Manza Onsen: Day-Use Hot Spring Baths & Prices (Gunma)

Manza Onsen lies in the northern part of Tsumagoi Village, at the far northwestern edge of Gunma Prefecture, at an elevation of 1,800 meters within Joshinetsu-kogen National Park. It is characterized by an abundant flow of 5.4 million liters a day and by sulfur water of a concentration said to be the highest in Japan; a strong scent of sulfur rises from the cloudy, milky-white bath. In the 2024 Onsen Sosenkyo, it was chosen first in the "secluded and celebrated springs" category of the national rankings by category.

Highlights

The greatest appeal is the view afforded by the high elevation; from the open-air baths you can gaze over ranges of mountains and seas of clouds. The landscape of the "Karafuki" area, where sulfurous steam rises, is both rugged and mystical. Because the air is so clear, on some nights you can enjoy a sky full of stars.

A Mountain Spa with 27 Different Sources

The water of Manza is not of one kind. Twenty-seven different sources are known — among them Ubayu (the Yubatake), Onigayu, Radium Hokko-yu, and Nigayu — and the source used differs from inn to inn, with some blending several together. Being able to savor the differences between waters within a single hot spring district, almost like a tasting comparison, is a pleasure particular to Manza.

For example, the "Komakusa-no-yu" at the Manza Prince Hotel draws Ubayu (the Yubatake); the "Hakutetsu-no-yu" at Manzatei draws Tetsuyu No. 2; and the "Enju-no-yu" at Yunohana Ryokan draws the Radium Hokko spring — each a different source. The "Sekitei open-air bath" at Manza Kogen Hotel goes further still, using Ubayu, Ryusen-no-yu, Karafuki (Tsumatori-no-yu), and Onigayu selectively within a single open-air bath.

Water Used Since Prehistoric Times; Winter Habitation Only from 1935

Artifacts excavated from the Kumashiro Cave suggest that the hot springs of Manza were already being used in prehistoric times. Because it lies deep in the mountains, however, this was not permanent settlement but rather temporary dwellings for people who came in summer to bathe.

The first bathing recorded in writing dates to 1562 (Eiroku 5). The war chronicle "Kazawa-ki" records that the local magnate Hanuo Nyudo bathed at Manza, listing it as the fourth of the Agatsuma Eight Springs. In 1715 (Shotoku 5) the Manza Yakushido was founded, and from 1765 (Meiwa 2) a sulfur business was begun by Nagamine Tokichi.

Inns did not appear until the Meiji era. Hashizume Kyubei of Tashiro built a lodging house, and in 1873 (Meiji 6) he named its bath hut "Nisshinkan" — the first of its kind. In 1927 (Showa 2) the Hokokukan opened. Even so, until the end of the Taisho era Manza was thought of as a place that could not be wintered through, and business in the winter season only began in 1935. In 1949 (Showa 24) the area was designated part of Joshinetsu-kogen National Park, and in 1956 (Showa 31) the Manza Onsen Ski Resort opened.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Summer is cool and refreshing, comfortable as a retreat from the heat. In autumn the surrounding mountains take on color and highland foliage spreads across the area. Winter turns everything into a world of snow, and many combine their visit with skiing, making a snow-viewing open-air bath an unforgettable experience.

Access and Basic Information

Because it sits on a highland reached by mountain roads, access is basically by car, and the usual route uses the Manza Highway. By public transport, it takes about forty minutes by bus from the nearest station, Manza-Kazawaguchi. Given the high elevation, road conditions require caution in winter, and snow measures are essential. The milky-white sulfur spring has concentrated components, offering an unmistakably hot-spring aroma and texture.

