Bessho Onsen

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Bessho Onsen

The oldest hot spring town with outdoor and foot baths in Nagano prefecture spreading national treasures and important cultural properties.

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A traditional hot spring town with a history of 1400 years. Many shrines and temples scattered throughout the area, it has long been known as the “Kamakura of Shinshu” and loved by many people. It also appears in “Makura No Soshi (The Pillow Book, a famous essay written in the old times), as a “Hot spring for beauty”. Women in those times used to go to Bessho Onsen before getting married to condition their skin for their wedding. Five outdoor and foot baths are located, enjoy bathing while walking around the city.

The temple is also home to the Kitamuki Kannon (North-facing Goddess of Mercy), which is said to be blessed by making a “double visit” with Zenkoji temple (in Nagano city) which stands to the south, Jorakuji temple in Tendai sec flourished as a school of mathematics in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), Anrakuji temple is one of the oldest Rinzai- zenshu sect temples along with Kenchoji temple in Kamakura, and more, visiting important shrines and temples is available on foot, collecting the red ink stamps is also popular recently. Bessho shrine located on the high ground is also a popular spot and has been known for fulfillment in love.

The hot spring town is dotted with over 10 inns of different styles. All of them are less than 40 guest rooms in size and offer a relaxing atmosphere in a hot spring town. Each inn has characteristics, for example, with a fine view open- air bath, single travelers are welcome, and some boast excellent cuisine, which makes you happy to choose with your needs.

Highlights

  • Early reservation is recommended because of a small number of guest rooms.
  • There are many restaurants that deliver to inns.
  • Transfer to the Uedadentetsu at the Ueda station, where the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops, and arrive at Bessho onsen station in 30 minutes.

Photos

  • Walking around is fun in a hot spring town with steam from springs.

    Walking around is fun in a hot spring town with steam from springs.

  • Sanada no Kakushiyu is one of the three open-air springs.

    Sanada no Kakushiyu is one of the three open-air springs.

  • Kitamuki Kannon (North-facing Goddess of Mercy) is known as Yakuyoke Kannon (driving away evil spirits) and brings benefits gaining in the world.

    Kitamuki Kannon (North-facing Goddess of Mercy) is known as Yakuyoke Kannon (driving away evil spirits) and brings benefits gaining in the world.

  • Anrakuji temple provides hands-on programs of Zazen and Shakyo.

    Anrakuji temple provides hands-on programs of Zazen and Shakyo.

  • Jorakuji temple  has an important two-storied pagoda made with stone.

    Jorakuji temple has an important two-storied pagoda made with stone.

Reviews

1
  • 薛玉美

    別所溫泉是長野最古老的溫泉♨️,是屬於天然溫泉。保留了很多國寶重要文化財等歷史建築🏗,相當值得前來探訪哦

Details

Name in Japanese
別所温泉
Postal Code
386-1431
Address
1853-3 Besshonsen, Ueda City, Nagano
Telephone
0268-38-3510 (Bessho Onsen Tourism Association)
Hours
Free to walk around anytime
Admission
Free (Extra money is required at a facility).
Direction
A short walk from Bessho Onsen station on Uedadentetsu.
Credit Cards
Depend on facilities
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)