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

What are Nagano's hot springs?

Nagano Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan and has many famous hot spring towns. From nostalgic hot spring towns that make you feel like you've traveled back in time to the Showa era to lively hot spring towns that are popular with locals, just walking around the town is enjoyable. We will introduce four of the charms of Nagano's hot springs that can be accessed from the Kanto and Kansai regions.

One of Japan's leading hot spring regions

Nagano Prefecture is known as a "hot spring powerhouse" with 192 hot springs, the second highest in Japan after Hokkaido, 958 hot spring sources (7th in the nation), and a spring discharge of 103,456 liters per minute (8th in the nation).

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

All 11 of the most well-known spring qualities are present here, so you can enjoy each hot spring for its color, smell, texture, and efficacy.

Hot springs are

1. The scientific effect of promoting recovery from illness by absorbing it through the skin

2. The psychological effect of being in an extraordinary space reduces stress

3. The physical action of temperature and water pressure to activate metabolism

It is the ultimate relaxation method that provides healing through these three effects.

Easy access from the city center

Nagano Prefecture is relatively easy to access from urban centers in the Kanto and Kansai regions. For example, if you are going to Nagano Prefecture from Tokyo, there are two main ways to get there: by Shinkansen or by bus.

To take the Shinkansen, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (travel time: about 1 hour and 50 minutes). There are many Shinkansen trains, so you can get there in the shortest time possible. If there's a downside, it could be that it can be difficult to travel with large luggage.

The bus option has the advantage that you can choose your boarding point, such as Tokyo Station, the Odaiba area, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport (Chiba), and Yokohama (Kanagawa). The travel time is long (about 4 hours) and the number of buses per day is limited, but you don't have to transfer. This is a recommended method of transportation for those visiting Nagano Prefecture for the first time.

Enjoy the scenery of each season

One of the attractions of hot springs in Nagano Prefecture is that you can enjoy different scenery throughout the four seasons. You can enjoy Japanese nature while soaking in the hot springs, such as soft pink cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant green mountains in summer, and bright red autumn leaves in autumn.

Among them, winter is the best season to experience snow-viewing baths. When you enter the hot spring with your body frozen to the bone, you will feel so good that you will scream out loud.

There is a ski resort nearby

Winter in Nagano is all about snow activities. There are several ski resorts where you can enjoy some of Japan's best powder snow, attracting many skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad.

Most of these ski resorts have hot springs near them, so after enjoying snow activities, you can relax in Nagano's famous hot springs and soothe your body and mind.

7 hot springs in Nagano you should visit in winter, divided 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 use this as a reference.

The Yudanaka Shibu Onsen area, which represents Nagano Prefecture

Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo refers to nine hot spring towns along the 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 there as well. The two largest hot spring towns in the Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo are Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen.

Shibu Onsen is a hot spring town that retains a nostalgic atmosphere, as if you have traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets are lined with inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and just walking around is exciting. If you are staying at Shibu Onsen, we also recommend touring the nine baths. Relax and soothe your travel fatigue as you visit the nine outdoor baths.

It is said that hot springs at Yudanaka Onsen first gushed forth from the rice fields. The hot springs were discovered over 1,350 years ago, and because there are several springs, you can enjoy hot springs with a variety of spring qualities. There are also many historical sites related to the hot springs, so it is recommended to take a stroll around the area and feel the history.

[Shibu Onsen] Historical Inn Kanaguya

A recommended inn in Shibu Onsen is the Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya, where you can enjoy traditional architecture and hot springs. Part of the building has been designated a national tangible cultural property, and you can feel the warmth of the wooden architecture. In fact, this inn is said to have been the model for the famous Ghibli film Spirited Away. Although there is no record of anyone actually staying there, you can experience a similar atmosphere due to the historical background.

All the hot springs are 100% natural spring water, and there are three large baths and five private baths. The Western-style bathhouse "Roman Bath", completed in 1950, is particularly impressive. It features stained glass and a bathtub modeled after a Roman fountain, creating a mysterious space that makes 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 business for over 200 years. Once you pass through the entrance, you will find a space where Japanese tradition and functional beauty are in harmony, allowing you to spend a relaxing time. The lobby and lounge are lined with antique-style furniture that has been handed down for generations, warmly welcoming all guests.

