Japan's Mountain Onsen Country
Nagano is Japan's mountain onsen country — and the snow monkeys made it famous. But beyond the Jigokudani park that draws visitors year-round, there's a network of quieter hot spring towns scattered through the Japanese Alps that most foreign visitors never find.
🔍 We earn a commission when you book through our Viator links, at no extra cost to you.
Nagano Onsen
Hot Springs in Nagano
From the world-famous snow monkey hot spring to secluded mountain ryokan and ski-resort onsen — here's what's actually bookable.
3-Day Nagano Onsen Circuit: Snow Monkeys, Mountain Springs & Sake
From $220 per person
Book on Viator →Showing 6 of 39 Nagano onsen experiences. See All on Viator →
Questions
Nagano Onsen FAQ
Yes — Jigokudani Park in the Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park is where Japanese macaques have been bathing in natural hot spring pools since the 1960s. It's one of the most photographed things in Japan.
Nagano has something every season. Summer is shoulder season with fewer crowds and good hiking + onsen. Autumn foliage around the mountain onsen towns is spectacular. Spring is cherry blossom season.
Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (80 minutes). From there, buses or rental car needed to reach specific onsen towns.
Mountain ryokan and tourist-oriented venues are generally welcoming. Some smaller traditional onsen in rural areas may still restrict visible tattoos — check ahead.