Kiriake Hot Spring

When my eldest son was in nursery school, we often went there on consecutive weekends. Even if he doesn't like baths, you can play in the bath while you're there, and it's free. However, since it gets a lot of tourists, adults need to wear swim trunks. There is also an open-air bath at a hot spring inn on the cliff across from the river... It gets cold in the mountains, so don't forget to dress warmly! After the rain, we'll have to make the bath from scratch, so I wonder if we'll need a shovel? Usually the bath is already made to some extent, so you can get in by just clearing the stones with your hands. If you're lucky, you can get into a large bath, as in the second picture. The river next door is clear, and it seems you can catch carp there.

20250814, Kiriake Onsen is located deep in Akiyamago, a hidden area on the border between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. Its greatest attraction is the opportunity to dig your own private open-air bath in the natural hot spring water that gushes forth from the banks of the Nakatsugawa River. Become one with nature and experience the true essence of this hidden, rustic hot spring. It's free, by the way. As this hot spring is located in a natural river, it's not managed, meaning there are no separate baths for men and women. For this reason, please note that swimsuits are required.

I visited for the first time on a weekday at the end of September, during a hot summer. The experience of adjusting the temperature of the 50°C-plus hot springs bubbling up on the riverbank with river water amidst the great outdoors brings me back to my childhood, and I lost track of time as I splashed around in the water. Be careful of sunburn and the narrow roads along the way.

I think it would be interesting to dig a hole with a shovel and create a place where you can bathe yourself. Personally, I think it would be better to use heavy machinery to prepare a certain amount of space, draw in water from the hot spring and river, and then each person could make fine adjustments with a shovel. This is just my opinion.

Have the piping hot spring all to yourself! We recommend passing through Manza and Okushiga and heading to Akiyamago (closed in winter)! This forest road (fully paved) is only for those with ample fuel and the ability to drive. Be careful of bears and other wild animals, as well as the weather!