The hot spring is known as a spring that brings longevity, and many famous people have visited it since ancient times to seek healing. Of the five baths, including a private bath, the Momoyama bath in the main building is a must-try. The bathhouse, a registered tangible cultural property built in pure wooden temple architecture, exudes the atmosphere of Japan's good old days. Enjoy it together with the open-air garden bath, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

The Kitashiga Highlands area is a popular spot for viewing sea of clouds

The Kitashiga Kogen area is home to the popular "Sora Terrace" on Mount Ryuo, 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 also recommended for sightseeing. It is a relatively new hot spring that opened in 1993 and was dug inside the Yomase ski resort.

Taking a bath in the hot spring while gazing at the Northern Alps and the nearby Chikuma River is an exceptional experience. This is a hot spring that we would also recommend to anyone visiting the Kitashiga Kogen area for snow activities.

[Yomase Onsen] Hotel Meiko

Located next to Mt. KOSHA Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, Hotel Meiko is the perfect hotel for enjoying skiing and snowboarding. The slopes stretch out in front of the hotel, and the ski resort's base center is on the first floor. The base center has a ski and snowboard rental shop, a convenience store, changing rooms, coin lockers, lift ticket counter, and more. It is also conveniently located where various buses board and disembark.

There are two hot springs: a large public bath that is open 24 hours a day, and an open-air observation bath. The open-air observation bath "Myojo-no-yu" offers a spectacular view of the Northern Alps. The spring water is said to be effective against back pain and muscle pain, so it is sure to be a soothing hot spring after enjoying snow activities.

[Yomase Onsen] Hotel Seran

Located just a two-minute walk from Mt. KOSHA Yomase Onsen Ski Resort, Hotel Seran 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 on-site multi-purpose hall can also be used for judo, aikido, brass bands, and other activities, so it seems that many groups stay here for training camps.

The hotel is proud of its open-air observation bath, "Tomi-no-yu." The bathtub, made from natural rocks, creates a tasteful atmosphere and is a great place to soothe your tired body. From the open-air observation bath, you can get a panoramic view of the Northern Alps and Zenkoji Plain, and at night, a beautiful night view spreads out below you. There is also a large public bath in the hotel and a private open-air bath.

Shiga Kogen area where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons

Shiga Kogen is located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, where you can enjoy nature in every season, from trekking in the summer to snow activities in the winter. Shiga Kogen is home to several hot springs with different water qualities.

We especially recommend Hoppo Onsen, which opened in 1841. Located in the central area of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, this hot spring is popular with many skiers and snowboarders.

[Happo Onsen] Hotel Higashidate

Boasting an outstanding location with a view from an altitude difference of 1600m, Hotel Higashidate is a resort hotel where you can relax in a calm atmosphere. In addition to standard rooms, there are eight special rooms available, where you can receive the finest hospitality in a completely private space.

The hot springs in the hotel are Happo Onsen, which are made from steam springs and are rare even in Japan. The hotel is equipped with an open-air observation bath where you can gaze out at the starry sky, a spacious indoor bath, and a far-infrared low-temperature sauna that uses natural stones from Shinshu. You can enjoy a relaxing experience that will not only help you recover from the fatigue of skiing or snowboarding, but will also soothe the fatigue of traveling.

[Happo Onsen] Shiga Swiss Inn

Located in the middle of the slopes of Higashi-Tateyama Ski Resort and Happo-Buna-daira Ski Resort, Shiga Swiss Inn is a hotel that underwent a major renovation in November 2019. In addition to 66 guest rooms, the hotel also has a large hall and seminar hall, making it suitable for use as a training camp or workcation. The front desk has a warm wood-like interior, and in winter, a fireplace is lit to warm you to the core.

The hot spring is Happo Onsen, said to be the oldest natural hot spring in Shiga Kogen. There are spacious indoor baths for both men and women, as well as an open-air bath with a panoramic view of the Northern Alps. In addition, day-trip bathing is also available on certain days of the week, making it a popular hot spring with skiers and snowboarders who have enjoyed snow activities at the nearby slopes.

Nozawa area where you can enjoy 13 outdoor baths

Nozawa Onsen is famous as a hot spring resort where you can visit 13 outdoor baths scattered around the hot spring town. The outdoor baths, which have been protected by villagers under a system called "Yunakama" since the Edo period, are 100% natural hot spring water. Even though they are outdoor baths, they are always managed, so the bathrooms are kept clean.

Also, don't forget about "onsen tamago" (hot spring eggs), which are cooked using the heat of the hot springs at Nozawa Onsen. Some public baths are equipped with kettles for making onsen tamago (hot spring eggs). Buy some 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 the winter, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Relax and unwind after a long day of travel while watching the flickering flames. There are rooms with open-air baths, as well as Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, so you can choose according to the number of people and purpose of your stay.

