What to know
Yudanaka Onsen (湯田中温泉) has been a beloved hot spring resort for centuries, much like its neighbor Shibu Onsen. However, Yudanaka has undergone more development, giving it a more modern feel. As you walk uphill from the train station at the bottom of the gently sloping town, the atmosphere becomes increasingly traditional.
Yudanaka Station is the terminus of the Nagaden Railway, so train travelers arrive here first before exploring the rest of Yamanouchi. Inside the station, you'll find Kaede no Yu, a public bath where you can immediately soak in the local hot spring water. For those not ready to fully immerse, a free footbath awaits just outside the station.
At the top of town, accessible by a flight of 112 steps, stands Sekai Heiwa Kannon. The temple's highlight is a 25-meter-tall bronze statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, overlooking Yudanaka. Additional Kannon statues grace the main hall and the annex at the base of the large statue, representing temples along the Saigoku 33 temple pilgrimage route in the Kansai Region.
Yudanaka Onsen serves as the main gateway to the Yamanouchi area. It is the final stop on the Nagaden Railway Line from Nagano Station (70 minutes, 1,190 yen by local train; 45 minutes, 1,290 yen with unreserved seat or 1,590 yen with reserved seat on a limited express).
How to get to and around Yamanouchi
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 10:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30)
- Closed
- The first Tuesday of each month (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Yudanaka Onsen
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.