel Higashidate

Hotel Higashidate is a resort hotel that boasts an outstanding location overlooking the area from an altitude of 1,600 meters, where you can relax in a calm atmosphere. In addition to the standard guest rooms, we have a total of 8 special rooms where you can receive the finest hospitality in a completely private space.

The hot spring in the hotel is a hot spring made from a steam spring, which is rare in Japan. We have an open-air bath with a view of the starry sky, a spacious indoor bath, and a far-infrared low-temperature sauna made with natural stone from Shinshu. You can enjoy a relaxing experience that not only relieves the fatigue of skiing and snowboarding, but also relieves the fatigue of traveling.

[Happo Onsen] Shiga Swiss Inn

Shiga Swiss Inn, located in the middle of the ski slopes such as Higashidateyama Ski Resort and Happo Bunadaira Ski Resort, is a hotel that underwent a major renovation in November 2019. In addition to the 66 guest rooms, there is also a large hall and seminar hall, which are also used for training camps and workcations. The front desk has a warm wood-like interior, and in the winter, the fireplace is lit to warm your cold body to the core.

The hot spring is Hatsubo Onsen, which is said to be the oldest natural hot spring in Shiga Kogen. There is a spacious indoor bath for both men and women, as well as an open-air bath with a panoramic view of the Northern Alps. The hot springs are also popular with skiers and snowboarders who enjoy snow activities on the nearby slopes, as they accept day trip bathers on certain days of the week.

Nozawa area where you can enjoy visiting 13 public baths

Nozawa Onsen is famous as a hot spring resort where you can visit 13 public baths scattered throughout the hot spring town. The outdoor bath, which has been protected by the villagers since the Edo period under a system called Yu-Nakama, is 100% natural hot spring water. Even though it is an outdoor bath, it is always maintained and kept clean.

Also, at Nozawa Onsen, don't forget about the ``onsen eggs'' that are cooked using the heat of the hot springs. Some public baths have pots for making hot spring eggs. Please buy eggs at a shop in the hot spring town and give them a try.

[Nozawa Onsen] Nozawa Onsen Hotel

Nozawa Onsen Hotel, which owns the source of Nozawa Onsen, is located in the center of Nozawa Onsen town. The wood stove in the lobby is lit in winter, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Please heal the fatigue of your journey while watching the flickering flames. We have rooms with open-air baths, Japanese-style rooms, and Western-style rooms, so you can choose according to the number of people and your purpose.

Nozawa Onsen Hotel is proud of its hot springs. You can enjoy hot springs flowing straight from the source, which change color depending on the season and time. Nozawa Onsen was once known as a hot spring inn, and many people still visit it today for medical purposes, as it is said to have a variety of benefits. Refresh your body and soul with the freshest spring water.

[Nozawa Onsen] Chitosekan Resort Inchitose

Chitosekan Resort Inchitose, located next to Oyu, an outdoor bath with a beautiful bathhouse architecture, is a Japanese-style inn with a wooden structure, which is rare in Nozawa Onsen. The interior of the hotel is filled with the scent of wood, giving a sense of warmth as a spiritual hometown for travelers. You can enjoy a nostalgic retro atmosphere in all 12 guest rooms.

The hot spring water is drawn directly from the 90 degree hot spring source ``Magama'', so no heating is required. It may feel hot to some people, but please add water little by little while you massage the bathtub (the act of stirring the bathtub). We recommend taking short baths over and over again to warm your body to the core.

The Madarao Kogen area is home to a ski resort famous for its powder snow.

The Madarao Kogen area is home to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort, a ski resort famous for its powder snow, and has several hot springs that are popular with skiers and snowboarders.

Here we will introduce hot spring accommodations where you can use the hot springs of Madarao Kogen Onsen and Entoku Onsen, both of which are expected to be effective for muscle pain, neuralgia, and joint pain.

[Madarao Kogen Onsen] Madarao Kogen Hotel

Madarao Kogen Hotel is a hotel adjacent to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. This hotel is recommended for people who want to fully enjoy both hot springs and snow activities. In addition to Japanese-Western rooms, Western-style rooms, and suites, 4-bed rooms were reopened in December 2020. This is a great room for families and group travelers.

