♨️Famous Hot Springs in Nagano

This is a personal list of hot springs I’ve actually been to while traveling around Nagano. Some are hidden in the mountains, others are part of quiet little towns. Each one offered something memorable — whether it was the view, the water, the stillness, or just the feeling of being far from everything. I’m not trying to list every famous onsen, just the ones I really enjoyed and would happily return to.

📝 Personal Note

This guide is a reflection of my own journey through Nagano’s onsen culture — a collection of places I’ve actually visited, soaked in, and loved. Rather than listing every famous hot spring in the region, I chose to focus on those I’ve personally experienced and would genuinely recommend.

Each of these spots offered something unique — whether it was a breathtaking mountain view, the comfort of mineral-rich waters, or the quiet charm of a small village bathhouse. I hope this list inspires you to slow down, explore Nagano at your own pace, and maybe even find your own favorite onsen retreat along the way.

A man standing on a tree stump in a lake with mountains and trees in the background, wearing black clothing.

Hot Springs in Nagano – My Experience

In this section, I share my personal favorite natural spots without categorizing them. These are the places that left the strongest impression on me and that I truly enjoyed visiting

♨️ Shibu Onsen
(渋温泉)

Indoor Japanese onsen with two wooden tubs filled with water, surrounded by wooden walls and flooring, with a wall-mounted light fixture and a small sign.

A nostalgic hot spring town with cobblestone streets and wooden ryokan buildings. You can wear a yukata and do the “9 bath pilgrimage,” hopping between public baths just like the locals have done for generations.

♨️ Juppuku Yuu
(十福の湯)

Wooden entrance sign with Japanese characters and a small cartoon figure, under a wooden roof with decorative woodwork, at a Japanese onsen or hot spring facility.

A large and modern onsen surrounded by forest. Its spacious rotenburo (outdoor bath) and clean facilities make it an ideal stop after a long drive or hike.

♨️ Bessho Onsen
(別所温泉)

A weathered sign with Japanese characters and English text reading 'Bessho Onsen', mounted on a metal frame under a roof, indicating a hot spring or bathing area in Japan.

One of Nagano’s oldest onsen towns. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and close to historic temples like Anraku-ji. A great spot for combining cultural exploration with healing waters.

♨️Makiba-no-Yu
(まきばの湯)

Entrance of a Japanese-style building with wooden carvings of laughing Buddha statues on either side, paper lanterns emitting warm light, and traditional sliding doors leading inside.

Perched on a hill with stunning views, especially at sunset. The outdoor baths are lovely, and there's also a small market selling local produce.

♨️ Maguse Onsen
（馬曲温泉）

Hot spring pool overlooking a mountain landscape with green trees, fog in the valley, and blue sky with clouds.

Hidden deep in the mountains — a true retreat. The rotenburo here offers breathtaking views, especially in winter when everything is blanketed in snow.

♨️ Seki Onsen
（関温泉）

Wooden hot spring bath with stepping stones and mountain view.

Known for its rich, reddish mineral water. The sulfur scent is strong, and the atmosphere is authentic. It feels like stepping back in time.

A natural hot spring pool surrounded by rocks and lush green trees and bushes in a forest setting.

Set on the slopes of Mt. Myoko, this rustic hot spring features milky-white water and dramatic mountain views. Especially relaxing after a hike.

♨️ Kakeyu Onsen
（鹿教湯温泉）

A small white building with a dark roof and multiple narrow windows, situated next to a garden with plants and a red maple tree, in an urban setting.

A tranquil, lesser-known onsen known for its healing properties. Traditionally favored for therapeutic retreats. Quiet, local, and peaceful.

♨️ Ōgon no Yu
（黄金の湯 ）

An outdoor hot spring degasification tank made of rusted metal, situated next to a white building with a metal fence in front, and a sign with information about the tank in Japanese and English.

The golden-brown water here is rich in minerals. Close to the historic town of Matsushiro, it’s perfect for combining with sightseeing. The water feels soft and warming.

♨️ Kitano Tenman Onsen（北野天満温泉）

Indoor hot spring tub with green tiles, black border, near large windows showing snowy landscape outside.

A small, calm village onsen next to a Tenmangu shrine. Its mildly salty water is soothing, and the whole place feels meaningful and serene — perfect for quiet reflection.