Bessho Onsen

Tucked into the green hills southwest of Ueda City, Bessho Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring in Nagano, with origins going back more than 1,400 years. Because old temples and historic sites dot the area, it is also called the Kamakura of Shinshu. The gently sulfurous water wraps the body in soothing warmth.

Highlights

The town has three public bathhouses, Oyu, Daishi-no-yu, and Ishibata-no-yu, popular with visitors who enjoy a bath-hopping stroll. Walking tours of historic temples are also loved, including Anraku-ji with its national-treasure octagonal three-story pagoda and the Kitamuki Kannon hall. The terminal station of the charming Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line adds a nostalgic mood.

Enjoying the Seasons

Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and crimson leaves in autumn give the historic scenery a changing face through the year. In winter, strolling the quiet snow-dusted town and warming up by bath-hopping is especially recommended.

Access and Basic Information

From JR Ueda Station, take the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line about thirty minutes to the terminus, Bessho Onsen Station. By car it is about twenty minutes from the Ueda-Sugadaira interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. A day-use bath called Aisome-no-yu is also available.

A Quick Tip

The three public baths each keep different hours, so bring easy-to-change clothes and a towel, and enjoy a relaxed bath-hopping walk through town.