Yamada Onsen & Matsukawa Gorge
Nagano, Japan • INR 5208 - INR 62522 approx.• 
Underrated
UnderratedNagano, Japan
• INR 5208 - INR 62522Underrated
Best months to visit
Aug
20°C – 30°C, hot and humid summer weather; afternoon thunderstorms possible, high crowds, peak season
20°C – 30°C, hot and humid summer weather; afternoon thunderstorms possible, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Walking and hiking needed; steep, uneven trails and some stairs.
Walking and hiking needed; steep, uneven trails and some stairs.
Value for money
Medium
Onsen and views are great, but ryokan stays are pricey.
Onsen and views are great, but ryokan stays are pricey.
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 serene onsen and stunning autumn foliage. Perfect for a relaxing trip.
Breathtaking Scenery
Visitors felt the gorge was a perfect backdrop for romantic walks and photo opportunities.
Hidden Gem
Couples found the historic Yamada Onsen to be a unique and memorable experience.
Limited Access
Travelers noted some trails and waterfalls were closed during winter. Plan accordingly.
Crowded Weekends
Visitors mentioned that weekends can get crowded, which could impact the tranquility.
Costly Ryokan
Couples found ryokan stays expensive, limiting budget-conscious travelers' options.
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
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
February
LOW
-7-3°C
Continued cold and snowy weather, with crisp air and scenic winter views around the gorge and onsen.
Continued cold and snowy weather, with crisp air and scenic winter views around the gorge and onsen.
Open
Trails behind Kaminari Falls and some hiking routes remain closed due to snow.
Trails behind Kaminari Falls and some hiking routes remain closed due to snow.
Recommended
February offers a peaceful winter atmosphere with reliable snow cover, making it popular among those seeking a serene hot spring retreat. Outdoor activities are limited by seasonal closures.
February offers a peaceful winter atmosphere with reliable snow cover, making it popular among those seeking a serene hot spring retreat. Outdoor activities are limited by seasonal closures.
March
LOW
-3-8°C
Temperatures gradually rise, with snow starting to melt by late March; the area transitions from winter to early spring.
Temperatures gradually rise, with snow starting to melt by late March; the area transitions from winter to early spring.
Open
Some trails and the path behind Kaminari Falls typically remain closed until early May.
Some trails and the path behind Kaminari Falls typically remain closed until early May.
Recommended
March is a transitional month; while hot springs are open, snow may still restrict hiking and certain outdoor attractions. The scenery shifts from snowy to early spring landscapes.
March is a transitional month; while hot springs are open, snow may still restrict hiking and certain outdoor attractions. The scenery shifts from snowy to early spring landscapes.
April
MEDIUM
2-15°C
Mild spring weather, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery emerging in late April; snow is mostly gone except at higher elevations.
Mild spring weather, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery emerging in late April; snow is mostly gone except at higher elevations.
Open
Most outdoor trails and attractions are accessible by late April, though the path behind Kaminari Falls is closed until early May.
Most outdoor trails and attractions are accessible by late April, though the path behind Kaminari Falls is closed until early May.
Recommended
April is a highly recommended time to visit, with pleasant weather and blossoming scenery. While most facilities are open, the area gets busier toward Golden Week.
April is a highly recommended time to visit, with pleasant weather and blossoming scenery. While most facilities are open, the area gets busier toward Golden Week.
May
LOW
10-21°C
Mild and comfortable spring weather with fresh greenery; chance of rain increases toward late May.
Mild and comfortable spring weather with fresh greenery; chance of rain increases toward late May.
Open
No significant restrictions; outdoor activities and onsen are open.
No significant restrictions; outdoor activities and onsen are open.
Recommended
May is an excellent time to enjoy the lush new growth in Matsukawa Gorge and relax in Yamada Onsen with fewer visitors and pleasant weather.
May is an excellent time to enjoy the lush new growth in Matsukawa Gorge and relax in Yamada Onsen with fewer visitors and pleasant weather.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
The Nagaden Bus service (Yamada Onsen line) departs from Suzaka Station and terminates at Yamada Onsen, providing access to the hot spring town and gorge.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available at Suzaka Station for a direct ride to Yamada Onsen or for navigating the gorge area.
Train
Recommended
Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line from Nagano Station to Suzaka Station.
Car
Drive via the Joshinetsu Expressway, exiting at the Suzaka Nagano East Interchange (IC). Free parking is available near Yamada Onsen.
Walking
Walking is the primary means of exploring the Yamada Onsen area, with trails throughout the gorge.
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
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