Practical Information

• Spring quality: A highly concentrated sulfur spring (acidic sulfur spring). The water is cloudy and milky white, and because each facility draws a different source, the spring quality also varies somewhat.
• Indications: Said to include neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, joint pain, recovery from fatigue, and disorders of the motor organs.
• Source temperature: A high-temperature spring of about 80 degrees.
• How the water is used: Nisshinkan states that it uses water that wells up naturally from the ground surface on a free-flowing basis, with no recirculation (securing 700 liters per minute of source water).
• Day bathing (Manza Prince Hotel): Reception 11:00–16:00 (bathing reception until 15:00), adults 1,500 yen, children 750 yen. Separate men's and women's indoor baths, separate men's and women's open-air baths, and a mixed open-air bath.
• Day bathing (Manza Onsen Nisshinkan): Reception 10:00–17:00 (bathing reception until 16:00), 1,000 yen for junior high school age and above, 700 yen for elementary school children, 500 yen for infants. During busy periods such as Golden Week and Obon it is 1,500 yen for junior high school age and above. Separate men's and women's indoor baths and the separate men's and women's open-air bath "Gokuraku-yu."
• Day bathing (Hokokukan): Reception 8:30–16:30 (bathing reception until 15:30), adults 800 yen, children 400 yen. A bathhouse that retains the atmosphere of a cure resort, with separate men's and women's indoor baths, a women-only open-air bath, and a mixed open-air bath.
• Day bathing (Manza Kogen Hotel): Reception 11:00–18:00 (bathing reception until 17:00), adults 1,700 yen, children 850 yen. The celebrated "Sekitei open-air bath" has eight tubs, seven of them mixed and one women-only.
• Day bathing (Manzatei): Reception 11:30–18:00 (bathing reception until 17:00). On Saturdays, Sundays, and days before holidays, however, it is 11:30–15:00 (bathing reception until 14:00). Adults 1,400 yen, children 700 yen.
• Day bathing (Manza Hotel Juraku): Note that reception is short, 12:30–13:30. Adults 1,500 yen, children 750 yen. From the open-air bath you can look out over the "Karafuki" fumarole field.
• Day bathing (Yunohana Ryokan): Reception 10:00–16:00, 700 yen for junior high school age and above, 500 yen for elementary school children. Separate men's and women's indoor baths and a mixed open-air bath.
• Bath-hopping pass: The "Manza Onsen Yumeguri Tegata" is sold at each inn and at the Manza Shizen Joho-kan for 1,300 yen each. For day visitors, the fee at each facility becomes 500 yen. Overnight guests get up to three visits to other facilities free, and 500 yen from the fourth visit onward. Valid within the year of purchase. It cannot be used at Yunohana Ryokan.
• Many mixed open-air baths: Manza is a hot spring district with many mixed open-air baths. Women-only open-air baths are provided at the Manza Prince Hotel's "Shakunage-no-yu," at Hokokukan, and at one tub of the Sekitei open-air bath at Manza Kogen Hotel, among others.
• Private baths: Nisshinkan's private bath "Enman-no-yu" is available 7:00–22:00, 2,000 yen (tax included) for 45 minutes. Reservations are taken only after arrival on the day, and it is not available to day visitors. Manzatei also has a paid private bath.
• Towels: At Nisshinkan, bath towel rental is 300 yen and hand towels are sold for 200 yen.
• Access by car: About 3 hours 10 minutes from the Nerima IC. Whether via the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC or the Usui-Karuizawa IC, the final stretch is about 40 minutes on the toll road Manza Highway (Mihara to Manza Onsen, about 21 km). The toll for an ordinary car is 1,070 yen.
• Refueling: There is no gas station at Manza Onsen. Fill up at the foot of the mountain before heading up.
• Train and bus: The nearest station is Manza-Kazawaguchi on the JR Agatsuma Line, from which it is about 40 minutes by Seibu Kanko bus to the Manza Bus Terminal. Seibu Kanko buses also run from Karuizawa Station, reaching the area around JR Manza-Kazawaguchi Station in about 1 hour 10 minutes and Manza Onsen about 40 minutes after that. Bus times change with the season.
• Winter roads: From November to May, studless tires or chains are required. You can check snow conditions on Gunma Prefecture's live camera site from the feed at "Makihoshimata Line, junction with the Manza Highway."
• Clothing: At an elevation of 1,800 meters, mornings and evenings are chilly even in summer. Bring something to layer on whatever the season.
• Precious metals: Because the sulfur content is strong, silver and similar accessories will tarnish. Take them off before bathing.
• Location: Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture (Manza Onsen)

