Takamine Onsen: The Best Mountain Onsen Retreat in Nagano

Experience Takamine Onsen – A 2000m-High Hot Spring with Breathtaking Views ✨

Takamine Onsen is a hidden gem nestled at an altitude of 2000 meters in Nagano, Japan. This mountain onsen retreat offers an unforgettable escape from the city’s hustle, allowing you to relax in a serene natural setting. Whether you’re soaking in the open-air hot spring, gazing at the starry night sky, or savoring a warm cup of traditional Japanese tea, Takamine Onsen is the perfect place to rejuvenate. Here’s a detailed review of our stay, highlighting the best experiences this incredible lodge has to offer.

1. The Ultimate Mountain Onsen: “Unjo no Rotenburo” ♨️

The most remarkable feature of Takamine Onsen is its open-air bath, “Unjo no Rotenburo.” Located a short hike from the main lodge, this remote hot spring truly embodies the spirit of a hidden onsen.

Morning: Breathe in the fresh mountain air while soaking in the warm onsen. 🌿
Night: Relax under a sky full of stars for a magical experience. 🌌

💡 Tip: Try both morning and night sessions for the best experience!

Takamine Onsen outdoor hot spring Unjo no Rotenburo with stunning mountain views at 2000m altitude in Nagano, Japan.

2. Birdwatching and Relaxation in the Tea Lounge 🍵🦜

Inside the lodge, there’s a cozy lounge area where you can enjoy birdwatching. Binoculars are available by the window, allowing guests to observe wild birds and even squirrels—a delightful experience, especially for children.

Tea Selection: Instead of coffee, the lodge offers traditional Japanese teas such as soba tea and bamboo grass tea. Sipping warm tea while watching nature unfold outside the window was incredibly peaceful.

Takamine Onsen tea lounge with birdwatching, offering soba tea and bamboo grass tea in a peaceful mountain setting.

3. Stargazing Tour: A Magical Experience 🔭✨

At night, the lodge hosts a stargazing tour right in front of the building. Using a professional-grade telescope, the guide showed us breathtaking views of the moon and Saturn—an unforgettable experience for both adults and kids.

Clear skies reveal a stunning galaxy—far beyond what you see in the city! 🌠

💡 Tip: Check the weather forecast before your visit to maximize your chances of seeing the stars.

4. Traditional Mountain Cuisine 🍽️🌿

The meals at Takamine Onsen focus on local mountain ingredients. Portions are generous, ensuring guests are well-fed after a day of hiking or soaking in the onsen.

Simple yet delicious mountain cuisine
Warm and cozy wooden interiors create a relaxing atmosphere 🏡
Not a luxury ryokan, but a charming and clean mountain lodge

5. Recommended Hiking Spot: Pond Taira Marsh 🌲🥾

After checking out, we highly recommend visiting Pond Taira Marsh (Ike no Taira Shitsugen), a scenic hiking area nearby. The lodge offers a bento lunch (available for a fee), which is perfect for a picnic along the trail.

A peaceful nature walk with seasonal beauty 🍁

💡 Tip: Order your bento in advance from the lodge for a convenient hiking meal.

Pond Taira Marsh hiking trail near Takamine Onsen, a scenic nature walk with beautiful seasonal landscapes.

6. How to Get There & Best Seasons to Visit 🚗❄️

Access

By Car: About 3 hours from Tokyo (40 minutes from Komoro IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway)
By Public Transport:
- Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Sakudaira Station, then a bus (about 1 hour)
- Winter Access (Mid-November to Late April): A snowcat vehicle transports guests from the Mountain Resort Ski Parking Lot to Takamine Onsen. 🏔️🚜
- Free for overnight guests!