Bessho Onsen, Nagano, Japan
I decided to visit Bessho Onsen (別所温泉) in Nagano, known for having the region’s oldest hot spring and beautiful temples. The trip from Nagano Station took about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a transfer at Ueda Station.
During the Kamakura Period (1192–1333), Bessho Onsen served as the governor’s base for the Shinshu Region (today’s Nagano Prefecture). He built many temples and brought Kamakura culture here, earning the town the nickname “Kamakura of Shinshu.”
When I arrived, the nostalgic design of the train station stood out. I planned to visit Jorakuji Temple, Anrakuji Temple, Kitamuki Kannon Temple, and one of the local foot baths. Since it was autumn, the colorful leaves made the scenery even more beautiful, especially at Jorakuji Temple and Anrakuji Temple.
Jorakuji Temple is unusual for its thatched roof. There’s also a small museum with wooden plaques painted by Hokusai, though I skipped it. Behind the temple is a small pagoda on a hill that you can hike up to.
Next, I visited Anrakuji Temple, the oldest standing Buddhist temple in the area. Its highlight is the wooden octagonal pagoda, built in the Chinese Song style during the Kamakura Period. It’s the only one of its kind left in Japan.
From there, I walked to Kitamuki Kannon Temple. Unlike most temples in Japan, which face south, this one faces north. It’s dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The area also has a shopping street, several bathhouses and free foot baths.
After exploring the temple and nearby shopping street, I ended my visit by relaxing at a riverside foot bath before heading back to Nagano.
Route Detail
Distance: 3.48km out & back from Bessho Onsen Station
Total elevation gain: 104m
Time: 0h 44m (total time with breaks 1h 27m)
Difficulty: Easy
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Nagano Station to Ueda Station ¥780
Ueda Dentetsu 1 Day Ticket ¥1180
Jorakuji Temple ¥300
Anrakuji Temple Entrance Fee ¥300
