Staying overnight is also recommended for day trips! 11 popular hot spring facilities in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture

Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture is a treasure trove of natural hot springs!

Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture is one of the areas where the famous ski resort called ``Hakuba Valley'' gathers, and is a spot where many tourists gather every year in search of high-quality powder snow.

Although Hakuba Village has a strong image of winter sports, it is actually known as a rare hot spring area with six types of hot springs gushing out within the village, making it extremely popular among hot spring fans.

Therefore, there are plenty of hot spring inns, hotels, and day trip hot spring facilities, making it a recommended destination for groups of friends or families.

6 types of hot springs you can enjoy in Hakuba Village

Hakuba Village has six types of hot springs with different quality. Let's take a closer look at the features and effects of each.

Hakuba Happo Onsen

``Hakuba Happo Onsen'' is a colorless and transparent alkaline simple spring that gushes out through a rock formation called the ``Jamongan stratum.'' The serpentinite that is often found in Happo-one contains a lot of magnesium and iron, and the Happo-one hot spring that gushes from it is known as one of the most strongly alkaline hot springs in Japan.

The strongly alkaline spring water has the effect of removing dead skin cells and dirt from the skin surface. Many people who have used Hakuba Happo Onsen say, ``My skin has become smoother!''

Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen

Hakuba's Shio no Michi Onsen is a unique hot spring that is salty when you lick it, and the quality of the spring water is sodium chloride/hydrogen carbonate. The hot water at Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen is salty because it pumps seawater that is trapped 1,050 meters underground.

It also has the characteristic of containing many ingredients not found in other hot springs. Immediately after pumping, the hot water is clear and colorless, but the iron and salt contained in the hot water oxidize when exposed to the air, turning it into a brownish-brown color.

The hot water contains a lot of salt, so it will warm you from the core of your body.

Hakuba Himekawa Onsen

Hakuba Himekawa Onsen is a hot spring that naturally gushes out along the Hime River that flows from Hakuba Village to Otari Village.

The spring quality is characterized by being a chloride hot spring containing sodium. It is sometimes called ``hot spring'' because the salt that adheres to the skin during bathing makes it difficult for the bath to cool down.

The pH balance of neutral rather than slightly alkaline is similar to that of human blood, so you can tell that the spring quality is gentle and doesn't irritate the skin.

Hakuba Katakuri Onsen

"Hakuba Katakuri Onsen" is a simple hot spring that is colorless and transparent. It is especially popular among women because it contains a relatively large amount of minerals that have a beautifying effect on the skin.

Hot springs containing minerals not only warm your body from the core, but can also be expected to relieve muscle stiffness. In addition to physical pain such as neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain, many people use it to improve sensitivity to cold, recover from fatigue, and improve health.

It is often used by people who want to relieve fatigue after exercising during winter sports, trekking, etc.

Hakuba Mizubasho Onsen

``Hakuba Mizubasho Onsen'' has clear green hot water, and the quality of the spring water is sodium hydrogen carbonate. The alkaline spring quality softens the skin surface, making your elbows and heels, which tend to be stiff, smooth.

In addition, the sodium-bicarbonate spring warms the body from the core, so it can be expected to be effective in recovering from sensitivity to cold and fatigue. It is popular not only for those who suffer from muscle and joint pain, but also for those concerned about frozen shoulders, bruises, and neuralgia.

Hakuba Ryujin Onsen

The quality of the spring water at Hakuba Ryujin Onsen is slightly alkaline with sodium chloride and sulfate springs. Compared to other hot springs, the source ingredients are very concentrated, and at the hot spring facilities where Hakuba Ryujin Onsen gushes, the source ingredients are deposited in places such as ``Senmaida'' and ``Ryu no Scale.''

A relaxing soak will not only smooth the skin's surface, but also relieve neuralgia and muscle pain, so it is also recommended for care after winter sports or outdoor activities.

9 popular hot spring inns in Hakuba Village

From here, we will carefully select and introduce some of the most popular hot spring inns in Hakuba Village.

Hotel Goryukan (Hakuba Happo Onsen)

The large public bath (indoor bath) at Hotel Goryukan, located in the Hakuba Happo Onsen area, is an open space surrounded by large glass windows. The open-air bath with a spacious wooden bathtub has a roof, so you can take a bath without worrying even in the snowy season.

In addition, there is a dry sauna with an average temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, as well as a ``Self-Low Ryu'' sauna where you pour water onto hot stones yourself. There is also a natural water bath drawn from 65 meters underground in Happo-one, which is popular as a cool-down after a hot spring or sauna.

Hotel Goryukan also offers a day trip bath plan with irregular holidays. It's 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children, and in addition to rental towels, there are plenty of amenities, so you can go to the hot springs empty-handed.

[Hot spring sauna]

Business hours: Guests 6:00-10:00 / 15:00-23:30

Day trip bathing (reception hours) 15:00-20:00

Sauna 15:00-23:30

Day trip bath fee: Adults (12 years and older) 2,000 yen, Children (under 12 years old) 1,000 yen (under 6 years old free) *Advance reservations not required. Reception at the front desk

Shinshu Hakuba Happo Onsen Shiroumaso (Hakuba Happo Onsen)

"Shiromaso" is particular about its Japanese-style interior, which exudes the warmth and elegance of wood. The attention to detail is evident from the fact that each room has a different design.