Practical Travel Notes

Because of the high elevation, even at the height of summer the mornings and evenings are chilly, making it a comfortable summer retreat. By the same token, it is wise to bring warm clothing in any season. In winter a ski resort is nearby, and combining winter sports with a snow-viewing open-air bath is a classic way to enjoy the area. Public transport is limited, so check bus times and winter road information in advance. Some inns accept day-use bathing, so you can casually enjoy the milky-white water.

A Word of Advice

Because of the high elevation, temperatures are low and you will feel the chill after bathing even in summer, so prepare warm clothing. The sulfur scent is strong and its components can discolor accessories, so it is best to remove precious metals before bathing.

📚 Sources

The volume of flow, the kinds of sources, the indications, the price of the bath-hopping pass, the day-bathing reception hours and fees at each facility, and the breakdown of separate and mixed bathing are based on the "Manza's Hot Springs" and "List of Day Baths" pages of the official Manza Onsen website operated by the Tsumagoi Village Tourism Association and the Manza Onsen Tourism Association. The dates and history relating to the opening of the springs come from the same site's "History of Manza," and access by car and public transport, refueling, and winter tire regulations from the same site's "Access" page. Nisshinkan's free-flowing and naturally welling water, the source temperature, the fee for the private bath "Enman-no-yu," and towel rental fees were confirmed on the hot spring introduction and day-plan pages of the official Manza Onsen Nisshinkan website, and the toll and section distance of the Manza Highway on the drive guide of the Japan Tourist Motorway Association. Note that the roofed open-air baths "Sasa-yu" and "Ubaniga-yu" at Nisshinkan's large bath "Choju-no-yu" ceased to be available on March 16, 2023 for ground reinforcement work. Details are subject to change, so please check official sources before visiting.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Spring quality: A highly concentrated sulfur spring (acidic sulfur spring). The water is a cloudy milky white, and because each facility draws from a different source the quality varies slightly from one to the next.
• Indications: Neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, joint pain, recovery from fatigue and motor function disorders, among others.
• Source temperature: A high-temperature spring of about 80 degrees.
• How the water is used: Nisshinkan states that it uses water welling naturally to the surface, served free-flowing with no recirculation (it has secured a supply of 700 liters per minute).
• Day-use bathing (Manza Prince Hotel): Reception 11:00 to 16:00 (bathing reception until 15:00), 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. Separate men's and women's indoor baths, separate men's and women's open-air baths, and a mixed-gender open-air bath.
• Day-use bathing (Manza Onsen Nisshinkan): Reception 10:00 to 17:00 (bathing reception until 16:00), 1,000 yen for junior high school students and above, 700 yen for elementary school students and 500 yen for preschool children. During busy periods such as Golden Week and Obon it is 1,500 yen for junior high school students and above. Separate men's and women's indoor baths plus the separate men's and women's open-air baths "Gokuraku-yu."
• Day-use bathing (Hokokukan): Reception 8:30 to 16:30 (bathing reception until 15:30), 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. The baths retain the atmosphere of an old cure resort, with separate men's and women's indoor baths, a women-only open-air bath and a mixed-gender open-air bath.
• Day-use bathing (Manza Kogen Hotel): Reception 11:00 to 18:00 (bathing reception until 17:00), 1,700 yen for adults and 850 yen for children. Its celebrated "rock garden open-air bath" has 8 tubs, 7 of them mixed-gender and 1 women-only.
• Day-use bathing (Manzatei): Reception 11:30 to 18:00 (bathing reception until 17:00). On Saturdays, Sundays and days before holidays, however, it is 11:30 to 15:00 (bathing reception until 14:00). 1,400 yen for adults and 700 yen for children.
