Susobanakyo Hot Spring Uruoikan or simply ‘Uruoikan’ (うるおい館) is an onsen facility – including hotel and restaurant – within walking distance of Nagano Station. Offering both indoor and outdoor baths, Uruoikan is the only natural onsen in Nagnao City. Please note, Uruoikan does not allow entry to guests with tattoos to its public onsen but does have a private onsen, which can be booked for use by anyone. Uruoikan has 100% natural spring water flowing directly from the hot spring source into the bath.

They have a total of 5 different baths – 2 outdoor, 2 indoor and 1 foot bath. As is standard, the onsen is segregated by gender. Two outdoor onsen – called ‘Shiroiwa-no-Yu’ and ‘Ryusen-no-Yu’ – have different facilities attached to them and are rotated for use, allowing men and women to enjoy them on different days of the week.

‘Shiroiwa-no-Yu’ has a Korean-style sauna, a waterfall that streams down ones back, a whirlpool, and a mist sauna. The Shiroiwa-no-Yu baths are open to men and women on different days:

— Men: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, every second and fourth Sunday

— Women: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, every first, third, and fifth Sunday

‘Ryusen-no-Yu’ has a high-temperature sauna, a onsen with lying facilities,  a waterfall that streams down ones back, a Korean-style sauna (for which you need a gown to wear, available against extra fee). The Ryusen-no-Yu baths are open to men and women on different days:

— Men: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, every first, third, and fifth Sunday

— Women: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, every second and fourth Sunday

The two outdoor baths are separate for men and women and the two indoor baths can be rent privately for an extra fee of JPY1500 for 60 minutes. Uruoikan has a restaurant on the second floor, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. The restaurant overlooks the river and cliffs and offers Japanese favourites including ramen, soba and katsu curry. A small cafeteria and bakery are on the first floor, also serving coffee and ice cream. The cafeteria is open from 7:00 to 22:00.

For more information including where to find the best onsens in Nagano and surrounding area, see our ‘Onsen in Japan’ main page.