HAKUBA’S ONSEN

An onsen (温泉?) is a term for hot springs in the Japanese language, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of onsen scattered along its length and breadth. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism.
Onsen come in many types and shapes, including outdoor (露天風呂 or 野天風呂, rotenburo or notenburo?) and indoor baths. Baths may be either public run by a municipality or private (内湯, uchiyu?) often run as part of a hotel, ryokan or Bed and Breakfast (民宿, minshuku?).

Onsen are a central feature of Japanese tourism often found out in the countryside but there are a number of popular establishments still found within major cities. They are a major tourist attraction drawing Japanese couples, families or company groups who want to get away from the hectic life of the city to relax. Japanese often talk of the virtues of “naked communion” (裸の付き合い, hadaka no tsukiai?)[1] for breaking down barriers and getting to know people in the relaxed homey atmosphere of a ryokan with an attached onsen. Japanese television channels often feature special programs about local onsens. The presence of an onsen is often indicated on signs and maps by the symbol ♨ or the kanji, 湯 (yu, meaning “hot water”). Sometimes the simpler hiragana character ゆ (yu) is used, to be understandable to younger children.

Hakuba Ryujin Onsen “Obuya” Hakuba Ryujin Onsen “Obuya”

Opened in 2007 and is located in the Goryu area. The building is traditional Japanese style and 100% natural hot spring water is pumped from deep underground. The onsen has a variety of baths such as inside baths and open-air “rotenburo” baths. Bathing in these mineral rich waters is very relaxing as well as providing health benefits.

Admission: Adult 800 yen, Children 400 yen
Operating Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Contact: +81-261-75-3311

Daiichi Sato No-Yu

This onsen is made of Teppei rock (indigenous to Nagano Prefecture). and is conveniently located near the Happo Ryokan area and the Alpico Bus Center.

Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen
Operating Hours: Noon – 9 pm
Closed: Every Wednesday, except from the end of December to end of March Contact: +81-261-72-5705

Obinata No-Yu

Between Happo and Sarukura you will find a large rock that marks the open-air-spa setting for Obinata No-Yu. While relaxing in the Onsen you can hear mountain torrents and see the beautiful natural scenery of the Northern Alps – it’ll make you feel like you’re in a different world.

Admission: Adult 500 yen, Children 250 yen
Operating Hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Closed: From the beginning of November to the end of February
Contact: +81-261-72-3745

Hakuba Shionomichi Onsen

The effects of the salty-brown water at this onsen are plentiful. For the last 250,000,000 years Fosa Magna has been building up in the air and water at this onsen giving it its unique color. Sodium, chlorine and carbonated salt water give this onsen a uniquely high salt content that is good for your entire body.

Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
Operating hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Closed: Open all year round.

Kurashita No-Yu

This onsen is located near Matsukawa River Park and has spectacular views of the mountains. There is a open-air-bath open feeling here that can heal your tiredness from a hard day of work or play.

Admission: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen
Operating Hours: 10 am – 10 pm

Iwatake No-Yuu

Located near the Iwatake Ski Resort where you can mountain bike, summer ski or camp in the summer, this is a popular place. Inside you will find a sauna and resting (lounges) along with a newly completed coin laundry.

Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Operating Hours: 1 pm – 8pm

Echoland No-Yu

Pensions and gift shops line the street leading up to the entrance of Echoland onsen. There is an open-air-bath and a sauna open daily until midnight.

Admission: Adult 600 yen, Children 400 yen
Operating hours: Noon- midnight
Closed: Every Thursday except from the end of December to the end of March.

Hakuba Katakuri Onsen

This onsen has clear waters with mild mineral content. The onsen’s water contains various kinds of natural minerals, including sodium choloride, which will make your skin smooth. This onsen opened in 1998. The first floor has free lounges, while the second floor has private rooms (not included in the admission charge).

Admission: Adults 2h=600 yen/5h=1500 yen, Children 2h=500 yen
Operating hours: April 3rd – middle of July
Early September – Mid December; 4pm – midnight
Golden Week & Mid July – Late August; 12 noon – midnight

Hakuba Himekawa Onsen – Tenjin No-Yu

Located on the east side of the Oito train line and affectionately known as Tenjin onsen. Enjoy the satisfying views of the Alps while you bath in the sodium chloride rich water. This is probably the best onsen in Hakuba from which to see the Alps.

Admission: Over 3 years old 500 yen
Operating hours: 11am- 5pm