Top HIRUGAMI ONSEN Hotels & Resorts [LUXURY/MID-RANGE][RESEARCH-BASED][UNSEEN JAPAN]

Top HIRUGAMI ONSEN Hotels & Resorts [LUXURY/MID-RANGE][RESEARCH-BASED][UNSEEN JAPAN]

Journey with us to a place where the earth meets the heavens. Hiugami Anen, a serene village nestled in southern Nagano. This destination is renowned for a truly special highlight, its night sky, officially praised as one of the very best in Japan for stargazing. By day, you can explore the charming riverine onen town. Or in season, wander through Hanamomo Nosato, a beautiful riverside arboritum that bursts into color with thousands of flowering peach trees. to help you find the perfect retreat under the stars. Up next, we’re revealing the best accommodations in this enchanting corner of Japan. A quick note before we continue. After watching, be sure to check the description for direct links to each hotel, extra tips, and our hotel selection criteria. Disclaimer: I may not have stayed at every hotel featured in this video, but each recommendation is based on thorough research and analysis of recent guest reviews, amenities, and value. Discover Seite Ishida, a pristine riverside rioon built in the prestigious Sukia Zukuri style. With just 17 rooms, it offers an atmosphere of absolute tranquility and exclusivity. Each room is an exquisite sanctuary featuring authentic Japanese or Japanese western design with intricate traditional decor. Rooms at Seitite Ishida are a spacious sanctuary ranging from 28 to 85 square meters and providing sufficient comfort for couples and small families. Every room offers pristine garden views and comes with top-notch amenities including traditional tatami flooring, a private veranda and a choice of either westernstyle beds or futons for a truly unique experience. Upscale rooms also feature a private open air onen. Seekite Ishida offers a superb array of facilities for both relaxation and cultural immersion. Unwind in the tranquil indoor and open air onen with private sessions available on a first come first served basis. A spa with a variety of treatments is also available. For a truly unique experience, a no stage showcases iconic traditional Japanese performances. Enjoy exquisite meals at the restaurant, which serves a set breakfast and a multi-course kiiseki dinner. A rest area, library, tea room, and souvenir shop are also available for guests. The Hotel Hanaya offers a perfect retreat of ultimate tranquility. From its pristine hillside location just a short walk from the morning market and foot baths, this hotel is a peaceful sanctuary. The rooms are a perfect blend of style and comfort with elegant Japanese or Japanese western design and traditional tatami flooring. At Hotel Hanaya, every moderately spacious room provides a serene garden or mountain view. Sized from 16.5 to 33 square meters, the rooms come with a comfortable seating area, toiletries, and a yukata, although private bathrooms are not available. Hotel Hanaya provides a range of facilities for a truly traditional experience. Relax and rejuvenate in the tranquil indoor and open air onen. The on-site restaurant serves delicious breakfast and dinner, ensuring a complete and convenient stay. [Music] Hiugami Grand Hotel Tension, a three-star hotel with a central location in the heart of Hiroami onen. Just a 140 meter walk from the morning market. It provides easy access to local foot baths and a public bath house. Settle into a room of your choice. Whether Japanese, Japanese western or western, each featuring sleek interiors for a modern and comfortable stay. Rooms at Hiugami Grand Hotel Tenshin, ranging from 15 to 37 square meters, are of an average size, but offer a comfortable retreat with stunning mountain views. Every room is equipped with amenities, including a bathtub, a seating area, a TV, and a traditional yucata. For a truly unique experience, be sure to inquire about select rooms that feature a private open air bath. Hiugami Grand Hotel Tension provides an array of facilities for a complete and relaxing stay. Unwind in the tranquil indoor and open air onen, or simply enjoy a soothing moment at the foot bath. For dining, a choice of three restaurants awaits, and a comfortable lounge is available for relaxation. Experience a perfect blend of convenience and style at Rioan Ura Safein. Just 400 meters from the morning market and a public bath house, this riverside rioon offers easy access to local attractions and a nearby convenience store. Rooms are a serene retreat available in Japanese, Western or Japanese Western styles with sleek minimalist decor. Rioan Uraato Safewen offers a tranquil escape where every room provides a breathtaking mountain view. Rooms are an average size for a rioon, ranging from 18 to 69 m. But the excellent amenities ensure a comfortable stay. Enjoy a yucata, a seating area, a TV, and premium toiletries. For the ultimate indulgence, select rooms come with a private onsen. Rioan Yura no Yado Seuen provides a superb array of facilities for a complete and relaxing stay. Indulge in an exquisite experience at the restaurant, which serves a delicious breakfast and a traditional kiiseki dinner. Unwind in the tranquil indoor and open air onen with private sessions available for an additional fee. A relaxing afterbath resting area and a convenient souvenir shop are also available for guests. [Music] Situated just 230 m from the morning market and 150 m from the riverside foot bath, Oyato Sansui is a three-star hotel with a location that is simply unmatched. The hotel offers a perfect blend of style and convenience with Japanese or Japanese western rooms that combine traditional interiors with modern comfort for a relaxing stay. Find a spacious sanctuary at Oyato Sansui. Rooms are generously sized starting at 41 m and provide a comfortable retreat with a seating area, a TV, and a tea set. All rooms also come with a traditional yucata. For a truly special stay, inquire about select rooms that feature a private open air bath. Please note, some rooms do require stair access, making them unsuitable for guests with mobility issues. [Music] Oyato Sansui offers a full range of facilities to ensure a tranquil stay. Relax and rejuvenate in the indoor and open air onen and sauna. Find a moment of peace in the beautiful Japanese garden or unwind in the comfortable lounge. A restaurant serves both a set breakfast and a traditional kiiseki dinner, and a souvenir shop is available to find a perfect momento. [Music] Og Kofu is a three-star rioon that provides a serene atmosphere just steps away from everything you need. Located next to a convenience store, various eeries, and a public bath house, convenience is a key part of the experience. Guests can settle into a western or Japanese western room, each featuring relaxing, warm- colored interiors. The rooms at Ogite Kofu are a serene escape. Though compact at 15 to 22 m, they provide a sufficient living area for couples. Each room is appointed with a private veranda and excellent amenities like a tea set, a yucata and a seating area. For a special touch, select upscale rooms are furnished with a private open air bath. Og Kofu provides a perfect blend of relaxation and local flavor. Unwind in the tranquil indoor and open air onen. For dining, the on-site restaurant serves delicious Shinshu delicacies that highlight the region’s best cuisine. A comfortable lounge is also available for guests to relax and socialize. [Music]

PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING

Hirugami Onsen, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of Achi, Nagano, is a village officially declared as having the best stargazing in all of Japan! This tranquil riverside hot spring town is famous for its exceptional alkaline waters, renowned for their skin-smoothing properties that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.

By day, enjoy the serene mountain scenery and the soothing onsen baths, and by night, prepare to be mesmerized by a breathtaking blanket of stars unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

HOW TO GET TO HIRUGAMI ONSEN

To reach the beautiful mountain location of Hirugami Onsen, you have two excellent options. For a direct and convenient public transport journey, you can take a highway bus from major cities like Nagoya or Shinjuku in Tokyo, which provides a straightforward route directly into the onsen area.

Alternatively, renting a car is highly recommended for the added flexibility it offers. While the bus will get you to the town, having your own vehicle is invaluable for exploring the scenic Achi Village at your own pace and is especially practical for accessing the various stargazing tour locations at night.

Check official site (https://hirugamionsen.jp/en/access) for more info:

Affiliate Disclosure: The following section contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission from our partners if you book a room through their platforms. However, we prioritize our commitment to our viewers. You can rest assured that the information we present here is unbiased.

BOOK NOW with:
Expedia: (https://expedia.com/affiliates/tourist_sense/main)
Agoda: https://agoda.tp.st/K9Sx1SEe

1. SEKITAITEI ISHIDA

Expedia: https://expedia.com/affiliates/achi-hotels-sekitaitei-ishida.dZmw3Xw
Agoda: https://agoda.tpx.lt/Vg35XtHY

2. HOTEL HANAYA

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Agoda: https://agoda.tpx.lt/r8ognCcD

3. HIRUGAMI GRAND HOTEL TENSHIN

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4. RYOKAN YURA NO YADO SEIFUEN

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Agoda: https://agoda.tpx.lt/q9xVOZsF

5. OYADO SANSUI

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Agoda: https://agoda.tpx.lt/MODFoCa9

6. OTOGITEI KOFU

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Agoda: https://agoda.tpx.lt/HdErL2CE

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

1. It is highly recommended to book a room with breakfast when staying in Hirugami Onsen. The area has few restaurants. Most open late and close early, making the hotel’s breakfast a convenient and reliable choice.

Regarding dinner (and breakfast in some hotels), it is essential to arrive at your hotel’s restaurant on time. If you are significantly late, the hotel may refuse to serve you, even if you have already paid for the meal.

2. As with many other destinations in Japan, most public onsens do not permit tattoos. If you wish to enjoy a hot spring experience, it’s best to book accommodations that offer private onsens for a more comfortable and relaxing soak.

3. When booking accommodation in Hirugami Onsen, it’s important to note that some traditional Japanese rooms feature futon bedding laid directly on tatami mats. While this can be a unique and authentic experience, futons may not be suitable for elderly guests or those with mobility issues, as getting up from the floor can be challenging.

For greater comfort and convenience, it is recommended that travelers in these groups choose a room with Western-style beds. Many hotels and ryokans offer both options, so be sure to check room details before making a reservation.

4. A key highlight of visiting Hirugami Onsen is that the experience is built around its world-class stargazing, and most accommodations in the area offer a dedicated nighttime tour for their guests. This service typically includes a shuttle bus that takes you directly from your accommodation to the primary viewing location, such as the Heavens Sonohara ropeway. Because these tours are incredibly popular and often sell out, especially on clear nights, it is crucial that you inquire about booking the stargazing tour when you make your room reservation or contact the hotel well in advance of your stay to secure your spot.

Our Criteria for the list:
– Available for booking on multiple platforms
– Located in Hirugami Onsen, Nagano, Japan
– Receive excellent review scores (at least 80%) on all booking platforms
– Sufficiently spacious for 2 guests.
– All rooms must be air-conditioned.
– Facilities must be sufficient for guests to stay with comfort.
– No cleanliness or service issues
– My personal experience with the accommodation (if any) must be positive.