The hot spring is Madarao Kogen Onsen, a private natural hot spring that opened in 1998. The spring quality is characterized by its pleasant texture and minimal irritation, and is said to be effective in relieving muscle pain, neuralgia, and fatigue. In addition to indoor baths and open-air baths, there is also a sauna room, making it the perfect hot spring to soothe your fatigue. In winter, many skiers and snowboarders stay here, so early reservations are recommended.

[Entoku Onsen] Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort

"Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort", which is directly connected to the ski slopes, has two hotels: "Hotel Tangram" with 245 rooms and "Hotel Harvest Madarao" which is a higher-grade separate building. Both are large resorts where many people stay for snow activities in the winter. There are a wide variety of accommodation plans, so be sure to compare meals and lift tickets to find the perfect plan.

Both hot springs use Entoku Onsen water drawn from nearby Nakano City. It is said to be effective for muscle pain, neuralgia, joint pain, etc. The public bath at Hotel Tangram is open to day-trippers, but the public bath at Hotel Harvest Madarao is only available to hotel guests. If you want to avoid crowds, it's best to use the public bath at Hotel Harvest Madarao.

Omachi Onsenkyo area at the foot of the Northern Alps

The quiet Omachi Onsenkyo area, surrounded by white birch and beech forests, is located at the foot of the Northern Alps. This hot spring village is ideal as a sightseeing base for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in the summer and the Hakuba area, which is home to many ski resorts in the winter. The hot spring village is dotted with day-trip bathing facilities and several hotels and inns.

Express buses from the Tokyo area also stop here, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy the hot springs of Nagano Prefecture by using the express bus.

[Omachi Onsen] Steam house Yakushi no Yu (day trip hot spring facility)

``Yukemuriyashiki Yakushi no Yu'' is the only day-trip hot spring facility in Omachi Onsenkyo. It is used by many locals as well as tourists after enjoying sightseeing and snow activities. The facility is fully equipped with 18 baths, a 90 tatami Japanese-style room, and a lounge, allowing many people to enjoy the hot springs at once.

One of the attractions is that there are facilities that can be used along with the hot springs, such as the ``Onsen Museum'' where you can learn about the history of Omachi Onsen Village and ``Nagomi'' where you can eat.

[Omachi Onsen] Kurobe Kanko Hotel

The Kurobe Kanko Hotel, ideally located as a sightseeing base for Kurobe Dam, is the oldest hotel in Omachi Onsen Village. All 93 guest rooms have a view of the magnificent nature of Shinshu, allowing you to refresh your body and mind. We have a wide variety of accommodation plans, and we also have family plans that are packed with great benefits especially for families with children.

There are two hot spring baths with different styles: ``Ishi-no-Yu,'' which uses rocks from the Northern Alps, and ``Ki-no-Yu,'' which has the scent of cypress. The men and women alternate in the evening and in the morning, so be sure to stay overnight and enjoy both. Additionally, both bathrooms are equipped with a cold bath and sauna, so you can enjoy them along with the hot springs.

[Kuzu Onsen] Ryokusuitei Keisui

For those who want to spend a luxurious time in Omachi Onsen Village, we recommend Ryokusuitei Keisui. This is an inn where you can feel the nature of Omachi in each room, such as the mountain range of the Northern Alps or the murmuring of the Kashima River, and where you can spend a relaxing time in a calm space. There is also a library space where you can enjoy magazines and novels, and a footbath where you can sit on the veranda and relax.

The hot spring water is drawn from Kuzu Onsen in Takase Valley. This is a hot spring where you can enjoy the view of the garden from the indoor baths for both men and women. We also have two private semi-open-air baths (charged at 2,500 yen per hour), which is recommended for those who want to enjoy hot springs in a private space.

Hakuba area is home to some of Japan's most famous ski resorts.

When you think of Hakuba, the first thing that comes to mind is the ski resorts.The Hakuba area is dotted with many ski resorts and is also home to an abundance of hot springs. There are six hot springs, including the natural hydrogen hot spring ``Hakuba Happo Onsen'', ``Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen'', which turns brown when exposed to the air, and ``Hakuba Himekawa Onsen'', which has hot water that is mild and gentle on the skin.