The bathhouse is made of a rare stone called tagoishi, which has a wood grain pattern, and is a relaxing and tasteful space. It is a 100% natural hot spring that is directly sourced from the source of Hakuba Happo Onsen, and does not use a filtration device or water.

After taking a bath, you can enjoy smooth skin and a warm feeling from the core of your body. The bathhouse itself has a compact structure, and only 4 to 5 people can use it comfortably at a time.

If you make a reservation in advance by phone, you can use it as a day trip to the hot springs or just for a break.

Hakuba Highland Hotel (Hakuba Himekawa Onsen)

Hakuba Highland Hotel has two hot spring facilities. ``Warabihira-no-Yu'', which is exclusively for guests, is attractive because you can enjoy two baths with different atmospheres, ``Ishi-no-Yu'' and ``Iwa-no-Yu'' at the same time.

In particular, the open-air bath has a water mirror installed in front of the vast 10m-long bathtub, which is designed to allow guests to enjoy Hakuba's natural beauty to their heart's content.

``Tenjin no Yu'' can be used not only by hotel guests but also as a day trip hot spring. It boasts an open-air bath that not only offers a panoramic view of the mountains of the Northern Alps, including Hakuba Sanzan, but also the jumping hill where the Nagano Olympics were held.

In addition, during the winter season, a free shuttle bus is available for guests only from Hakuba Highland Hotel to popular ski resorts in the Hakuba area (Hakuba Happo, Iwatake, Goryu, Hakuba 47, Sanosaka Ski Resort). Access to the venue is also excellent.

Oak Forest (Hakuba Himekawa Onsen)

For those who want to enjoy winter sports to their heart's content at Hakuba's ski resorts, we recommend the hotel ``Oak Forest,'' where the Hakuba Himekawa Hot Springs gush out.

The hot spring facility is equipped with covered open-air baths for men and women, as well as indoor baths with high ceilings.

Oak Forest's winter accommodation plan also includes a 1-day lift ticket plan for Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba 47. Breakfast and dinner featuring plenty of Nagano prefecture flavors are also popular, so you can enjoy winter sports, gourmet food, and hot springs to the fullest.

Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike

Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike is a new hotel that opened in 2019 and is located a 5-minute walk from Tsugaike Gondola Sanroku Station at Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort.

The small open-air bath and indoor bath use water from Hakuba Himekawa Onsen, which has a salty coating on the skin that makes it difficult to get cold. There is also a shampoo buffet where you can choose your favorite shampoo and conditioner from several types.

The beautiful skin bath will slowly soothe your tired body after enjoying winter sports.

Hotel Resort Inn Marion Shinano (Hakuba Himekawa Onsen)

``Hotel Resort Inn Marion Shinano'' is attractive for its convenient location, where you can quickly access the ski resort from the hotel.

It's about a 1-minute walk from Oya-no-Hara Slope at Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort, which is popular for its high-quality powder snow, and about a 3-minute walk from the gondola "Eve" platform, so it's recommended for those who want to ski for as long as they want. To do.

On the top floor of the hotel, there is a large observation bath where you can fully enjoy the hot water from Hakuba Himekawa Onsen. From the public bath, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort and the mountains of the Northern Alps, allowing you to spend a blissful time.

Another attractive feature is that if you apply at the front desk, you can use the package as a package for 1,000 yen per person, including parking, bathing (from 12:00), and luggage storage even after check-out.

Hotel Stella Bella (Hakuba Katakuri Onsen)

Hotel Stella Bella's hot springs boast a miso barrel open-air bath that can only be found here. The bathtub, which uses a large miso barrel with a diameter of 220cm, was polished and built by many people, including hotel staff and carpenters. Since its completion in 2004, it has become a hot topic in the Hakuba area.

The interior is made from recycled obi doors from old folk houses, giving it a tasteful interior that will give you an extraordinary time.

Hotel Stella Bella is also popular for its convenient location, which is about a 3-minute walk from Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. It is recommended not only for skiing and snowboarding, but also for those who want to enjoy the nature of Hakuba.

Hotel Sierra Resort Hakuba (Hakuba Mizubasho Onsen)

At ``Sierra Resort Hakuba'', the large public bath ``Kominka-no-Yu'', where ``Hakuba Mizubasho Onsen'' gushes out, is popular. This hotel is an impressive hotel with a quaint appearance that utilizes an old folk house from the Edo period.

In addition to a large indoor bath, the bathhouse has three types of baths: a cypress open-air bath and a rock open-air bath. The mountains of the Northern Alps spread out beyond the natural forest, and the charm is that you can enjoy the beautiful and magnificent atmosphere.

Guests can use the public bath even after checking out, and day trip baths are also available.

We have a wide range of amenities, so you don't have to worry about stopping by empty-handed on your way back from sightseeing.

