Nagano Takayama Village
A famous hot spring and spectacular moon-viewing terrace overlooking the Matsu River Gorge, beloved by literary figures
"Ryokkasanshuku Fujiiso" is a traditional hot spring inn in Takayama Village, Kamitakai District, Nagano Prefecture, facing the Matsu River Gorge in a deep mountain valley. Discovered by the Sengoku warlord Fukushima Masanori, it offers the original spring of "Yamada Onsen," which has continued since the Edo period, as free-flowing source water in the large public bath "Gomangoku Buro" and the open-air bath, both of which overlook the gorge beauty 100 m below in a panoramic view. The elegant property, long cherished by literary figures such as Mori Ogai and Yosano Tekkan and Akiko, features a spectacular moon-viewing veranda and luxurious guest rooms with open-air baths fed by hot spring water, allowing guests to savor the utmost tranquility.
A large public bath designed to project out toward the Matsu River Gorge 100 m below. It uses the historic high-quality self-supplied spring of Yamada Onsen, which opened in the mid-Edo period, as free-flowing source water. With the fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowy deep-mountain scenery filling the large windows, guests can enjoy an exquisite bath.
An open-air bath in the mountain gorge adjoining the large public bath. While listening to the refreshing breeze that crosses the Matsu River Gorge and the chirping of birds, you can feel the breath of nature up close, almost as if it were in your hands. The harmony of the seasonal scents of nature and the gently enveloping hot water is a true luxury.
A luxurious hot spring open-air bath installed in the special rooms created in 2022. A hinoki bath or a Mikage granite bath is provided, and the superb Yamada Onsen flows at 100% from the source, with no added water or heating. While soaking in the tub, you become one with the beauty of the gorge, and after bathing you can step directly out onto the moon-viewing veranda and enjoy the night breeze. It is truly the ultimate private space of luxury.
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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.
