Bessho Onsen — relief & relaxation | Compare & book inns

Overview

Bessho Onsen, located in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, is the oldest hot spring resort in the Shinshu region, with a history stretching back over 1,400 years. Its ancient origins are even mentioned in Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book," a classic work of Japanese literature from the Heian period, where it was called "Nanakuri-no-yu."

Situated in the western part of the Shioda Plain, often called the "Kamakura of Shinshu," the town developed around Kitamuki Kannon, a temple famous for warding off evil. Visitors can still enjoy a traditional onsen experience by hopping between the three public bathhouses (soto-yu): Daishi-yu, Ishi-yu, and O-yu. The area is dotted with historic temples and shrines, creating a tranquil and charming atmosphere.

Signature Spring Quality and Benefits

The waters of Bessho Onsen are a mildly alkaline simple sulfur spring, which is quite rare in Japan. With a faint scent of sulfur, the water is known as a "bihada-no-yu" (beauty-enhancing water) because it leaves the skin feeling exceptionally smooth. The alkaline properties are believed to help exfoliate old skin cells, potentially promoting skin turnover.

• Atopic dermatitisThe weakly alkaline, simple sulfur water may help soothe the inflammation and itching characteristic of this skin condition. Its gentle exfoliating effect helps remove old keratin, promoting smoother skin.
• Psoriasis vulgarisBessho's weakly alkaline water is believed to help soften and gently remove the scaly skin patches typical of this condition. The water's sulfur content may also contribute to calming skin irritation.
• Chronic eczemaSoaking in this simple sulfur spring may offer relief from the persistent itching and inflammation associated with chronic eczema. The weakly alkaline water helps to gently cleanse and soothe irritated skin.
• Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)

Water Characteristics and Best Season

The source temperature is high at around 51°C (124°F), but it is cooled to a comfortable temperature at each facility. Many ryokans and public baths offer luxurious bathing in free-flowing spring water directly from the source. The most distinctive feature is the silky-smooth feeling on the skin after bathing. While enjoyable year-round, spring, when the new green leaves complement the historic temples, and autumn, with its beautiful foliage, are particularly wonderful times to visit for both hot springs and sightseeing.

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Nearby Sightseeing & Local Cuisine

• Kitamuki Kannon-do Temple: An ancient temple facing Zenko-ji Temple; it's said that praying at both brings greater blessings.
• Anraku-ji Temple: Famous for housing Japan's only wooden octagonal three-storied pagoda, a National Treasure.
• Joraku-ji Temple: A temple associated with the Hojo clan, featuring a thatched-roof main hall and a stone pagoda.
• Soto-yu Meguri (Public Bath Hopping): Enjoy visiting the three atmospheric public baths: Daishi-yu, Ishi-yu, and O-yu.
• Ueda Castle Ruins Park: The former stronghold of the Sanada clan, now a famous spot for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
• Oshibori Udon: A local specialty of the Ueda region, where udon noodles are dipped in the juice of grated spicy daikon radish.
• Shinshu Soba: A must-try dish, these fragrant buckwheat noodles are grown in the cool climate of the Shinshu region.
• Kurumi Ohagi: A sweet treat made with an abundance of locally grown walnuts.