Recommended onsen you should definitely check out - this is where you can enjoy Karuizawa in the winter!

Hoshinoya Karuizawa

Reference: https://twitter.com/Travelbook_cojp/status/924410595134398464
The first place we’d like to recommend is Hoshinoya Karuizawa, which stands in the forested valley. This is an old onsen ryokan that was established in 1914. The thing that draws people to Hoshinoya Karuizawa is their natural open air bath. It’s said that the hot spring water that is pumped up from the underground spring is effective for recovering from fatigue, and helping achieve beautiful skin.

Looking at the steadily falling and accumulating snow while in the onsen feels great, and you can easily lose track of time. We also recommend the meditation bath which is exclusively for guests who are staying. The water is slightly hot at 39-40 degrees Celsius, but is very effective for peeling away the dirt on the outer layers of the skin. After your bath your skin will be left feeling very smooth.

【Details】
Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: open 24 hours

Kose Onsen Hotel

Reference: https://twitter.com/ignite_media/status/824016016120442880
Kose Onsen Hotel stands deep in the mountains, and its onsen facility boasts 2 of its own hot spring sources. The pure natural hot spring waters that well up from within the premises is great for warming up from a chill and recovering from fatigue.

The two onse - at a temperature of 52 and 45 degrees Celsius respectively - will warm your body, chilled from the cold winds, down to the core. Also, there is a private open air bath with a lock available within the premises (free of charge). You can enjoy a relaxing time in the onsen without worrying about the gaze of others.

【Details】
Address: 2126 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 1:00pm (large bath), 1:00pm - 11:00pm (private open air bath)

Karuizawa Sengataki Onsen

Reference: https://twitter.com/karuizawa_navi/status/928164277554253824
The Karuizawa Sengataki Onsen is a day trip onsen facility operated by Prince Hotels. Within the facilities, in addition to a garden-based open air bath and a free-flowing hanging roof open air bath, there’s also a sauna and cold water bath. You can take in the expansive snowy scenery before you thanks to the glass-windowed large bath interior.

You can utilize all of the onsen facilities for 1,200 yen for adults, and 700 yen for children (from 3 - 12 years old). Also, the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort is just 15 minutes away by car, so how about including some onsen comfort time in your ski trip plans?

【Details】
Address: Sengataki Onsen, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 9:30pm

Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu

Reference: https://twitter.com/golf5_GTfirst/status/859970579968909312
Founded in 1915, Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu is a day trip onsen facility with a history of over 100 years. Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu is one of the famous onsen representative of Karuizawa, known for its skin beautifying effects. This hot water that moisturizes the skin comes from a 100%-natural hot spring source that wells up from underground.

Get your fill in the Karuizawa winter by immersing yourself in an open air bath while looking at the snowy mountains. Harunire Terrace, where you can find a line-up of cafes and general stores, is also just a 10 minute walk from Hoshino Onsen Tombo no Yu - why not drop by while visiting the onsen?

【Details】
Address: 2148 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm

Shiotsubo Onsen Hotel

Reference: https://twitter.com/1000vero_sakaba/status/906095823292833794
Next we’d like to introduce the Shiotsubo Onsen Hotel, a popular onsen facility that became famous as the first natural hot spring discovered during the Kamakura Period. During the Kamakura Period, the popular military commander Minamoto no Yoritomo is said to have stopped by. When Minamoto no Yoritomo was on his way to worship at the Zenkoji Temple, he stopped by the Shiotsubo Onsen to heal an injured crane - or so the story goes...in any case, this is an onsen with a long history.

Since then it became known as the “spring of longevity,” and every year many tourists come to visit. This onsen features a variety of baths, such as large baths with a jacuzzi, sleeping baths (shallow water for bathing while laying down), private family baths, and more. The facility can be used for 1,000 yen for adults, and 500 yen for children (from 3 years old to elementary school age). The spring content is weak alkaline carbonated, which has skin moisturizing effects and helps keep your gastrointestinal system in check.

