I’m planning to visit Nozawa Onsen, but there are so many public baths (sotoyu) that I don’t know which ones to try.
How many can I realistically visit?
How does a hot spring tour work?
If you have these questions, this guide is for you!
I’ll introduce all 13 sotoyu in Nozawa Onsen, highlighting their unique features.
I’ll also share my personal impressions, so be sure to check it out!
Introducing the 13 Sotoyu of Nozawa Onsen
About Nozawa Onsen’s Sotoyu
Nozawa Onsen has 13 public hot spring baths (sotoyu) that are open from early morning until evening.
However, they are not open 24 hours a day, so you won’t be able to bathe in the middle of the night.
The opening hours may vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
You can confirm the hours by asking at your accommodation or checking the signs at each sotoyu entrance.
Since these baths are community spaces used daily by local residents, please be mindful of bathing etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Guests staying in Nozawa Onsen accommodations can use the baths for free.
If you are not staying overnight, it is customary to leave a small donation in the offering box at the entrance of each sotoyu.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each sotoyu!
Ōyu (大湯)
Considered the symbol of Nozawa Onsen, Ōyu is located in the heart of the town.
As a well-known landmark, it is always bustling with tourists, and many families with children visit as well.
- Spring Type: Simple sulfur spring
- Benefits: Digestive disorders, rheumatism, gynecological conditions, paralysis, etc.
Kawahara-yu (河原湯)
Located slightly downhill from the town center, Kawahara-yu is easily accessible and often busy.
There’s a Yamazaki Y-Shop convenience store right in front, making it perfect for grabbing a drink after your bath.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Digestive disorders, rheumatism, gynecological conditions, paralysis, etc.
Akiha-no-yu (秋葉の湯)
Akiha-no-yu is located a bit outside the center, up a slope.
It is often visited by locals living nearby.
- Spring Type: Glauber’s salt-gypsum sulfur spring
- Benefits: Similar to the Asagama spring
Asagama-no-yu (麻釜の湯)
Located along Asagama Street, this bath is quite hot and usually less crowded.
Since it doesn’t cool down much due to fewer visitors, you might even have it all to yourself.
- Spring Type: Glauber’s salt-gypsum sulfur spring
- Benefits: Hemorrhoids, diabetes, rheumatism, paralysis, neuralgia, etc.
Kamitera-yu (上寺湯)
Located downhill from Shin-yu, Kamitera-yu tends to be quite hot, possibly because I always visit early in the morning when it’s quiet.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Cuts, burns, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids, diabetes, etc.
Kuma-no-tearai-yu (熊の手洗湯)
Further downhill from Kamitera-yu, this historic bath is said to have been discovered by a bear.
Despite its slightly remote location, it’s popular among both tourists and locals.
Personally, it’s my favorite.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Burns, cuts, etc.
Matsuba-no-yu (松葉の湯)
Located up a slight incline from Ōyu Street, Matsuba-no-yu is a great spot for a morning bath after browsing the morning market.
It’s not usually too crowded, and if you’re lucky, you might get the bath to yourself.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Similar to the Asagama spring
Nakao-no-yu (中尾の湯)
The largest sotoyu in Nozawa Onsen, Nakao-no-yu features a spacious building and a large bath with an open feel.
Since it’s in a more remote location, it’s not overly crowded, but you’ll often find local bathers here.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Skin diseases, rheumatism, gynecological conditions, lead and mercury poisoning, etc.
Shinden-no-yu (新田の湯)
Located along a small path between the town center and Nakao-no-yu, Shinden-no-yu was recently renovated and is very clean.
It’s usually quiet, so if you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself.
- Spring Type: Glauber’s salt-gypsum sulfur spring
- Benefits: Similar to the Asagama spring—hemorrhoids, diabetes, rheumatism, etc.
Shin-yu (真湯)
A little outside the town center, Shin-yu’s water color varies between greenish and milky white depending on the day.
It’s not very crowded, but it is quite hot.
- Spring Type: Glauber’s salt-gypsum sulfur spring
- Benefits: Similar to the Asagama spring—hemorrhoids, diabetes, rheumatism, etc.
Taki-no-yu (滝の湯)
Located at the top of a steep hill, Taki-no-yu still always has visitors.
Personally, I feel like my skin gets noticeably smoother after bathing here.
It’s very hot.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Recovery from serious illness, etc.
Yoko-chi-no-yu (横落の湯)
Situated near an intersection downhill from the center, Yoko-chi-no-yu is another quiet bath with few visitors.
- Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
- Benefits: Similar to the Asagama spring
Jūōdō-no-yu (十王堂の湯)
Located along Ōyu Street, Jūōdō-no-yu has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of an old-fashioned public bathhouse.
Despite its retro feel, it is still a proper hot spring.
It’s relatively spacious.
Benefits: Similar to Ōyu
Spring Type: Gypsum-salt sulfur spring
[Highly Personal] My Top 3 Recommended Sotoyu (Public Baths)
① Ōyu
Located at the center of the hot spring town, Ōyu is the iconic symbol of Nozawa Onsen. It’s even mentioned in official guides, so skipping it is not an option! You’ll almost always find someone soaking in here.
Inside, the bath is divided into two sections: “Nuru-yu” (lukewarm bath) and “Atsu-yu” (hot bath).
Be warned—the “Atsu-yu” is extremely hot!
This setup is great for families, where kids can enjoy the lukewarm bath while moms and grandmothers can challenge the hotter side.
② Kuma no Tearai-yu
Another popular sotoyu, Kuma no Tearai-yu is a personal favorite.
Though just my impression, I feel like my skin always improves after a soak here.
