別所温泉 大湯

I was planning to stay in Nagano, and since I had some free time, I decided to check out the Bessho Onsen area. The admission fee was 300 yen. Hmm... what can I say? The water quality was very good, it was a single-source hot spring, and it was sulfurous, so it really warmed my body. The sulfur smell was amazing, and the appearance was a mysterious yellow-green, so it was good, but... there were some things that personally disappointed me. First of all, there's the open-air bath. As a hot spring fanatic, I don't care about the view. And like others have said, I don't care about things like being completely visible from the inn. However, the moment I opened the door to the open-air bath, I was hit with a strong chlorine smell. As soon as I opened it, I thought, "Ah..." and got in, smelled it carefully, and my suspicions were confirmed. I was disappointed. Also, when I Googled it, it said something like "direct from the source," but there was a sign on the indoor bath that said "circulating water." That was also disappointing. This is just my personal opinion, but I had the impression that public baths in hot spring resorts often use spring water directly from the source... Well, the quality of the hot spring itself is very good, so perhaps it would be a good idea to consider operating it as a free-flowing facility?

September 14, 2025, Morning Bath I arrived before 10 AM; there were 5-6 other customers already there. The entrance fee was 300 yen. Shoe lockers and changing room shelves were free, and there were lockers for valuables. Soap and other toiletries were not provided. There was one indoor bath; the water appeared slightly cloudy and had a strong sulfurous smell. My thermometer measured the water temperature at 40°C. There were 6-7 faucets in the washing area, but no showers. There was also a small open-air bath, which should have used the same hot spring source as the indoor bath, but it appeared colorless and transparent. The smell and temperature were the same as the indoor bath. However, the bathtub was completely visible from the building next door (laughs). After warming up thoroughly in the indoor bath, I took a break and then went to the open-air bath. Once warmed up in the open-air bath, I could enjoy the fresh air and the water in a small seating area next to the bathtub. I savored the water slowly, and as expected, my whole body smelled strongly of sulfur. Finally, I poured cold water over my head before getting out. There was no air conditioning in the changing room, only a fan, so I was glad I had splashed myself with water beforehand. I'd like to visit again when it's cooler.

Bessho Onsen Oyu Local public bath Colorless, slight sulfur odor, slight mineral deposits Weakly alkaline sulfur spring, pH 9 (I couldn't find the label, but the nearby drinking spring and foot bath are this, so I think this is probably about right.) Indoor bath: 1 medium-sized, Outdoor bath: 1 small-sized, No sauna As it's a public bath, it's not very large. There is an outdoor bath, but it's surrounded by walls, so it feels like it's just outside. I wonder if it would be different if it was snowing? No amenities, no hair dryer There are free key lockers, but they're basically baskets. There are also key lockers outside the changing room, which you can use. Usage: 300 yen, 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM Transportation From around Ikushima Ashishima Shrine, take Route 177 towards the mountain. The parking lot is about 200 meters below Oyu, so it's a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but there are also foot baths along the way. Although not in this building, there are drinking springs and foot baths nearby. Stone baths and Daishi baths, etc., are also 300 yen, so it might be worth visiting them.

The sulfur spring water is a light green, tea-like color. ☺️ You'll feel refreshed and warm after your bath. Since it's a public bath, towels and soap are required, but amenities can also be purchased from the ticket machine at the entrance. It's okay to come empty-handed. 😉 Parking is prohibited in front of the facility, and while there are plenty of parking spaces owned by other inns, be sure to park in the designated parking lot. There's a sign for "Oyu Parking Lot" 🪧 below the 3-star Hanaya Ryokan. It's about a 200m climb up the hill. After your bath, you'll have to walk down the hill, so it's a nice, refreshing walk. 😉 Parking is free. It can accommodate more than 10 cars. 2026.2.15

This bath does not have a shower, and does not provide body soap or shampoo. Of course, there is no conditioner either. The hot water is controlled by a button, so you have to add water yourself to adjust the amount. If you want shampoo or other items, you have to pay separately. Even though it only costs 300 yen, it's unthinkable to have a bath without a shower these days. Not only is the drain difficult to flush hair down, but the hot water from the person next to you gets on your feet and body. It is apparently better than public baths in Tokyo. I recommend Aisome no Yu, which is close to Bessho Onsen Station.