Nozawa Onsen Hotel is most proud of its hot springs. You can enjoy the waters flowing directly from the source, whose color changes depending on the season and time. Long ago, Nozawa Onsen was known as a hot spring resort, and many people still visit for medical purposes, as the various health benefits are expected. Refresh your body and mind with the freshness of the source water.

[Nozawa Onsen] Chitosekan Resort Inchitose

Located next to the beautiful outdoor bathhouse "Oyu," "Chitosekan Resort Inchitose" is a Japanese-style inn built of wood, which is rare in Nozawa Onsen. The interior of the building, filled with the scent of wood, exudes a warmth that makes it a home for travelers. All 12 guest rooms have a nostalgic retro atmosphere.

The hot spring water is drawn directly from the source, "Ogama," which gushes out at 90 degrees, and is not heated at all. Some people may find it too hot, but it's best to add water little by little while kneading the water (stirring the water in the bathtub). We recommend taking short baths multiple times to warm your body to the core.

The Madarao Kogen area is home to ski resorts famous for their powder snow.

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

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

[Madarao Kogen Onsen] Madarao Kogen Hotel

Madarao Kogen Hotel is a hotel adjacent to the Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. This hotel is recommended for those who want to fully enjoy both hot springs and snow activities. In addition to Japanese-Western rooms, Western-style rooms, and suites, a four-bed room was renovated and reopened in December 2020. This room is perfect for families and group trips.

The hot spring is the natural hot spring of Madarao Kogen Onsen, which was opened in 1998. The spring quality is characterized by its gentle texture and low irritation, and is said to be effective for muscle pain, neuralgia, and fatigue recovery. In addition to the indoor and outdoor baths, there is also a sauna room, making it the perfect hot spring to thoroughly relieve fatigue. In winter, many skiers and snowboarders stay here, so we recommend making reservations early.

[Entoku Onsen] Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort

Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort, which is directly connected to the slopes, has two hotels: Hotel Tangram, which has 245 rooms, and the upscale Hotel Harvest Madarao, a separate building. Both are large resorts where many people stay in winter to enjoy snow activities. There are a wide variety of accommodation plans available, so try comparing the meal plans and lift ticket inclusions to find the best plan for you.

Both hot springs use Entoku Onsen, which is pumped up from nearby Nakano City. It is said to be effective against muscle pain, neuralgia, and joint pain. The large bath at Hotel Tangram is available for day trips, but the large bath at Hotel Harvest Madarao is only available for guests staying at the hotel. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to use the large bath at Hotel Harvest Madarao.

Omachi Onsenkyo area at the foot of the Northern Alps

The quiet Omachi Onsen area, surrounded by birch and beech forests, is located at the foot of the Northern Alps. In summer, it is the perfect base for sightseeing in the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and in winter, it is the perfect base for sightseeing in the Hakuba area, which is crowded with many ski resorts. There are day-trip bathing facilities and several hotels and inns scattered throughout the onsen area.

Expressway buses from Tokyo also stop here, so it's recommended for those who want to use an express bus to enjoy the hot springs of Nagano Prefecture.

[Omachi Onsen] Yukemuri Yashiki Yakushi no Yu (day-trip hot spring facility)

"Yukemuri Yashiki Yakushi no Yu" is the only day-trip hot spring facility in Omachi Onsenkyo. It is used by many locals as well as tourists who come after enjoying sightseeing or snow activities. The facility boasts 18 baths, a 90-tatami Japanese-style hall, and a lounge, allowing many people to enjoy the hot springs at the same time.

Another attraction is the facilities available for use in addition to the hot springs, such as the "Onsen Museum" where you can learn about the history of Omachi Onsenkyo, and "Nagomi Noodles" where you can dine.

[Omachi Onsen] Kurobe Kanko Hotel

Kurobe Kanko Hotel, located in an ideal location as a base for sightseeing at Kurobe Dam, is the oldest hotel in Omachi Onsenkyo. All 93 rooms offer views of the magnificent nature of Shinshu, allowing you to refresh your body and mind. There are a wide variety of accommodation plans available, including a family plan with plenty of special offers for families with children.

There are two hot spring baths, each with a different atmosphere: the "Stone Bath" made with rocks from the Northern Alps, and the "Wood Bath" with the scent of cypress. Both baths are alternated between men and women in the evening and morning, so we recommend you stay overnight and enjoy both. In addition, both baths are equipped with a cold bath and sauna, so you can enjoy them in addition to the hot springs.

