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Explore the public bathhouses and collect imprints in this hot spring town lined with accommodations and other facilities.
Nozawa Onsen is a historic hot spring town lined with public bathhouses, accommodations, and a variety of restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients. Several theories surround its discovery: one attributes it to the Buddhist monk Gyoki during the reign of Emperor Shomu (724–748), while another credits a yamabushi mountain ascetic who discovered it during his training.
One of Nozawa Onsen’s main attractions is visiting its 13 soto-yu public bathhouses, which have been preserved since the Edo period (1603–1868). Each bath is supplied with 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water and is believed to offer different benefits, allowing visitors to choose one that suits their interests. Footbaths are also located throughout town and can be used on a day trip. Public footbaths are closed in winter, and other footbaths may also have usage restrictions.
There are also 27 rubbing stations at landmarks and historic sites throughout the hot spring town, where visitors can collect imprints. Those who collect 10 or more receive a commemorative “Yu Towel” featuring calligraphy by Taro Okamoto, an artist with ties to Nozawa Onsen. Since collecting the imprints also offers an opportunity to learn about the town’s history, combining it with a tour of the public bathhouses is recommended.
Oyu, located in the heart of the hot spring town, is a symbol of Nozawa Onsen
The public bathhouses are cherished gathering places used by local residents as well as visitors
Take a break at a footbath while exploring the town
Rubbing booklets are available for purchase at the Nozawa Onsen Tourist Information Center and other locations
Imprints are collected using a rubbing method: place the paper on the plate and rub it with a wooden stick to transfer the design
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Visiting the public bathhouses or open-air baths at this time is such a treat. You can really enjoy soaking in the hot springs. There are about a dozen bathhouses here, all maintained by local residents. ☺️
