Hoppo Onsen

What it is

• The oldest hot spring area in Shiga Kogen, discovered between 1802 and 1842.
• A high-altitude retreat sitting at an elevation of 1,600 meters in Yamanouchi Town.
• The site served as a venue for giant slalom events during the Nagano Olympics.
• Hot springs feature simple sulfur and hydrogen sulfide water at 50 degrees Celsius.

What to see

• Baths created by mixing spring water with steam from Nishidateyama.
• Historical site mentioned in the Kutuno Nikki diary by Sakuma Shozan.
• Mountain scenery surrounding the oldest thermal source in the Shiga Kogen region.

Getting there

• Buses run directly from Nagano Station to the hot spring area.
• Local bus services connect Yudanaka Station to the site.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.