[Kuzu Onsen] Ryokusuitei Keisui

For those who want to spend a luxurious time in Omachi Onsenkyo, we recommend Ryokusuitei Keisui. Each guest room has a view of the Northern Alps and the murmuring of the Kashima River, giving you a sense of the nature of Omachi. This is an inn where you can relax in a calm space. Inside the building, there is a library space where you can enjoy magazines and novels, and a foot bath where you can sit on the veranda and relax.

The hot spring water is drawn from Kuzu Onsen in Takase Valley. Both the men's and women's indoor baths overlook the garden, so you can enjoy the view. There are also two private semi-open-air baths (charge: 2,500 yen per hour), so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy the hot spring in a private space.

Hakuba area is dotted with some of Japan's leading ski resorts

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

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 to Hakuba Happo Onsen town. It 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 the open-air bath contains natural hydrogen. You can see the Hakuba Sanzan mountains from the bath, which will soothe your body and mind.

Since it is located right in front of the Happo Information Center, the tourist hub for each ski resort, many skiers and snowboarders visit. If you just want to enjoy the hot springs, it may be best to avoid coming 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 hotel is decorated with warm, elegant antique furniture, creating a luxurious and quiet space. The hotel's vast grounds also house a restaurant, a bar (some of which are open only in winter) and a visitor's center. There are 75 rooms to choose from, including log cabins ideal for large groups and family rooms that are comfortable for families, to suit your travel style.

The hot spring water used is drawn from Hakuba Happo Onsen, which is also known as the "beauty bath." The spring water is said to be effective in removing dirt and dead skin cells from the skin, leaving it noticeably smooth. The open-air bath "Shobei no Yu" in particular is highly rated as it allows you to enjoy the spectacular views of the four seasons, and is a hot spring that is popular with many people who come just for a day trip.

[Hakuba Salt Road Hot Springs] Kurashita no Yu (day-trip hot spring facility)

"Kurashita no Yu" is a day-trip hot spring facility that operates as the source of Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen, which opened in 1994. The water contains a lot of salt, so it tastes salty when you lick it, which is why it was named Shionomichi Onsen.

The men's and women's bathrooms each have one open-air bath, a washing area, and a purifying bath (*). From the open-air bath, you can see the Hakuba mountains, so you can enjoy the view while soaking in the hot water. The bathtub is made of cypress and is large enough for 15 people to bathe at once.

(*) This is the water you shower in when you get out of the bath. Please note that you should not enter the bathtub.

[Hakuba Himekawa Onsen] Hakuba Highland Hotel

Hakuba Highland Hotel, which offers a panoramic view of the Hakuba mountain range in the Northern Alps, is the tallest hotel in Hakuba Village, with a height of 6 stories. Guests can enjoy a stay at the hotel to suit their purpose, with the rooftop (3rd floor) "Sorayama Terrace" where they can enjoy spectacular views of the four seasons, private rooms that can be used as workcation spaces, and a spacious lobby with a fireplace.

The hot spring water comes from the hotel's own hot spring source, Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. Warabi-daira no Yu, which is available exclusively to guests, has two baths with different atmospheres, the "Stone Bath" and the "Rock Bath," both of which boast a 10m-long open-air bath with a mirror-like surface in front of them. On clear days, you can see the "inverted three mountains" of Hakuba reflected in the mirror-like surface of the water.

[Hakuba Himekawa Onsen] Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike

Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike, which opened in December 2019, is located in Tsugaike Kogen at the foot of Mt. Hakuba. The guest rooms are designed with a modern and comfortable concept, and all of the Western-style rooms (19 in total) have semi-double beds. The Grand Terrace, an observation deck at the foot of the mountain, offers a spectacular view of Tsugaike Kogen.

The hot spring water is drawn from Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. The salt sticks to your skin when you bathe, so the water doesn't cool down easily. The indoor and outdoor baths are not very large, but they are hot springs that will thoroughly soothe your fatigue.

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

We recommend combining winter hot springs in Nagano with snow activities. To get to hot springs in Nagano close to attractive ski resorts, the direct bus "Snow Liner" departs from the Tokyo area.

The Snowliner allows you to choose your boarding and disembarking points, so you can travel directly from Tokyo Station, Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport to the Nagano area. It also operates daily during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024. The pricing is easy to understand, so it's also easy to make reservations.

For more information, please see the official website, which is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

Snowliner reservations here