Many people visit Nagano Prefecture, with the primary goals of observing Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs, experiencing the region's renowned hot springs, or enjoying the winter snow. Nagano's mountainous terrain, characterized by valleys, provides ideal locations for hot springs and hotels.

During my stay at my brother's house in Nagano, he took me to an onsen that I had never heard of before. I was incredibly impressed by the panoramic view, which inspired me to write this review.

The name of this place is Yusankan. It is located about 20 kilometers south of Sakaki City, Nagano. Their website is http://www.yusankan.co.jp/.


After visiting Matsumoto Castle, we returned to the onsen here.

Upon entering, you will find the reception area directly in front of you.

The service is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but customers are only accepted until around 8:00 PM.

Tourist-related service fees are available in various forms.

Admission fee: Adults 500 yen, elementary school students 300 yen. After 8 pm, the admission fee is reduced to 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary school students.

Coupons are available in sets of 12 for 5,000 yen and for elementary school students for 3,000 yen only.


The interior is clean and spacious. However, remember to remove your shoes upon entering and place them neatly in the provided lockers. These lockers operate on a 100 yen deposit system. After inserting the coin, place your belongings inside, twist the lock, and keep the key with you. Upon your return, retrieve your belongings and the locker will dispense your 100 yen deposit.

It's time to go inside. There will be lockers for us to store our belongings. When entering the onsen, you will need to undress. They will provide a small towel to cover yourself, but don't be shy, they don't really look at each other. Except for us, we like to look at theirs.

This is a gender-segregated area. Men, please enter through the right side.


Upon entering, you will be greeted by a magnificent sight, akin to a swimming pool. However, refrain from jumping in and instead, gently immerse yourself. Before entering, kindly grab a plastic chair located near the entrance. Upon entering, you are required to shower using the showerheads provided on the wall. Feel free to use the provided soap and shampoo, or bring your own if you prefer.


Before entering, take a look inside. It is clean and spacious, with both indoor and outdoor onsen pools. If you are new to onsen, start by slowly dipping your body in little by little to allow your body to adjust to the temperature.


Let's move on to the outdoor pond area. There are several ponds outside, including two private ones. It's quite enjoyable.


Stepping outside, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The city lights twinkled below, offering a panoramic vista. As night fell, I lay under the stars, enjoying the cool air and the mesmerizing glow of the cityscape. The onsen provided the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the moment.


How about that? Seeing this makes you want to try it, right?


This is my favorite zone. We can lie down and soak in the water just like in a swimming pool, with the water level just reaching our bodies. Look at the view, it's amazing!


This is a small pool that I mentioned. People usually soak in it for 10-15 minutes before moving to another pool. It is very private and clean. Yusankan Sakaki Nagano.


This is a night view, taken with a mobile phone. You have to go there yourself and tell me about it.


This location offers various zones, including accommodations. For more information, please visit the website.

Photo credit: Yusankan and Nagano Prefecture Tourist Information Center. These sources helped me find the name of this place, as my phone battery was about to die and I couldn't remember where I was.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Mamoru Watanabe of the Nagano Prefectural Government for his invaluable contributions.

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