Bessho Onsen - 別所温泉
(Ueda, Nagano)
There are three public baths, all with pretty much the same lovely sulfur-infused spring water. All three baths have the same cost, ¥150, and tickets are sold from a vending machine near the entrance. There are no showers in each of these baths, so you will use the faucets and a bucket to wash and rinse off. These baths are small, so make sure not to splash anyone. Additionally, during COVID, you are asked not to brush your teeth, plus some baths may limit the number of people using the facilities. None of the bathhouses have lockers for your items, but they are not necessary, in my opinion. If needed, coin lockers are ¥50. The coin is not returned, and you will need a 50 yen coin to use them. You can also drink the lovely tasting water from fountains found throughout the village and in front of the bathhouses. Note that the daily recommended limit of the spring water is about 100ml (see picture).
*Hot Spring Data*Spring Type: Sulphur spring - 硫黄泉Well Temperature: 50.6°CTemperature Type: Extra hot spring - 高温泉pH: 8.7pH Type: Alkaline - アルカリ性Osmotic Pressure: Low - 低張性Well Name: No. 4 Spring - ４号源泉
*Hot Spring Data*Spring Type: Sulphur spring - 硫黄泉Well Temperature: 50.6°CTemperature Type: Extra hot spring - 高温泉pH: 8.7pH Type: Alkaline - アルカリ性Osmotic Pressure: Low - 低張性Well Name: No. 4 Spring - ４号源泉
Ishi-yu
Ishi-yu
Japanese Name: 石湯Prefecture: NaganoCity: UedaAddress: 〒386-1431 長野県上田市別所温泉１６４１Access: 20min from Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Onsen Station / 上田電鉄 別所温泉駅Category: Hot Spring FacilityWebpage: https://besshoonsen-zaisanku.com/bath/index.html#ishiyuPrice: ¥200 (from June 1, 2022)Holiday: 2nd & 4th TuesdayHours: 6:00-22:00
Review: Here the single indoor triangle-shaped bath is built against some giant rocks. It appears that these rocks were naturally here, and the bathhouse was built around them. Not sure if that is true, but it looks cool and gives the place its name. Of the three day-use baths here, this is the most stylish. So, go here for the rocky aesthetics but be aware that this one has a lot of stairs. It's a bit cramped and small in the changing room, so it might not be the best option for the mobility impaired.
Visit Date: November 2021
Review: Here the single indoor triangle-shaped bath is built against some giant rocks. It appears that these rocks were naturally here, and the bathhouse was built around them. Not sure if that is true, but it looks cool and gives the place its name. Of the three day-use baths here, this is the most stylish. So, go here for the rocky aesthetics but be aware that this one has a lot of stairs. It's a bit cramped and small in the changing room, so it might not be the best option for the mobility impaired.
Visit Date: November 2021
Ō-yu
Ō-yu
Japanese Name: 大湯Prefecture: NaganoCity: UedaAddress: 〒386-1431 長野県上田市別所温泉２１５−１Access: 15min from Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Onsen Station / 上田電鉄 別所温泉駅Category: Hot Spring FacilityWebpage: https://besshoonsen-zaisanku.com/bath/index.html#ohyuPrice: ¥200 (from June 1, 2022)Holiday: 1st & 3rd WednesdayHours: 6:00-22:00
Review: This is the closest to the train station and the only one with an outdoor bath. I also felt this one was the hottest feeling. The main indoor bath here is a basic cut stone square basin. Of the three day-use bathhouses here, Ō-yu seems the easiest for an inexperienced bather as it has more space and a larger changing room.
Visit Date: November 2021
Review: This is the closest to the train station and the only one with an outdoor bath. I also felt this one was the hottest feeling. The main indoor bath here is a basic cut stone square basin. Of the three day-use bathhouses here, Ō-yu seems the easiest for an inexperienced bather as it has more space and a larger changing room.
Visit Date: November 2021
Daishi-yu
Daishi-yu
Japanese Name: 大師湯Prefecture: NaganoCity: UedaAddress: 〒386-1431 長野県上田市別所温泉１６５２−１Access: 20min from Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Onsen Station / 上田電鉄 別所温泉駅Category: Hot Spring FacilityWebpage: https://besshoonsen-zaisanku.com/bath/index.html#daishiyuPrice: ¥200 (from June 1, 2022)Holiday: 1st & 3rd ThursdayHours: 6:00-22:00
Review: Taishi-yu is the smallest and most straightforward of the three day-use baths at Bessho Onsen. The single bath is done in some lovely tiles that have become retro overage. The water here might also be the coolest of the three; however, every bath here is quite hot. Go here for a retro, nostalgic feel. Due to the size and lack of a toilet, this is the most challenging option for a first-timer. Currently, due to COVID, only five people are allowed inside at a time.
Visit Date: November 2021
Review: Taishi-yu is the smallest and most straightforward of the three day-use baths at Bessho Onsen. The single bath is done in some lovely tiles that have become retro overage. The water here might also be the coolest of the three; however, every bath here is quite hot. Go here for a retro, nostalgic feel. Due to the size and lack of a toilet, this is the most challenging option for a first-timer. Currently, due to COVID, only five people are allowed inside at a time.
Visit Date: November 2021
