Omachi Onsenkyo: A tranquil onsen village that also serves as the gateway to a popular mountain sightseeing route

Omachi Onsenkyo: A tranquil onsen village that also serves as the gateway to a popular mountain sightseeing route

Located in Omachi City in the north-west part of Nagano Prefecture, Omachi Onsenkyo is a quiet onsen village along the river, surrounded by abundant nature. Being relatively new for an onsen area, the Omachi Onsenkyo started when hot spring water was drawn from a neighboring onsen in 1963. Since then, the area has been developed as a gateway on the Nagano Prefecture side for the “Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route,” a popular mountain sightseeing route that includes the Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan. Currently, there are more than a dozen inns and hotels, where you can enjoy bathing in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. There are also some drop-in bathing facilities.

In this area, various activities along with great views await throughout the year, with the Hida Mountains, aka the Northern Alps, in the background. In spring, rows of gorgeous cherry blossoms adorn the village. In summer, people enjoy fishing and playing in the water at Lake Kizaki, which is located 15 minutes from the onsen village by car. Autumn, especially around late October, is the best season for seeing the beautiful “sandan koyo,” a view of the green color at the foot of the mountains, the red and yellow colors in the middle, and the white color of the snow on the mountain top, creating a three-color tiered view. In winter, you can enjoy skiing.

Since the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route gets crowded especially during the autumn foliage season, from mid-September to mid-October, it is recommended to stay overnight at one of the hotels in the Omachi Onsenkyo if you are planning to visit the route. Relax in the onsen, and then enjoy the beautiful colors of the mountains the next day.

The Kurobe Dam in autumn presents a breathtaking view, like a beautiful painting.

Omachi Onsenkyo, surrounded by wonderful nature.

Refresh yourself in onsen both physically and mentally.

Don’t miss “sandan koyo,” or three-tiered autumn foliage.

<From the editor>
Don’t forget to check out local food specialties! You can enjoy unique delicious dishes of the area, including soba noodles, which is one of the representative local dishes of Nagano, and “Kurobe Dam Curry,” which depicts the scenery of the Kurobe Dam with curry and rice!

Kurobe dam curry (served at “Yakushinoyu” bathhouse)

<More Info>
Omachi Onsenkyo Tourism Association
TEL: 0261-22-3038