Zao Onsen Kamiyu Public Bathhouse

After seeing the snow monsters illuminations, soaking yourself in a traditional onsen (hot spring) is the way to go. There a few onsens that are unmaned so they kindly ask that you pay 200 yen for use. Inside you'll find zero soap to rinse yourself so use the onsen water to clean yourself off before dipping in. The temperature isn't too bad, around 35 degrees Celsius so comfortable enough. It's definitely something to try if in the area or after some skiing/snowboarding.

This bath is the largest of the public onsen in Zao. It is the coldest of the onsen at 42.5°c, making it more accessible to families and people with sensitive skin. The quality of the water is great, my body felt silky after soaking. It's a beautiful building and at the top of the local shopping and restaurant street. Step out to have a snack then come back to soak again! Entry is ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for kids.

Was part of hotel free onsen service. They will provide a little stub to “pay” instead of 200yen. Also this particular onsen has the lowest temperature of 42deg which is already pretty hot or average for most hotel onsens. The others are at 43-44.3! How can you dip without scalding yourself?! But this one is perfect. Sulfur smell was present but still tolerable.

Whenever I go to the three public baths, I always have them all to myself. I wish I had someone to talk to, but it's a little lonely. I wish more people would use them.

I went a little after 6:00 AM. The water temperature was 42.5℃. It might seem hot, but perhaps because it was the middle of winter, it was just the right temperature. …