Bessho Onsen
Nagano, Japan • INR 9500 - INR 35000 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Aug
3°C – 17°C, mild spring weather with cherry blossoms blooming mid- to late-april, high crowds, peak season
3°C – 17°C, mild spring weather with cherry blossoms blooming mid- to late-april, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Town is compact, walkable, but older buildings may lack full access.
Town is compact, walkable, but older buildings may lack full access.
Value for money
Medium
Ryokan prices vary; public baths offer affordable alternatives.
Ryokan prices vary; public baths offer affordable alternatives.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the ryokan stays and serene onsen baths. Perfect for a relaxing trip!
Tranquil Escape
Visitors found the town's peaceful atmosphere ideal for a romantic escape. Highly recommended.
Soothing Waters
The 'Bijin' hot springs and calm scenery was perfect for couples. A great experience.
Limited Privacy
Some public onsen may feel less private. Consider ryokan with private baths instead.
Pricey Ryokans
Luxury ryokan stays can be expensive. Budget carefully for meals and accommodations.
Train Tickets
Remember to buy separate train tickets. IC cards are not accepted on the line.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A traveler embarks on a journey to explore the enchanting Bessho Onsen.
Experience the captivating cinematic journey through Bessho Onsen.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-2-7°C
Early winter is cold with occasional light snow. The air is crisp and clear, perfect for soaking in hot springs.
Early winter is cold with occasional light snow. The air is crisp and clear, perfect for soaking in hot springs.
Open
No significant restrictions; transport and facilities remain operational, but some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours due to weather.
No significant restrictions; transport and facilities remain operational, but some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours due to weather.
Recommended
A peaceful time to visit Bessho Onsen, with cold weather enhancing the onsen experience. Most ryokan and public baths are open, though check for holiday hours around New Year's.
A peaceful time to visit Bessho Onsen, with cold weather enhancing the onsen experience. Most ryokan and public baths are open, though check for holiday hours around New Year's.
January
LOW
-6-4°C
Cold winter weather with occasional snowfall. Crisp air and clear skies are common, making it ideal for onsen bathing and sightseeing.
Cold winter weather with occasional snowfall. Crisp air and clear skies are common, making it ideal for onsen bathing and sightseeing.
Open
No major restrictions. Most ryokan, bathhouses, and attractions operate as usual, but some smaller shops may have shorter hours in winter.
No major restrictions. Most ryokan, bathhouses, and attractions operate as usual, but some smaller shops may have shorter hours in winter.
Recommended
January is an excellent time to experience Bessho Onsen’s tranquil winter atmosphere, with hot springs especially enjoyable in the cold. Easy access by train remains available.
January is an excellent time to experience Bessho Onsen’s tranquil winter atmosphere, with hot springs especially enjoyable in the cold. Easy access by train remains available.
February
LOW
-5-6°C
Still cold with lingering snow, but occasional sunny days. The scenery is picturesque with snow-capped temples and quiet streets.
Still cold with lingering snow, but occasional sunny days. The scenery is picturesque with snow-capped temples and quiet streets.
Open
All main facilities and accommodations are open. No notable seasonal closures.
All main facilities and accommodations are open. No notable seasonal closures.
Recommended
February is peaceful, with beautiful winter landscapes and easy access to hot springs, temples, and local cuisine.
February is peaceful, with beautiful winter landscapes and easy access to hot springs, temples, and local cuisine.
March
MEDIUM
-2-11°C
Temperatures begin to rise, snow melts, and early spring flowers may appear. Occasional rain but mostly clear days.
Temperatures begin to rise, snow melts, and early spring flowers may appear. Occasional rain but mostly clear days.
Open
No major restrictions. All facilities are operational.
No major restrictions. All facilities are operational.
Recommended
March marks the transition to spring, offering pleasant weather for walks and sightseeing, alongside relaxing soaks in the hot springs.
March marks the transition to spring, offering pleasant weather for walks and sightseeing, alongside relaxing soaks in the hot springs.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Drive to Bessho Onsen via the Ueda Sugadaira IC.
Train
Recommended
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda Station, then transfer to the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line to Bessho Onsen Station.
Bus
Bus services are available, including a direct route from Matsumoto Station to Bessho Onsen.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Ueda Station for direct transfer to Bessho Onsen.
Walking
The town is compact and easily explored on foot from Bessho Onsen Station.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required