Nagano Takayama Village
Free-flowing waters of Yamada Onsen bubbling for over 200 years, and the deep silence of Matsukawa Gorge
"Shinshu Yamada Onsen Yamada-kan, an inn nestled in the Matsukawa Gorge," is a long-established hot spring ryokan in Takayama Village, Kamitakai District, Nagano Prefecture. It is the symbol of Yamada Onsen, known as the inner retreat of Zenkoji Plain, and offers a historic famous spring with over 200 years since its opening, enjoyed with free-flowing water straight from the source. The clear sodium-calcium sulfate-chloride hot spring warms the body from deep within. Every guest room overlooks the beauty of the gorge along Matsukawa Gorge, and the luxurious rooms with private half-open-air baths filled with free-flowing water, as well as the open-air baths with views of the spectacular Matsukawa Gorge, are also highlights.
The main building's large public bath is associated with the painter Sanzo Wada. Guests can enjoy this famous spring, which has over 200 years of history since its opening, with a continuously flowing supply of water straight from the source. The clear hot spring is characterized by a subtle sulfur aroma and a mild salty taste, and through the windows it reflects the beautiful mountain scenery of Matsukawa Gorge.
An open-air bath embraced by the deep natural beauty of Matsukawa Gorge. Guests can enjoy bathing while surrounded by the gorge's overwhelming seasonal scenery, including vivid new greenery in spring and summer, blazing autumn leaves, and pristine snowy landscapes in winter. Rotates between men and women.
A private half-open-air bath with free-flowing water, available in select special rooms. Designed to blend in with Matsukawa Gorge, it lets you listen to the murmuring river and feel the clear air of the forest while enjoying Yamada Onsen's superb water whenever you like.
Irregular Holidays
Nagano
A celebrated spot with drinkable North Alps groundwater and the nation’s top electric baths
Nagano
A premium Karuizawa resort where you can totonou in a natural hot spring with water flowing directly from the source and the forest’s spring water
Nagano
A highland hot spring resort standing by Lake Shirakaba
JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
61 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
