In the olden days when people had little or no knowledge about health and medication, hot springs (Onsen) were sacred places where people would cure their injuries and diseases. People would stay in the area for more than weeks just to be cured thus the start of the inn today. These places have become an entertainment in Japan as well as sightseeing tour. So, let see which Onsen you will enjoy in Nagano.
1. Shibu Onsen
This is one of the known and unique hot spring resort located in the northern part mountains of Nagano Prefecture. It is also known as the Yudanaka Shibu Onsen-kyo because the entire area is an ancient Onsen. The Jigokudani Noen Koen is the only hot spring in the globe you will get to see monkeys having a bath.
Information
- Name: Shibu Onsen
- Address: Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano
- Phone: 0269-33-2921
- Access: Yudanaka, Nagano Dentestu Nagano Line
- Website: http://www.shibuonsen.net/english/
2. Kanaguya Ryokan
This is an inn that is two and a half centuries old. This national asset has managed to maintain its’ original form since 1758. There are pictures outside Ryokan that shows people from the past in their out fits and hairstyles during those periods posing at the same spot that is visible by everyone who is standing on the street and looking at it now. Kanaguya was one of the models for Ghibli’s award winning “Spirited Away”.
Information
- Name: Kanaguya Ryokan
- Address: Hirao 2202 Yamananouchi, Shimitakai, Nagano
- Price: 20,520 yen per person/ per night
- Website: http://www.kanaguya.com/english.html
3. Kambayashi Onsen
The Onsen is located behind Yudanaka Shibu Onsen in Nagano near the Jingokudani monkey hot springs. The hot spring is 100% fresh water which is not recycled. There are separate men’s and women’s indoor bathing facilities, a mixed-gender indoor bath, an open-air bath women and an open-air mixed-gender bath. Writers and artists since inception have been attracted by the artistic peaceful scenery at Kambayashi Onsen.
Information
- Name: Kambayashi Onsen
- Address:Kambayashi Onsen,Yamanouchi-machi, Shimitakai-gun, Nagano-ken, 381-0401
- Phone: 0269-33-3551
- Website: http://www.kambayashi-onsen-snowmonkeys.com/
4. Nozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is a town in the Northern Nagano prefecture. It’s known for its sleepy hot spring and ski resort. 13 traditional style public baths are included as part of the hot spring baths. The town is mostly visited during the winter when the guests come to enjoy the ski resort. The resort is foreigner friendly with maps, signs and English menus. Most people during the 1998 Nagano winter Olympics event were hosted here.
Information
- Name: Nozawa Onsen
- Address: Nozawaonsen-mura 389-2502, Nagano Prefecture
- Phone: +81 90-6507-7719
- Website: http://www.vill.nozawaonsen.nagano.jp/
5. Kamisuwa Shinyu Onsen
Kamisuwa Shinyu produces 15,000 kilolitres of water every day making it one of the best host springs in Japan. It is said that Kamisuwa was a place filled with hot springs that anywhere you dig you will find one. There are private and public Onsen and you are free to use whichever you like.
Information
- Name: Kamisuwa Shinyu Onsen
- Address: 392-0027 Nagano, Suwa, Kongadori 2-6-30, Japan
- Phone: +81-266-54-2020
- Website: Website: http://www.kamisuwa-shinyu.com
Onsens are a major tourist attraction drawing couples, families and groups from companies who want to get away from their normal routine and relax. Ensure that your part of those that enjoy these natural springs.
Have a good trip and travel!