Compared to other baths, the water temperature is slightly milder, which is perfect for people like me who can’t handle extreme heat.
Like Ōyu, the bath is divided into two sections: “Nuru-yu” and “Atsu-yu.”
③ Nakaō no Yu
With a spacious bath, Nakaō no Yu is perfect for those who prefer a little more personal space.
It’s also a great choice for families or groups traveling together, as it can accommodate more people comfortably.
Again, this bath also has two sections: “Nuru-yu” and “Atsu-yu.”
Bonus: Mini Onsen Plaza “Yurari”
This one isn’t a sotoyu, so I’m listing it as a bonus.
Located near the Ōgama hot spring source, Yurari is a small onsen plaza featuring a footbath.
Since it’s on elevated ground, you can enjoy a relaxing soak while admiring the scenic view.
There’s also a dedicated space to make onsen eggs!
Why not drop an egg in while you soak your feet? (You can buy eggs from a nearby shop.)
If you need a break while exploring the onsen town or between your bath-hopping sessions, Yurari is the perfect spot.
[Useful Items Included] A Detailed Guide to Onsen Hopping
When I first visited Nozawa Onsen, I had never experienced hopping between free public baths before, so I was quite unsure about the proper bathing etiquette. Moreover, since these are communal baths shared with locals, I was worried about whether I might be causing any inconvenience.
Therefore, based on my personal experience, I will explain the specific method of onsen hopping. I will also introduce appropriate attire and convenient items to bring along. Rest assured, I have never had any trouble or been scolded by locals following this approach.
How to Enjoy Onsen Hopping
Start with an Indoor Bath if Possible
Public baths in Nozawa Onsen do not have showers or dedicated washing areas like regular sento (public bathhouses). There is space around the tub where you can wash your body and hair, but since there are no showers, you have to scoop hot water from the tub with a bucket and rinse yourself manually. If you’re used to showering, this might feel inconvenient, so I recommend washing up lightly at your inn before heading out. Personally, I even wash at home before departing for Nozawa Onsen.
Wear Clothes Suitable for Onsen Hopping
Since you’ll be visiting multiple baths, you will be changing in and out of clothes many times. This can be a hassle. Thus, it’s best to wear clothing that is easy to change in and out of. A yukata from your accommodation works fine, too. For me, a camisole dress with built-in cups and shorts works well. I only need to remove two items before entering the bath. For men, an inner-lined swimsuit and a T-shirt can create a similar two-piece setup. Just make sure the swimwear looks more like casual shorts rather than tight-fitting swimwear.
Opt for Sandals or Geta
While you can wear socks and shoes, removing and putting on socks repeatedly can be a hassle. I strongly recommend wearing footwear that allows you to go barefoot. Traditional wooden geta or zori sandals provided at inns are also a great option.
Entering the Public Bathhouse
Once you arrive at your chosen bathhouse, enter through the door. Men’s and women’s entrances are separate, so be careful not to mix them up. Since these public baths are also used by the local community, it is polite to greet anyone already inside. If there is a shoe rack, be sure to store your shoes properly instead of leaving them at the entrance.
Rinse Yourself Before Entering
Inside the changing area, you will find shelves for your belongings and clothing. After undressing, proceed to the washing area and rinse yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath.
Nozawa Onsen’s public baths tend to have very hot water, so start by pouring small amounts on your body, beginning from areas farthest from your heart. Avoid splashing large amounts all at once, as it can shock your body and disturb others.
Enjoying the Bath
After rinsing, slowly step into the tub. Be careful, as the water is very hot. Enjoy soaking at your own pace, but be mindful of overheating.
Wipe Your Body Before Returning to the Changing Area
Do not enter the changing area with dripping wet skin! This is a common etiquette rule in any public bathhouse. Make sure to dry off properly before stepping back into the changing space, get dressed, and leave.
Useful Items for Onsen Hopping
Highly Absorbent Towel (Chamois Towel)
I have mentioned this in other articles, but I consider this an absolute must-have. It’s a body-drying version of the chamois cloth used for wiping cars—the kind that becomes stiff when dry.
Since you’ll be drying yourself multiple times while onsen hopping, absorbency is key. This towel regains full absorbency after being wrung out, no matter how wet it gets.
You might wonder, “Doesn’t it feel rough when it dries out?” The answer is no! Once wet, it softens, so it won’t feel rough on your skin.
I personally rinse my towel at the washing area after every bath. This way, it stays fresh even after repeated use.
Small Bag for Valuables
If you usually carry minimal belongings, you may not need this, but a large bag can be cumbersome while onsen hopping. A small bag for essentials like your wallet and phone is highly recommended.
I use a bag with multiple compartments to keep things organized. It also has a transparent back pocket, allowing me to use my phone without taking it out—very convenient!
Moisturizing Products to Prevent Dry Skin
I have slightly oily skin, so I usually don’t use special moisturizers between baths. However, if I take a break at a café before my next bath, my skin can start to feel dry.
To combat this, I carry a mini-size all-in-one gel in my small bag. I don’t use it often, but it’s reassuring to have on hand.
I personally use a popular product from Dr. Ci:Labo, as I like incorporating vitamins into my skincare routine.
Warm Clothing for Chilly Evenings
I visit Nozawa Onsen in September or October each year. While it’s warm enough for short sleeves during the day, the nights can be quite chilly. Since I tend to feel cold easily, warm clothing is essential.
I bring a fluffy cardigan and fleece-lined tights. If you plan to dine outside rather than at your inn, having warm layers will make your evening much more comfortable.
Preparing your items in advance will make onsen hopping more efficient and enjoyable.
I hope this guide helps you enjoy a fantastic Nozawa Onsen experience!