A Journey Through Shinshu and Hida -- famous Hot Springs and Spectacular Scenic Beauty
Attractions of Nagano, Toyama, and the Hida area include majestic mountains and diverse scenic views interwoven with history, as well as soothing hot springs. This course features a selection of sites that enable you to enjoy these to the fullest. Stops on this course include visits to Omachi Onsen, Unazuki Onsen, and Gero Onsen, the region's leading and most well-known hot springs, affording you the enjoyable opportunity to experience and compare these hot-spring waters.
Nagano Prefecture
Zenkou-ji Temple
Zenkou-ji is an old temple which has been upholding the light of the law for 1,400 years since its founding. It is a sacred site dedicated to Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai (a triad of Amida Buddha) , as the object of worship. The main hall of the temple was rebuilt in 1707, which is designated as a na...
50Minute(s) 
Nagano Prefecture
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani is a hot spring that is located in Yudanakashibu Hot Springs. Because the spring gushes out so dynamically, it is called Jigokudani ("the valley of hell"). There is a rare type of outdoor bath made of rocks where wild monkeys bathe. It is managed as a park. If you pay an entrance fee, ...
10Minute(s) 
Lodging in Yudanakashibu Hot Springs Village
Nagano Prefecture
Yudanakashubu Hog Springs
Yudanakashibu Hot Springs is a name for 9 hot springs including Shibu, Yudanaka, Shinyudanaka, Kanbayashi, and Jigokudani hot springs. Shibu Hot Springs has a long and honorable history of more than 1,300 years since its opening. During the Edo period, it was visited by many literary figures, inc...
60Minute(s) 
Nagano Prefecture
The site of Matsushiro Castle
Matsushiro castle was built by Takeda Shingen as a strategic point for the Battle of the Kawanamajima. During the Edo period, it was a residence castle of the Sanada Clan. The castle wall, moat, and stone fences have been reproduced. It is also known as a scenic spot for cherry blossoms in the sp...
90Minute(s)
Lodging at Shirahone Onsen
Nagano Prefecture
Shirahone Hot Springs
The milky-white sulfur spring is so effective that is has been said that "if you take a bath in this hot spring for three days, then you will not catch a cold for the next three years." Since ancient times, many people have come here for hot spring cures. It was also once called a white ship, bec...
50Minute(s) 
Gifu Prefecture
Okuhida Hot Springs
Okuhida hot springs has the largest number of open-air baths. There are many unknown hot springs, both large and small in size, scattered throughout the area. Due to its great location at the foot of the Northern Alps, hot spring fans from all around Japan visit here. In particular, the combinati...
40Minute(s) 
Gifu Prefecture
The Old Streets of Takayama
Takayama-Sanmachi Important Traditional Building Preservation District. Old streets still exist on the east side of the Miya River, which is runs through Takayama city. Particularly in Sanmachi, the houses and streets look just like they did during the Edo period. This district is designated as an...
60Minute(s)
Lodging at Gero Onsen
Gifu Prefecture
Gero Hot Springs Ryokan Town
Gero Hot Springs has a long history. It has prospered as a place for hot spring spa treatments since the Edo period. It is one of Japan's top three hot springs along with Kusatsu and Arima hot springs. The quality of the spring is alkaline simple spring. Many people visit here to enjoy the unique...
50Minute(s) 
Gifu Prefecture
Magome-Juku
Magome was the 43rd post-town from the Edo Japan Bridge starting point. The look of the town, with houses along both sides of narrow Nakasendo highway, reminds one of the Edo period. The stone pavement was built so that people and horses could walk easily on it. The streets were arranged in the s...