【Details】
Address: Shiotsubo, Nakakaruizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00am - 9:00pm

Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa

Reference: https://twitter.com/travel_jp_guide/status/759219229228957697
Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa is a new resort hotel that just opened in July 2016. Reachable in five minutes by car from Karuizawa Station, it’s got great access. The centerpiece of Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa is the natural open air bath on the top floor of the facility, “Komorebi”.

The hot water that comes directly from Iwate Prefecture feels good on your skin, like lotion. After bathing your skin will be smooth and springy. Rated highly for its skin effects, this hot spring water is also known as “beautiful skin hot water,” and is loved by female guests from both inside and outside Japan. It’s also fully equipped with large baths, letting you pop in and out while on a day trip. Taking a nice long bath lets you relax your body.

【Details】
Address: 469-4 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 6:00am - 10:00am, 3:00pm - 1:00am

Oyachi Onsen

Reference: https://twitter.com/tyakosi/status/253731245127778304
Oyachi Onsen is a day trip onsen facility with a history of more than 200 years. This onsen’s most renown feature is that its hot water uses a mineral spring. Mineral springs are hot water that contain plenty of minerals and gasses, for a thick, smooth feeling.

The hot water at Oyachi Onsen is good for atopic skin, and as there isn’t much stimulation for the skin, even those with sensitive skin can bathe with peace of mind. These effects are even recommended by local doctors. At 340 yen for adults, 130 yen for kids, and 70 yen for infants, it’s surprisingly cheap. It’s incredible value for money.

【Details】
Address: Shiono-oyachi, Miyota-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 8:00am - 9:00pm

Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso

Reference: https://twitter.com/washoking/status/909764616921550848
Next, we’d like to introduce Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso, at the base of Mt. Asama. Tengu Onsen Asama Sanso took 1st place in the “Nationwide Onsen Quality Best 10” ranking. It features onsen that are colored bright red, like autumn leaves. A long time ago, there was a legend that stated that the onsen became red due to a tengu (a type of Japanese spirit) entering it - this is also where the “Tengu Onsen” name comes from.

The hot water in this Tengu Onsen can be relied on for fatigue recovery and getting rid of chills, and sees crowds ranging from locals to foreign visitors. Also, within the facility there is a large bath that provides a magnificent view of the outdoors. After sweating a bit in the bath, it might be nice to enjoy a lazy moment on the terrace in the neighboring dressing room.

【Details】
Address: 4766-2 Komata, Komoro, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Yuusuge Onsen Ryokan

Reference: https://twitter.com/hamadasensho/status/915863544800862208
Finally, we’d like to introduce Yuusuge Onsen Ryokan, a natural hot spring with hot water dug up from a spring that flows up from 400 meters underground. Weak alkaline hot water is said to be effective in getting rid of chills and for achieving beautiful skin - a feature popular with women. The onsen water is silky smooth to the touch, and your chilled body will be warmed to its core.

Bathing while looking at the expansive Mt. Asama from outside the window is true bliss, and you may find yourself losing track of time. Also, Yuusuge Onsen Ryokan is just a 5 minute car drive from the nearest station Naka-Karuizawa Station - just excellent access. It’s 500 yen per person, and can be visited while on a day trip, so you should definitely check it out during your Karuizawa sightseeing travels. Incidentally, you can rent a bath towel at 600 yen per person.

【Details】
Address: 4404 Nagakura, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00am - 8:00pm

Enjoying onsen together with your Karuizawa sightseeing

Reference: https://twitter.com/groovers_saku/status/928421035086462976

So there you have it - in Karuizawa, with so many different sightseeing spots, there are still many more luxury ryokan and onsen facilities that can be visited while on a day trip. All the onsen are also located in a excellent position that makes the most of Karuizawa’s great natural landscape. How about enjoying Karuizawa’s winter to conclude your trip with? There are many facilities near the ski resorts, all very easy to drop in to. You should definitely drop by at least once!

Pricing information and schedule may not be up to date and are subject to change without notice. Please check before your trip.