yuko Nozawa Onsen has been a beloved mountain retreat for centuries. Long before it gained international fame for its powdery slopes, it was a haven for travellers from Tokyo, drawn by the healing power of its natural hot springs. This quaint mountain village is so abundant with hot springs or onsens that its name, Nozawa Onsen, literally means “Hot Springs in the Wilderness”.
Today, you can still feel the essence of Japan’s ancient traditions as you stroll through the charming streets and admire the Edo-era architecture all around. Nozawa Onsen is a place where you can enjoy adventure, culture, gastronomy, and relaxation all together. But if what you’re really after is the amazing hot spring experience, then allow us to help you out with this all-in-one guide to onsen-hopping in Nozawa Onsen, Japan.
A Dip into History and Onsen Etiquette
Soaking in an onsen is more than just a relaxing bath; it’s a cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese history. Samurais and soldiers used to bathe in onsens to heal their wounds after battle. The waters in the hot springs were considered sacred and were believed to have healing properties.
So before you head to your first onsen, remember the golden rule: Respect the local customs. Here they are in more detail:
- Bring your modesty (and a small towel): Onsens are traditionally enjoyed in the nude, so be prepared to share the room with others. You can bring your own towel, soap, and shampoo, or pick up an onsen basket at the local shops.
- Shoes off, please: Once you enter the onsen, slip off your shoes and clothes and place them in the designated locker area. It’s important to take them off before stepping onto the raised wooden area.
- Wash before you soak: It’s crucial to wash your body thoroughly with soap before entering the onsen. This ensures the water stays clean for everyone. You can even sit by the tap and pour some hot spring water over yourself before stepping into the bath.
- No drinking or eating: Enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink before or after your onsen experience, but leave the food and beverages outside the bath.
- Dry yourself after: Use a small towel to dry yourself after your soak before stepping on to the wood.
- Follow the locals: If you’re unsure about something, just observe the locals. They are incredibly welcoming and will be happy to guide you.
The Shu-in Stamp Trail
Nozawa Onsen is a wonderland of 13 public onsens (and more private ones), each with its unique charm and therapeutic benefits. To experience the full glory of Nozawa Onsen’s hot springs, embark on the Shu-in Stamp Trail! This scavenger hunt-like activity lets you discover each onsen at your own pace, collecting a unique stamp at each one.
We recommend purchasing a Shu-in-cho stamp booklet from the Hot Spring Sightseeing Information Center or the Ryokan Society before starting your onsen-crawl. Each onsen has a special wooden stand outside, featuring a unique design and a number that matches a page in your stamp booklet. When you visit an onsen, locate the corresponding page in the booklet. Then, use the wooden stick attached to the stand to rub over the page, revealing a beautiful imprint of the onsen’s “stamp.”
Collect at least 10 of these unique stamps, show it to Nozawa Onsen’s tourism association and you’ll be rewarded with a special Nozawa Onsen bath towel as a memento of your hot spring adventure!
The 13 Onsens on the Shu-in Stamp Trail
All of these onsens are free to the public. However, they do accept donations to help maintain the establishments.
1. O-yu Onsen
The heart and soul of Nozawa Onsen, O-yu is a grand Edo-style bathhouse right on the main street, Oyu-dori. This onsen is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, so if you want to soak in a lively atmosphere, this is the place for you. However, if you prefer it to be more quiet, avoid visiting during peak hours in the afternoon.
The onsen water is fed from a simple sulfur spring, known for its ability to alleviate rheumatism, gastrointestinal issues, and even gynaecological ailments. Be prepared for a hotter soak, as O-yu’s water temperature can reach close to 60°C (140°F)!
Location: 8765 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
2. Kawahara-yu Onsen
Nestled just down the lane from O-yu, Kawahara-yu also boasts a beautiful Edo-style wooden building. Inside, you’ll find a light-filled interior, perfect for a serene soak. Similar to O-yu, Kawahara-yu’s water is also on the higher end of the spectrum (around 60°C), sourced from a sulfur spring infused with gypsum salt. This unique combination is said to be especially effective against skin diseases.
Location: 8759 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
3. Taki-no-yu Onsen
Located at the top of the village, Taki-no-yu offers a tranquil escape. Because you have to walk uphill, you’re more likely to have the place all to yourself. While Taki-no-yu follows the classic Edo-era wooden building style that makes Nozawa Onsen’s onsens so recognizable, step inside and you’ll find an interior that feels a bit more vintage.
Its unique greenish water, rich in minerals, is believed to have particularly healing properties. Taki-no-yu’s water, sourced from a sulfur spring with calcium sodium-chloride, can reach a scorching 78°C (172°F)! You might be lucky enough to find black yunohana particles (onsen flowers) floating in the bath, a sign of the high mineral content. It is believed to be very effective when you’re recovering from a serious illness.