Here we will introduce hot spring inns and hot spring facilities where you can enjoy hot springs along with ski resorts.

[Hakuba Happo Onsen] Happo no Yu (day trip hot spring facility)

"Happo no Yu" is located at the entrance of Hakuba Happo Onsen Town. This is the largest day trip hot spring facility in Hakuba Happo Onsen. There is one indoor bath and one open-air bath for both men and women, and we are proud of the open-air bath that contains natural hydrogen. You can see Hakuba Sanzan from the bathtub, which will soothe your body and mind.

Many skiers and snowboarders come here as the Happo Information Center, a tourist hub for each ski resort, is right in front of the hotel. Those who only want to enjoy the hot springs may want to avoid visiting in the evening or at night.

[Hakuba Happo Onsen] Hakuba Mominoki Hotel

Hakuba Mominoki Hotel is a resort hotel nestled in the forest at the foot of the Northern Alps. The interior of the hotel is decorated with warm and elegant antique furniture, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious and quiet space. The vast grounds also include a restaurant, bar (some open only in winter), and a visitor center. You can choose from a total of 75 guest rooms to suit your travel style, including log cabins that are perfect for traveling with a large group and family rooms that are comfortable for families.

The hot spring used is Hakuba Happo Onsen, which is also known as the hot spring of beauty. The spring quality is expected to have the effect of removing dirt and dead skin cells, so you can see that your skin will become smoother. In particular, the open-air bath ``Shobe-no-Yu'' is popular for its spectacular views of the four seasons, and is a hot spring that many people use for day trips.

[Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen] Kurashita no Yu (day trip hot spring facility)

Kurashita no Yu is a day-trip hot spring facility that was opened in 1994 as the former hot spring of Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen. It is said that it was named Shio-no-Michi Onsen because the water contains a lot of salt and when you lick it, it tastes salty.

The bathrooms have one open-air bath for both men and women, a washing area, and a rising bath (*). You can see the Hakuba mountains from the open-air bath, and soak in the hot water while enjoying the view. The bathtub is made from Japanese cypress and is large enough for 15 people to bathe at once.

(*) This is the hot water you take when you get out of the bath. Please be careful not to go inside the tank.

[Hakuba Himekawa Onsen] Hakuba Highland Hotel

Hakuba Highland Hotel is the tallest six-story hotel in Hakuba Village, offering a panoramic view of the Hakuba Mountain Range in the Northern Alps. You can enjoy your stay at the hotel according to your needs, such as the ``Sorayama Terrace'' on the rooftop (3rd floor) where you can enjoy spectacular views of the four seasons, a private room that can be used as a workday space, and a spacious lobby with a fireplace. You can enjoy it to the fullest.

We use our own hot spring, Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. Warabi Taira no Yu, which is exclusively for guests, has two different atmospheres: ``Ishi-no-Yu'' and ``Iwa-no-Yu.'' Each boasts a 10m-long open-air bath with a water mirror in front of it. On a clear day, you can see the Hakuba mountains reflected in the water mirror.

[Hakuba Himekawa Onsen] Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike

Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike, which opened in December 2019, is located on the Tsugaike Plateau at the foot of Mt. Hakuba. The guest rooms are designed with the concept of a modern and comfortable space, and all of the beds in the Western-style rooms (19 rooms in total) are semi-double. From the observation deck "Grand Terrace" at the foot of the mountain, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Tsugaike Plateau.

The hot spring water is drawn from Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. When you take a bath, salt sticks to your skin, making it difficult to cool down. The indoor bath and open-air bath are not very large, but they are hot springs that will help you relieve your fatigue.

If you want to go to a hot spring in Nagano near a ski resort, the ``Snow Liner'' is convenient!

We recommend enjoying Nagano's hot springs in winter along with snow activities. A convenient way to get to Nagano's hot springs, which are close to the attractive ski resorts, is to take the ``Snowliner'', a direct bus that departs from Tokyo.

Since you can choose where to get on and off the Snow Liner, you can travel directly from Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, or Narita Airport to the Nagano area. It also operates every day during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024. The pricing is easy to understand, so it's easy to make reservations.

For more information, please visit the official website in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner