Guide to Onsen (Hot Springs) in Nagano｜Recommended Onsen Inns and Sightseeing Spots to Heal Body and Mind

Why Nagano's Hot Spring Destinations Heal the Body and Mind

Nagano Prefecture is known as a tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons, but it is also very popular as a hot spring resort.

Surrounded by mountains, Nagano's hot spring resorts, along with their rich natural environment, provide a relaxing atmosphere that offers deep healing to visitors.

This article introduces the attractions of Nagano's hot spring resorts, especially recommended hot spring resorts and tourist attractions.

 

Characteristics of hot spring resorts in Nagano Prefecture

Because of its location, Nagano Prefecture has abundant hot spring resources.

Various hot spring resorts, such as Shinshu Onsenkyo, Hakuba Onsen, and Yudanaka Onsen, are scattered throughout the area, each offering different spring qualities and scenery.

Many of Nagano's hot springs are "source-fed," meaning that you can enjoy the hot springs as they are in their natural state.

 

 Rich natural environment and hot springs

Many of Nagano's hot springs are located at high elevations, and the hot springs you can enjoy while viewing the spectacular scenery are exceptional.

Especially in the winter season, the open-air baths with a view of the snowy landscape are very popular.

 

Different qualities of hot spring water

Nagano's hot springs are diverse in quality, with sulfur springs, chloride springs, and bicarbonate springs scattered throughout the area, each with a variety of beneficial properties.

For example, sulfur springs are gentle on the skin and are said to be effective in beautifying the skin, while chloride springs warm the body from the core and are effective in treating sensitivity to cold.

 

Accessibility

Nagano is easily accessible from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen and car.

Many of the hot spring resorts are close to stations, making them easily accessible as day-trip hot springs.

 

Recommended hot spring resorts and hot spring hotels in Nagano

There are many famous hot springs in Nagano Prefecture, and every hot spring resort is unique. Here we introduce some of the most highly recommended hot spring resorts and hot spring inns.

 

 Bessho Onsen, Shinshu

Bessho Onsen in Shinshu is a hot spring resort located in the suburbs of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, and has long been a favorite of many literary figures and artists.

This hot spring resort is characterized by its "onsen town" atmosphere. The surrounding area is dotted with Japanese-style inns and onsen ryokan (hot spring inns), where quiet time passes by.

 

Bessho Onsen, Nishiya

Nishiya is one of the most highly rated inns in Shinshu and Bessho Onsen.

From the open-air bath, you can see the beautiful mountains of Matsumoto and enjoy the hot spring with a pleasant breeze.

Nishiya also receives high marks for its food, offering Shinshu cuisine made with fresh local ingredients.

 

 Yudanaka Onsen

Yudanaka Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Shiga Kogen Plateau in northern Nagano Prefecture.

This is another hot spring resort where visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery, and is especially popular among skiers during the winter season.

There are also many sightseeing spots around the hot spring resort, such as Shiga Kogen and Shibu Onsen.

 

Yudanaka Onsen, Mangyo

Manryo is a highly rated hot spring hotel in Yudanaka Onsen, featuring spacious open-air and indoor baths.

Guests are served seasonal dishes that make the most of local ingredients, and the inn has many repeat guests.

 

Hakuba Onsen

Hakuba Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, spreading out at the foot of Mt.

Many tourists visit the area for mountain climbing and hiking in summer and as a ski resort in winter.

Hakuba Onsen has many hot springs that are rich in beneficial properties and are ideal for refreshing your tired body.

 

Hakuba Green Plaza

Hakuba Green Plaza is one of the most popular hotels in Hakuba Onsen.

The resort hotel is built on a vast site and has extensive hot spring facilities. There are many ski resorts and outdoor spots in the surrounding area, making it enjoyable regardless of the season.

 

Activities in Nagano's Hot Springs

In addition to taking a hot spring bath, there are plenty of sightseeing spots and activities around the hot spring resort areas in Nagano. Here are some recommended activities to enjoy together with hot springs.

 

Skiing & Snowboarding" to enjoy the snowy winter scenery

Nagano is also famous as one of the best ski resorts in Japan, offering a wide variety of winter activities such as Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Nozawa Onsen. Enjoying skiing or snowboarding after soaking in hot springs is a unique and luxurious way to spend time in Nagano.

 

Hiking and nature walks

There are many hiking courses in Nagano Prefecture that can be enjoyed around hot spring resorts. In particular, the nature in Shinshu and Hakuba is beautiful, and visitors can enjoy the changing leaves and fresh greenery in spring and fall. We recommend taking a nature walk after taking a hot spring bath.

 

Enjoy food culture

In the hot spring resorts of Nagano, dishes using local ingredients are abundant. In particular, Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles), local vegetables, and wild vegetables are gems to try at least once. Seasonal dishes served at onsen ryokan are one of the pleasures of travel.

 

The Best Season to Refresh Yourself in Nagano's Hot Springs

Nagano's hot springs can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers different attractions.

 

Spring (March - May)

In spring, as the snow melts, the area around the hot spring resort is covered with fresh greenery, and visitors can enjoy the mild climate of the hot springs. In some places, visitors can soak in the hot springs while enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring.

 

Summer (June-August)

In summer, the highlands of Nagano are cool and comfortable and popular as a summer retreat. After warming up in the hot springs, visitors can explore the surrounding nature and enjoy active activities.

 

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn foliage is one of the biggest attractions of visiting a hot spring resort in Nagano. Spending time with a hot spring bath while admiring the beautiful autumn leaves is truly a healing experience.

 

 Winter (December to February)

In winter, Nagano is covered with snow and visitors can enjoy snow viewing hot springs. The luxury of soaking in a hot spring while gazing at the silvery white world is an experience that can only be had during this season.

 

Nagano Onsen Benefits and Experiences

Nagano's hot springs not only relieve fatigue, but also have many health and beauty benefits.

Many visitors are amazed at the effects and have become repeat visitors. Here are some testimonials from actual visitors to the spa.

 

Examples of Benefits

Skin beautifying effects: Sulfur springs and bicarbonate springs smooth and moisturize the skin.

Relieves fatigue: Nagano's hot springs are effective in relieving muscle fatigue and are ideal for post-sports refreshment.

Improvement of sensitivity to cold: Many springs, such as chloride springs, warm the body from the core and are effective for sensitivity to cold and stiff shoulders.

 

summary

Nagano's hot spring resorts are beloved by many tourists for their rich natural environment and the healing power of the hot springs themselves.

From recommended hot spring resorts and activities to the benefits of hot springs, a hot spring experience in Nagano is truly a blissful experience.

You, too, are invited to refresh your body and soul in Nagano's hot spring resorts.