Japan Travel: Wandering through Bessho Onsen Town, Nagano 59

Bessho Onsen (別所温泉), located just outside of central Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture, is a small onsen (hot spring) resort town. During the Kamakura Period (1192-1333), this town was the headquarters for the governor of the Shinshu Region (present-day Nagano Prefecture). The governor built temples here and brought the Kamakura culture to the mountain town. Bessho Onsen became an important center for education and religion, and received the nickname “Kamakura of Shinshu”.

In this region, Bessho Onsen is the oldest recorded onsen (hot spring). The onsen’s sulfurous waters are said to have special healing properties. According to legend, Bessho Onsen’s waters healed the arrow wounds of warriors who bathed in them. For visitors wishing to experience a small, traditional bathhouses, there are three such public bathhouses are town. For visitors who wish to a more spacious bath with more amenities, Aisome no Yu public bathhouse at the entrance of town, is recommended.

Bessho Onsen is a small town that is can be easily explored on foot. All of the town’s tourist attractions can be found within a 10 to 15 minute walk from the station. There are temples along the slopes surrounding the town. Visitors will find small shops, restaurants and ryokan (onsen inns) along the narrow streets and lanes emerging from the town center.

Access Information
From Nagano
1. Take the JR Nagano Shinkansen from Nagano Station to Ueda Station. The journey will take 15 minutes with a cost of 1440 yen for an unreserved seat. There are two departures per hour.
2. At Ueda Station, transfer to the Ueda Railway to Bessho Onsen, the last station on the line. The journey will take 30 minutes with a cost of 590 yen. There is a departure every 30 minutes.
Note: The Japan Rail Pass is valid between Nagano and Ueda, but does not cover the train between Ueda and Bessho Onsen.

Or
1. Take the Shinano Railway between Nagano and Ueda. The journey will take 45 minutes with a cost of 770 yen. There are two to three departures per hour).
2. At Ueda Station, transfer to the Ueda Railway to Bessho Onsen, the last station on the line. The journey will take 30 minutes with a cost of 590 yen. There is a departure every 30 minutes.
Note: The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on either the Shinano Railway or the Ueda Railway.

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