♨️A Quiet Escape to Tsubame Onsen (燕温泉)

This little mountain onsen took me by surprise. Tsubame Onsen isn’t flashy or crowded — it’s peaceful, a bit hidden, and feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. Sitting in an outdoor bath with the sound of the wind and mountains all around… it’s the kind of quiet that stays with you. I’ll definitely be coming back, and maybe next time with a book and no plans.

♨️Tsubame Onsen (燕温泉)

Tsubame Onsen is a small and rustic hot spring village tucked away in the mountains of Myoko, Niigata Prefecture — right on the edge of Nagano. Known for its open-air baths with milky white water and incredible views of the surrounding peaks, it offers a uniquely quiet and natural onsen experience.

Unlike the more commercial hot spring towns, Tsubame has just a few inns and a timeless charm. There are two free public rotenburo (outdoor baths) — Kawara-no-yu and Ougon-no-yu — both set deep in the mountains and surrounded by untouched nature. The water is naturally sourced, full of minerals, and soothing even in winter when snow blankets the area.

Spring to autumn is the best time to visit, especially for hiking, as the area also connects to trails around Mt. Myoko. It’s the kind of place you come to for peace and leave with unforgettable memories.

How to Get There

From Tokyo or Nagano:

  1. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (from Tokyo: ~1.5 hrs).

  2. Transfer to the Shinano Railway and ride to Myoko-Kogen Station (~40 mins).

  3. From Myoko-Kogen Station, take a local bus or taxi toward Suginosawa Onsen / Tsubame Onsen (about 20–30 mins).

    • Note: Buses are limited, especially in off-season, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended.

By car:
You can also reach Tsubame Onsen by car from Nagano or Niigata. The roads are generally well maintained in spring–fall but can be snowy in winter. Parking is available near the entrance to the village.

A small hot spring or spa pool surrounded by rocks and lush green trees in a forest setting.
 
Lush green mountains with mist and waterfalls
A narrow, rainy street in a mountainous town, surrounded by greenery and buildings with overcast skies.
A small waterfall flowing over rocks in a lush green forest.
A narrow, uphill street in a residential area on a rainy day, with wet pavement and small multi-story buildings on each side, including a white building with brown accents and a larger dark brown and white building with balconies.
A man taking a selfie outdoors along a dirt path surrounded by green grass and bushes, with houses and two other people walking in the background.
A steep outdoor staircase covered in green grass and plants leads up to a small house with a basin and clouds overhead.
A narrow paved path leading through a lush green forest with a signboard on the right side and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Sign on a large rock with Japanese characters, pointing left and right, in a lush outdoor area with greenery, a small wooden structure, and a tree. The sign indicates directions to men's and women's restrooms.

Personal Note ✨

I visited Tsubame Onsen without knowing exactly what to expect — and that might be the best way to arrive. Nestled in the mountains near Myoko, this tiny onsen village felt like stepping into another time. There are only a few buildings, the roads are quiet, and nature completely surrounds you.

What stood out most to me were the two free outdoor baths tucked deep in the forest. Sitting there, with steam rising and the sound of a river below, it felt completely disconnected from daily life. No shops, no crowds — just calm.

Tsubame Onsen might not have the comforts of larger hot spring towns, but that’s part of its magic. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something simple, wild, and deeply peaceful, this place is worth the effort.

If you're thinking of visiting, I’ve included two options based on my experience:
one is a quiet local hotel nearby, and the other is a day tour organized by the company I work for. Whether you stay overnight or just come for a few hours, I hope you’ll find the same sense of calm and wonder that I did.

I’ll definitely be back — hopefully when the leaves start to change.

Hotel Iwatoya Onsen (岩戸屋温泉ホテル)

Street view of a multi-story building with a signboard in Japanese, decorative stone and brick exterior, parked cars, and a motorcycle.
 

Located just minutes from Tsubame Onsen’s peaceful mountain hot springs, Hotel Iwatoya Onsen offers a genuine Japanese ryokan experience with modern comforts. This charming, family-run hotel features both cozy tatami-floored Japanese rooms and hybrid rooms with Western-style beds—so you can choose your comfort.

The on-site indoor hot spring bath, sourced directly from the local spring, is perfect for relaxing after a hike or outdoor time. Mealtime is a treat: freshly prepared dishes showcase seasonal local ingredients in sumptuous multi-course meals—ideal for both solo travelers and groups.

With warm, knowledgeable staff, the hotel supports your alpine adventures. Whether you're planning a short retreat or a longer stay to explore Myoko and Tsubame Onsen, Iwatoya offers a friendly and authentic base in the mountains.

How to Get There

By Train & Bus:

  1. From Nagano Station, take the Shinano Railway to Myoko-Kogen Station (~40 minutes).

  2. At Myoko-Kogen Station, board a local bus or taxi toward Suginosawa Onsen / Tsubame Onsen.

  3. Hotel Iwatoya is located just before the main onsen area—ask during the ride, or let the driver know to drop you off there.

By Car:

  • If you're driving, Hotel Iwatoya provides free parking on-site.

  • During winter, be sure to use snow tires or chains—the access road may be covered in snow.

♨️Tsubame Onsen & Lake Nojiri: Nature Walk and Lunch Tour

A tray with a bowl of ramen topped with bean sprouts and a spoon, and a plate of fried rice garnished with pickled ginger, on a black table.
A lake with a small shrine with a red torii gate on the shore, surrounded by green trees and misty mountains in the background.
A bowl of ramen topped with sliced pork, chopped green onions, and bean sprouts, with a red spoon resting in the soup.
Overcast view of a lake with small dock, mountains in the distance partially obscured by fog, and a few houses along the shoreline.
A hot spring with a small wooden structure on the left and a rope handrail across the hot spring, surrounded by lush green trees and rocks.
A hot spring with milky blue water surrounded by rocks and lush green trees in a forested area.

If you're looking to spend a peaceful day surrounded by nature, this tour is a lovely way to experience the charm of Nagano’s mountains. It includes a relaxing walk around Lake Nojiri, a visit to the soothing hot springs of Tsubame Onsen, and a traditional Japanese lunch made with seasonal ingredients.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour offers a gentle, unhurried pace and is ideal for those who enjoy being in nature without the pressure of a packed schedule. Transportation from Iiyama or Yudanaka Station is included, making it an easy day trip for travelers in the region.

Whether you're soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the onsen or enjoying a quiet moment by the lake, this tour offers a refreshing escape and a glimpse into the slower, quieter side of Japan.

Tour Highlights:

  • Nature Walk: Enjoy a guided walk around scenic Lake Nojiri, surrounded by tranquil forest and mountain views.

  • Tsubame Onsen Visit: Relax in the famous white mineral waters of Tsubame Onsen, renowned for their soothing properties.

  • Lunch: Savor a traditional Japanese meal made from local, seasonal ingredients.

  • Beverages: Includes water, coffee, and/or tea.

  • Guided Experience: Led by an experienced English-speaking guide to help you get the most out of the day.

Meeting Point: Pickup at Iiyama Station or another location you choose.

Use promo code EXPLORENAGANO to get 15% off your booking!