Located only 30 minutes by train from central Ueda City, Bessho Onsen lays claim to being the oldest hot spring town in Nagano. Known as ‘onsen’ in Japanese, natural hot springs play a fundamental role in the story of Japan and daily life for many people. Bessho Onsen is blessed with multiple onsen sources feeding its many hotels, guesthouses and a couple of public hot springs including the ‘Oyu’, ‘Daishiyu’ and ‘Ishiyu’ – small, gender-segregated bathhouses open from 06:00 to 22:00 / JPY250 for admission. Accommodation ranges from high-end to mid-range and budget options with most, if not all, hotels and guesthouses offering guests exclusive use on their in-house hot springs. Bessho Onsen is a small town that can easily be explored on-foot. This is a destination where you take it slow – that’s the pace of life in Bessho – with the emphasis on soaking your soul in its famous baths. Highly-photogenic and always charming, spending a day or night in Bessho Onsen offers one of Nagano’s best hot spring experiences.

In a hot spring town, the goal is to have no goal; that is, taking it slow and enjoying things at your own pace is the best way to make full use of the relaxing effects of the hot spring waters. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing else to do. With a lot of options in town for dining and gift shopping, taking a stroll is a great way to stumble upon something that strikes your fancy. The surrounding area is also home to a number things to see, including nearby Ueda City, a number of bicycling and hiking trails, and the famous and ancient pagoda of Anrakuji Temple.

The best way to enjoy all of this is to book a hotel in Bessho Onsen. Luckily, there is no shortage if options, with hotels, ryokans, and B&Bs all available. To begin planning your vacation, please see the map below for accommodation options, or click the ‘Booking.com’ button at the bottom of the page. If you are in need of help concerning transport options or local tours, feel free to send us a message through the ‘Inquiry’ button and we will get back to you as soon as possible!