Location: 8217 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
4. Asagama-no-yu Onsen
While this onsen lacks the grandeur of the previous three mentioned, and its interior design boasts a rather dated pink aesthetic, Asagama-no-yu Onsen is a favorite among locals because of its slightly cooler water temperature (also making it ideal for beginners).
The onsen water originates from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt, resulting in a slightly greenish hue. The water is said to be effective against diabetes, hemorrhoids, and rheumatism. You might also find yunohana particles floating in the bath, adding to the therapeutic experience.
Location: 8759 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
5. Shin-yu Onsen
With its updated interior (after being renovated in 2006) and changing water colors depending on the season, Shin-yu is a beautiful reminder of the ever-changing nature of Nozawa Onsen. The onsen water, similar to Asagama-no-yu, originates from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt. It’s known for its very high temperature (around 55°C), and its color can change depending on the season and climate. It’s said to be particularly good for skin conditions like acne and also effective against diabetes, hemorrhoids, and rheumatism.
Location: 8278-2 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
6. Kamitera-yu Onsen
Kamitera-yu hot spring is a historic bathing facility located just downhill from Shin-yu hot spring. With roots stretching back centuries, Kamitera-yu draws its mineral-rich waters from the volcanic Asagama source. The water’s composition is characterised by its gypsum, salt and sulphur content. The spring is renowned locally for its curative powers, with many reporting relief from ailments such as cuts, burns and skin complaints when bathing in the therapeutic waters.
Location: 8961 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
7. Kumanoteara-yu Onsen
Kumanoteara-yu onsen is just around the corner from Kamitera-yu bathhouse. Housed in a beautifully renovated wooden building, this bathhouse has quite the backstory. Legend has it that Nozawa Onsen began here, when a hunter tracked a injured bear (kuma in Japanese) with a sore paw (teara in Japanese) to this very spot. There, the hunter observed the bear soothing its pain in the therapeutic waters of the hot spring.
This onsen is great for beginners as it has the lowest water temperature of all the public onsens (around 43°C). The onsen water, similar to Kamitera-yu, is also sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt, known for its effectiveness against burns and cuts.
Location: 8955 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
8. Yokochi-no-yu Onsen
Unlike the traditional wooden bathhouses, Yokochi-no-yu is housed in a basement, featuring a unique circular granite bath which makes you think of a jacuzzi or hot tub. The onsen water is colorless, sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt. It’s said to be especially effective for skin diseases and is also known to combat diabetes and hemorrhoids.
Location: 9784 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
9. Shinden-no-yu Onsen
With its elegant wooden building and moderately warm water, Shinden-no-yu is a serene oasis amidst the village. The onsen water has a slightly milky appearance, sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt. It’s said to be effective against diabetes, hemorrhoids, and rheumatism.
Location: Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
10. Nakao-no-yu Onsen
The largest of the public onsens, Nakao-no-yu is a sight to behold, resembling a Buddhist temple. The onsen water is very hot (around 65°C), sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt. Many have reported benefits for various skin conditions, rheumatism, and gynecological diseases. The springs are even said to help detoxify the body by removing heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Location: 6661 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
11. Jyuodo-no-yu Onsen
Don’t let its less-than-glamorous exterior fool you, Jyuodo-no-yu has some of the most inviting milky-bluish water. It’s also the only onsen with two levels, the upper floor for men and the ground floor for women. The onsen water is sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt, and its healing properties are known to help combat rheumatism, gastrointestinal illness, and gynecological illness.
Location: 9604 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
12. Akiha-no-yu Onsen
Located in a white building near the Ibanoyama Bunko Park, Akiha-no-yu offers a more serene atmosphere. The water here shares the same source as Nakao-no-yu, offering similar benefits. The onsen water originates from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt, known for its effectiveness against skin diseases, rheumatism, and gynecological diseases. It’s also known to combat lead and mercury poisoning.
Location: 9687 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM (Dec-Mar); 5 AM–11 PM (Apr-Nov)
13. Matsuba-no-yu Onsen
The last stop on the Shu-in Stamp Trail, Matsuba-no-yu boasts a beautiful wooden temple-style exterior, making it a fitting end to your onsen journey. The onsen water is sourced from a sulfur spring with gypsum salt and is said to be effective against diabetes and hemorrhoids.
Location: 9481 Toyosato, Nozawaonsen, Shimotakai District, Nagano 389-2502, Japan
Are you looking for a place to stay during your trip to Nozawa Onsen? Then check out our collection of beautiful chalets in the area.