• Day-use bathing (Manza Hotel Juraku): Note that the reception window is short, from 12:30 to 13:30. 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. From the open-air bath you can look out over the "Karafuki" fumarole field.
• Day-use bathing (Yunohana Ryokan): Reception 10:00 to 16:00, 700 yen for junior high school students and above and 500 yen for elementary school students. Separate men's and women's indoor baths and a mixed-gender open-air bath.
• Bath-hopping pass: The "Manza Onsen Yumeguri Tegata" is sold at the inns and at the Manza Shizen Joho-kan nature information center for 1,300 yen per pass. With it, day visitors pay 500 yen at each facility. Overnight guests bathe free at up to 3 other facilities, then pay 500 yen from the fourth visit onward. It is valid within the year of purchase. It cannot be used at Yunohana Ryokan.
• Plenty of mixed-gender open-air baths: Manza is a hot spring resort with many mixed-gender open-air baths. Women-only open-air baths are available at the Manza Prince Hotel's "Shakunage-no-yu," at Hokokukan, and at 1 of the tubs in the rock garden open-air bath at the Manza Kogen Hotel, among others.
• Private baths: Nisshinkan's private bath "Enman-no-yu" is available from 7:00 to 22:00 at 2,000 yen (tax included) for 45 minutes. Bookings are taken only after you arrive on the day, and it is not available to day visitors. Manzatei also has private baths for a fee.
• Towels: At Nisshinkan bath towels rent for 300 yen and hand towels are sold for 200 yen.
• Access by car: About 3 hours 10 minutes from the Nerima IC. Whether you go via the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC or the Usui-Karuizawa IC, the final stretch is about 40 minutes along the Manza Highway toll road (Mihara to Manza Onsen, about 21 km). The toll for an ordinary car is 1,070 yen.
• Fuel: There is no filling station at Manza Onsen. Fill up down in the foothills before you head up.
• Train and bus: The nearest station is Manza-Kazawaguchi Station on the JR Agatsuma Line, from where it is about 40 minutes by Seibu Kanko Bus to the Manza Bus Terminal. Seibu Kanko Bus services also run from Karuizawa Station, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes to the area around JR Manza-Kazawaguchi Station and about another 40 minutes to Manza Onsen. Bus timetables change with the season.
• Winter roads: Studless tires or chains are required from November to May. You can check the snow conditions on Gunma Prefecture's live camera site using the feed for "the Makihoshimata Line at its junction with the Manza Highway."
• Clothing: At an elevation of 1,800 m it gets cold in the mornings and evenings even in summer. Bring an extra layer whatever the season.
• Jewelry: The sulfur content is strong, so silver and similar accessories will tarnish. Take them off before you bathe.
• Location: Tsumagoi Village, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture (Manza Onsen)

📚 Sources

The flow rate, the types of source, the indications, the price of the bath-hopping pass, the day-use bathing hours and fees at each facility, and the breakdown of separate and mixed-gender baths come from the "Hot Springs of Manza" and "List of day-use hot springs" pages of the official Manza Onsen website run by the Tsumagoi Village Tourism Association and the Manza Onsen Tourism Association. The dates and history surrounding the opening of the springs come from the same site's "History of Manza," and access by car and public transport, refueling and the winter tire requirements from its "Access" page. Nisshinkan's free-flowing, naturally welling water, the source temperature, the price of the private bath "Enman-no-yu" and the towel rental charges were confirmed on the hot spring introduction and day-use plan pages of the official Manza Onsen Nisshinkan website, and the toll and length of the Manza Highway on the drive guide of the Japan Tourist Motorway Association. Note that the roofed open-air baths "Sasa-yu" and "Ubaku-yu" that stood by Nisshinkan's large bath "Choju-no-yu" ceased operation on March 16, 2023 for ground reinforcement work. Details are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.