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  • December 1, 2015

    Shibu Onsen Bathhouse No.9: the ‘O-yu’

    The ninth and largest of the nine 'public' bathhouses of Shibu Onsen, the 'O-yu' is the only hot spring that can be used by both day-visitors and those staying at a guesthouse. Though called 'pub...
  • May 2, 2019

    Shiga Kogen Highlands

    Located in the north-east of Nagano Prefecture and within the larger Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, Shiga Kogen Highlands covers approximately 30,000ha / 300km². A landscape formed by volcanic erupt...
  • October 17, 2016

    Matsukawa Valley Hot Springs

    Matsukawa Valley is blessed with many 'onsen' (natural hot springs), known for their therapeutic properties set within the rural and alpine beauty of the region. Approximately 30 minutes by bus from S...
  • November 17, 2022

    Stay & Explore Bessho Onsen

    Located only 30 minutes by train from central Ueda City, Bessho Onsen lays claim to being the oldest hot spring town in Nagano. Known as ‘onsen’ in Japanese, natural hot springs play a fundamental ro...
  • May 2, 2018

    Kusatsu Onsen

    Famous throughout for its abundant volcanic water and dramatic setting, Kusatsu Onsen is often cited as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. It is also grouped with Minakami, Ikaho and Shima ...
  • April 10, 2018

    Manza Onsen

    One of Central Japan’s most dramatic hot spring areas, Manza Onsen is a small but unique onsen town located high in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Drawing its waters from nearby Mt Kusatsu-Shira...
  • April 5, 2018

    Minakami Onsen

    Another of Gunma Prefectures famous four hot spring towns – along with Kusatsu, Shima and Ikaho – Minakami Onsen is home to some equally famous bathhouses and a variety of excellent accommodation. Ne...
  • March 31, 2018

    Shima Onsen

    This quiet hot spring town is set in a beautiful forested landscape and along with the towns of Kusatsu, Ikaho and Minakami, makes up the four famous onsen towns of Gunma Prefecture. Some claim that ...
  • March 25, 2018

    Ikaho Onsen

    Ikaho Onsen is one of four famous hot spring towns in Gunma Prefecture – along with the towns of Kusatsu, Minakami and Shima. Known for its iron-rich waters, the main feature of Ikaho is a 300 metre ...