Yamada Onsen

What it is

• A hot spring resort serving as the center of Shinshu Takayama Onsenkyo.
• The resort area was established in 1798 after being discovered 800 years ago.
• Famous literary figures including Mori Ogai and Kobayashi Issa have visited the site.
• Nine traditional inns surround a central communal bathhouse known as Oyu.

What to see

• The Oyu communal bathhouse located at the center of the village.
• White thread-like mineral deposits floating in the natural hot spring water.
• The nearby Yamada Onsen Kids Snow Park for winter activities.
• Waters containing sulfur, sodium, calcium, and chloride at temperatures up to 70 degrees.

Getting there

• Buses and taxis run from Suzaka Station directly to the resort.
• A 30-minute drive from the Suzaka-Nagano-Higashi Interchange by car.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.