Nakagawa Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

Located in West Tanzawa in Yamakita Town in the northwest of Kanagawa, Nakagawa Onsen is a mountain spa rising by the Nakagawa River, which flows into Lake Tanzawa. Known as Shingens secret spring, where the warlord Takeda Shingen is said to have had his wounded soldiers bathe some four hundred years ago, it still keeps the feel of a secluded spa wrapped in untouched nature.

Highlights

• A highly alkaline spring with a high pH, famed as a beauty water
• Water steeped in historical romance, said to be Takeda Shingens secret spring
• Views of the clear Nakagawa River and Lake Tanzawa, born as a dam reservoir
• Easy bathing at the town run day spa Buna no Yu

Enjoying the Seasons

Surrounded by the rich nature of West Tanzawa, the fresh green and autumn foliage seasons are especially fine. From spring into early summer the riverside greenery dazzles, and in autumn the area around Lake Tanzawa turns to color. Soaking in the smooth, highly alkaline water amid nature where monkeys and deer sometimes appear makes you forget the fatigue of daily life.

Access and Basic Information

• About thirty five minutes by car from the Oimatsuda or Gotemba interchange
• By bus from Shin Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line or Yaga Station on the JR Gotemba Line, alight at Nakagawa Onsen Iriguchi and walk seven to eight minutes
• The town run day spa Buna no Yu is open from ten to six, and until seven on weekends and holidays from March through November, closed Mondays and the next day when Monday is a holiday. Admission is around seven hundred fifty yen for two hours or one thousand fifty yen for the day for adults, with parking available
• Main water type is alkaline simple spring

Practical Travel Notes

• The best seasons are the fresh green of May and June and the autumn leaves of November. The foliage around Lake Tanzawa is especially worth seeing
• Buses run infrequently, so check the timetable in advance for peace of mind. Access is easier by car
• Buna no Yu is an easy stop for around one thousand yen, just right for washing off the sweat of a stroll or hike around Lake Tanzawa. Bathing alone takes one to two hours, and about half a day combined with a walk
• Budget wise, expect around one thousand yen for a day bath, while an overnight stay centers on secluded inns where highly alkaline water flows from the source

A Quick Tip

Nakagawa Onsen takes a little time to reach by public transport, but the quiet that greets you on arrival is exceptional. Pair it with a stroll or hike around Lake Tanzawa to savor the combination of West Tanzawa nature and a secluded spring at your leisure. The smooth, highly alkaline water warms you well, so remember to rehydrate after your bath.