[Day trip bathing]

Business hours: 13:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00) (irregular holidays)

Price: Regular season: 1,500 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for children (with towel), 2,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children (with towel) during peak season

*Special rates are available during Golden Week, summer vacation, and New Year's holidays. Inquiry required

*It may be unavailable due to maintenance etc. Please inquire before visiting

Hakuba Ryujin Onsen Nagomi no Yuyado (Hakuba Ryujin Onsen)

For those who want to try out saunas and unusual baths, we recommend Hakuba Ryujin Onsen Nagomi no Yuyado.

It is one of the largest hot spring facilities in the area, and has a wide variety of baths, including an open-air bath with an open feel, a ``Tsuboyu'' where you can soak in a ceramic bath, and an indoor bath where you can soak while enjoying the outside scenery.

Starting in the winter of 2023, mysterious projection mapping with a Dragon God motif will be introduced in the open-air bath at night, attracting attention.

In addition to the hot springs, there is also a dry sauna, cold bath, and bedrock bath exclusively for guests. Furthermore, it is also possible to take a day trip to the hot springs, so be sure to incorporate it into your Hakuba sightseeing schedule.

[Day trip bathing]

Business hours: 15:00-20:00 (last entry at 19:30)

Price: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for children (elementary school students) *Towel included *Free for preschoolers

2 popular day trip hot spring facilities in Hakuba Village

Here are two recommended hot spring facilities in Hakuba Village that you can easily stop by.

Happo no Yu (Hakuba Happo Onsen)

There are many hot spring facilities where you can enjoy Hakuba Happo Onsen, but among them, ``Happo no Yu'' is the largest day-trip hot spring and is visited by many visitors.

The secret to its popularity is the beautiful view from the bathtub. You can get a panoramic view of Hakuba's mountain range, including Mt. Hakuba, Mt. Shakushi, and Mt. Hakuba Yarigatake, which are known as the ``Three Mountains of Hakuba.''

It's right in front of the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal and at the entrance to the Happo Onsen town, so it's a great place to stop by on your way back from skiing or snowboarding, as well as on your way to the hot springs.

Kurashita no Yu (Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen)

"Kurashita no Yu" is a day-trip hot spring facility that was founded and opened in 1994 as the former hot spring of "Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen."

The hot spring water used at Kurashita no Yu is pumped up from a stratum 1,050 meters underground on the premises, and is characterized by being rich in components such as sodium ions, magnesium ions, metaboric acid, and bicarbonate ions.

The big appeal is that you can enjoy the luxury of highly concentrated natural hot springs fed 100% directly from the source.

Another popular secret is that you can see the mountains of the Northern Alps from the open-air bath. Why not enjoy an extraordinary time in the open bath where you can feel the rich spring water that stores the energy of the earth and the vast nature?

3 tips for enjoying hot springs in Hakuba

There are many hot spring facilities in the Hakuba area, so you need some tips to get the most out of them. Here are three tips for enjoying Hakuba's hot springs.

Purchase a hot spring common bathing ticket

If you want to visit hot springs in Hakuba Village, we recommend purchasing a ``hot spring common bathing ticket'' sold at roadside stations and tourist information centers in Hakuba Village. It is in the form of a booklet, making it easy and convenient to carry.

The price is 1,200 yen per book, and each book can be used as a 1,500 yen bath ticket. It's convenient when visiting multiple hot springs in Hakuba Village, so buy it first when you arrive at the hot spring town.

Please note that there are periods when the service is unavailable, such as Golden Week, Obon, and the year-end and New Year holidays.

Choose accommodations that suit your travel goals

In addition to hot spring facilities, Hakuba Village has many accommodation facilities such as hotels, inns, pensions, and private lodging. Therefore, we recommend staying multiple nights and soaking in multiple hot springs, sightseeing in Hakuba, and enjoying local gourmet food.

Especially during the winter season, many skiers and snowboarders come from Japan and abroad, and there are many tourists who enjoy winter sports, hot springs, and lodging at the same time.

It is also worth noting that each accommodation facility has a variety of ingenuity, such as plans that include lift tickets and plans that allow you to sample local ingredients.

Choose a convenient and economical means of transportation

If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to choose the easiest and most economical means of transportation as possible.

The express bus ``Snow Liner'' runs directly to ski resorts in the Hakuba area, allowing you to travel from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and terminal stations like Yokohama Station without changing trains.

Some accommodations in Hakuba Village offer shuttle buses that take you to the slopes for free.

There is also a shuttle bus that connects each ski resort, so you can enjoy multiple ski resorts during your stay.

Ski trips often involve carrying large amounts of luggage, so it is important to choose a means of transportation that allows you to easily get to the slopes, such as a snow liner. For more information, please check the Snow Liner official website .

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner

summary

Hakuba Village has many unique hot spring facilities, so some people may want to use as many of them as possible. In addition to visiting hot springs using a common bathing ticket, we also recommend sampling local gourmet food and browsing the souvenir shops. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the charm of Hakuba to the fullest.