Togura Kamiyamada Onsen

Location and History

• Situated between Karuizawa and Nagano City, along the banks of the Chikuma River.
• Has a 120-year history as a hot spring resort.
• Traditionally served as a stopover for visitors to Zenkoji Temple in nearby Nagano.

Hot Spring Characteristics

• Known for its sulfuric waters with skin-beautifying properties.
• Water temperature is 47.3°C at the source.
• Classified as a pure sulfur spring (slightly alkaline).
• Believed to be effective for various ailments, including neuralgia, muscle soreness, and skin conditions.

Bathing Facilities

• Features 7 public bath houses and 2-3 free footbaths.
• About 30 inns and hotels in the area offer onsen baths.
• Many public baths operate late into the night, with prices ranging from 250 to 650 yen per visit.

Unique Aspects

• Home to Kamesei Ryokan, a traditional inn run by an American-Japanese couple, Tyler and Mari Lynch, making it more accessible to foreign tourists.
• Offers various cultural experiences, such as geisha entertainment, traditional workshops, and early-morning Zen meditation.

Town Atmosphere

• Visitors can enjoy strolling the streets in yukata and geta (traditional clothing and footwear) provided by most ryokans.
• Features an old-fashioned bar district with snack bars, izakaya, and karaoke lounges.
• Hosts a Sunday morning farmers market from May to October.

Accessibility

• Can be reached by train from Tokyo (about 2 hours) or Nagano (25 minutes).
• The town center is compact and can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

Togura Kamiyamada Onsen offers a blend of traditional Japanese onsen culture with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors seeking a relaxing and culturally rich hot spring experience.