Yudanaka Hot Springs and Shiga Highlands

Shiga Plateau (or Shigakogen), located in the Japanese Alps, is a paradise for lovers of nature and mountain sports. The many onsen (hot springs) in the region can offer Yudanaka Shibu well-deserved moments of rest as well as numerous opportunities to regain shape.

Places to visit

Yudanaka Onsen

This onsen is made up of nine hot springs: Shin-Yudanaka, Yudanaka, Hoshikawa, Honami, Kakuma, Anda, Shibu and Jigokudani Kambayashi, all characterized by abundant sources emanating from the earth, among the most important in Japan. Shibu-Onsen is particularly appreciated for its nine Soto-yu (public bath), which remain accessible only to people who stay in one of the hotels and guesthouses in town. The atmosphere of the spa, rich in references to the traditions of the past, attracts many visitors: it is said that to soak in all the nine Soto-yu baths, it helps to alleviate worries and is useful to ward off evil, to maintain a good health, give birth easily and ensure long life. Jigokudani-onsen is famous for wild monkeys bathing in the dell’onsen waters.

• Address: 40-60 minutes by train from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station. Shin-Yudanaka, Yudanaka, Hoshikawa Honami hot springs are accessible on foot from Yudanaka Station. The others are accessible by a bus service.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

A part of the Jigokudani Natural Park is limited to about 270 monkeys, fed three times a day. Visitors can watch the meal times, and watch the monkeys swim in the onsen pool, especially during winter.

• Address: 30 minutes on foot from Kambayashi hot springs, passing through Yumichi road, and arrive at Shibu Hot springs, with a walk of about 40 minutes.
  http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
• http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp

Shiga Highlands

In the center of Joshin-Etsu Kogen National Park, about thirty kilometers from the city of Nagano, you will find a resort surrounded by peaks that touch 2000 meters. The viewpoint of the mountains, which can be reached by cable car or chairlift , is awesome. Visitors can enjoy all kinds of sports and activities in contact with nature: skiing, hiking, tennis, cycling, golf, camping, fishing, … The Shiga plateau is one of the main ski resorts in Japan, with more than 20 tracks and is known to be one of the best ski centers in the world. In the region, there is also a beautiful and dense forest, as well as numerous lakes and swamps, such as the ponds and Maruike Hasuike. From late spring to late summer you can see a wide variety of alpine flowers.

• Address: 30-40 minutes by bus from Yudanaka Station in different parts of the Shiga Highlands.

Shigakogen Center for Conservation Nagano Prefecture

This center offers visitors the opportunity to explore the local nature through hikes or photography exhibitions where they can admire the wonders of the fauna and flora of the region.

• Direction: From Shigagogen Sogo Kaikan Hall 98, get off at the Hasuike funicular (Hasuike aerial).

Hoppo hot springs

Located 1600 meters above sea level, these spas are also known as “onsen above the clouds”. They are very popular with tourists, including skiers and hikers who decide to take a short break in this hot spring, to relax their muscles and continue the walk the next day.

• Address: 8 minutes by funicular from Hoppe Onsen or Hasuike bus stops.

Mount Higashi Takayama

The top of this mountain rises to 1994 meters above sea level, and offers a view over the peaks among the most spectacular in the region. There you will find a botanical garden, which lists more than 500 varieties of alpine plants.

• Address: 6 minute chairlift from Hoppo Onsen.

Transport

• Nagano Station> (40 to 50 minutes for Nagano Dentetsu Line)> Yudanaka Station