Nagano Ueda City
An inn of master temple carpenters steeped in Taisho romance, with free-flowing natural hot spring water that helps promote beautiful skin
Bessho Onsen Ryokan Hanaya is a hot spring ryokan in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Founded in Taisho 6, this beautiful wooden building has been designated an Important Cultural Property, and its many details are full of the playful spirit of master temple carpenters. On the grounds, you will find a marble bath with beautiful stained glass, a Izu stone Wakakusa bath, and an open-air bath surrounded by trees, all of which let you enjoy freshly sourced natural hot spring water straight from the spring. The faint scent of sulfur and the gentle water quality wrap your skin in softness, offering an exceptional moment that soothes everyday fatigue deep to the core.
An elegant dome-shaped indoor bath made of marble, with a high ceiling and beautiful light spilling in through stained glass, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Within this Taisho romantic setting, you can enjoy fresh hot spring water straight from the source, with no added water and no heating. It is known for its exceptionally smooth touch that leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized.
An inviting indoor bath made with Izu Wakakusa stone, which is known for its ability to retain heat well, and featuring a beautiful green-tinted tub. Large glass windows overlook lush greenery, and soft sunlight fills the open space. You can luxuriate in fine natural hot spring water with a faint sulfur aroma all to yourself.
An open-air bath nestled beyond an atmospheric wooden corridor, surrounded by abundant trees. Here, you can enjoy bathing while feeling the songs of birds and a gentle breeze, immersing yourself in nature. Fresh hot spring water flows abundantly from the source, gently warming your body deep inside.
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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.
