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Onsens (Hot Springs)

Onsens are a normal part of daily life in rural Japan, especially in mountain regions like northern Nagano. They’re used for relaxation and recovery after skiing or time outdoors.

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Local onsens are usually simple rather than luxurious. Some are public baths, while others can be booked for private use. Facilities may be modest, but the water quality is excellent and the experience is closely tied to local culture.

 

What to Expect

  • Nude, gender-separated bathing

  • Wash before entering the bath

  • Towels stay out of the water

  • Quiet, respectful behaviour

  • Some tattoo restrictions

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If you’re new to onsens, the routine is easy to learn and quickly becomes a highlight of staying in Japan.

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    (5–15 min drive)
    Quiet, local onsens close to the house with a simple, authentic rural feel.

    ​Iiyama yutaki onsen - Amazing paid onsen with both outdoor and indoor options. Very nice and clean, outdoor onsen is stunning with the snow and mountains all around. Restaurant on site, a must visit!
    Iiyama West onsen on the river Best onsen in the area, outdoor onsen with views of the mountains. Showers inside so easy to wash yourself, very close to iiyama main trip. A must visit!s.
    ​    Maguse Onsen (馬曲温泉) – Highly regarded local onsen with stunning mountain views. One of the best in the area (Feb 2026 Currently closed)

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    (15–25 min drive)
    Relaxed, uncrowded onsens often linked to ski lodges, easy to pair with a ski day.

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    • Madarao Kogen Onsen – Easy stop near the ski base.

    • Hotel Tangram Onsen – Large, comfortable baths open to day visitors.

    • Madarao Kogen Hotel Onsen – Traditional hotel bath with mountain views.

    • Hotel Tangram – Private Family Bath ⭐
      Bookable private onsen rooms, very family-friendly.

    • Akatsuki no Yu (Togari Onsen) – Well-known public onsen close to the slopes.

    • Nozomi no Yu (Togari Onsen) – Traditional bathhouse with a local feel.

    • Alpen Plaza Onsen – Hotel onsen sometimes open to non-guests.

    • Akatsuki no Yu – Private Use ⭐
      Private family use available by arrangement. Best to ask locally.

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    (25 min drive)
    Famous onsen village with historic public bathhouses and a lively atmosphere.

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    • Oyu – The main and most iconic bathhouse.

    • Matsuba no Yu – Central and easy to access.

    • Kumanotearai-yu – Scenic public bath by the river.

    • Ryokan Kawahiro – Private Bath ⭐
      Private bath available by booking, suitable for families.

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    (35–40 min drive)
    Traditional onsen towns known for atmosphere and  history

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    • Shibu Oyu – Central bathhouse on the historic street.

    • Yudanaka Oyu – Easy-access public onsen near the station.

    • Kanaguya – Famous historic ryokan (limited day access).

    • Kaede no Yu ⭐
      Modern facility with bookable private baths, family- and tattoo-friendly.

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