Niigata Prefecture boasts the third-highest number of hot spring areas in Japan. With hot springs gushing from all 30 municipalities in the prefecture, numerous hidden hot springs dot this region. From one of Japan's three great medicinal baths to wild open-air baths at altitudes exceeding 1,000 meters, we introduce Niigata's proud secret hot springs.
1. Tsubame Onsen (Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)
Located at approximately 1,100 meters above sea level, Tsubame Onsen is the highest hot spring in the Myoko Kogen hot spring area. Named after the rock swallows that once flew in flocks, the hot spring is said to have been discovered by Kobo Daishi, with water having gushed from beneath the rocky cave at Sotaki waterfall since ancient times.
Beyond the hot spring village lie two free wild open-air baths: "Kogane-no-Yu" and "Kawara-no-Yu." Kogane-no-Yu, named after the golden autumn leaves that blanket the area, has separate facilities for men and women, while Kawara-no-Yu is mixed bathing. Both are located along the Myoko mountain trail, offering open-air baths without changing rooms or showers.
The hot spring, characterized by white yubana (hot spring sediment), is known as a "Triple Beauty Bath" containing three components beneficial for beautiful skin. It is also said to have been the hidden bath of Uesugi Kenshin.
Several ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) exist in the hot spring village, with Hanabun and Karafutokan being members of the Japan Secret Hot Springs Protection Association. Many mountaineers stop by after climbing Mount Myoko.
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-containing sodium, calcium-hydrogen carbonate, sulfate, chloride spring
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Wild Open-air Baths: Kogane-no-Yu (gender-separated), Kawara-no-Yu (mixed bathing)
- Day-trip Bathing: Available (wild baths are free)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Season: Wild baths closed in winter
2. Kaikake Onsen (Yuzawa Town, Minami-Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture)
A single lodging nestled along the Kiyotsu River heading from Echigo-Yuzawa toward Naeba. With approximately 700 years of history, it is known nationwide as the "eye hot spring," with records dating back to Edo-period literature.
Located in the mountains at about 700 meters altitude, the area offers a pleasant cool climate even in summer. The lukewarm water at 37 degrees is ideal for long soaking, said to be effective for eye strain and dry eyes. Visitors can experience "eye hot spring therapy" by washing their eyes with the free-flowing hot spring water.
Legend has it that warlord Uesugi Kenshin and his soldiers rested their travel-weary bodies in these waters during their campaigns in Kanto. The entrance building, constructed in early Showa period with the traditional "shoya-zukuri" style, has a dignified atmosphere, with folk-style interiors adorning the facility.
Meals feature local seasonal ingredients centered on Minami-Uonuma Koshihikari rice, the finest mountain cuisine. River fish grilled over hearth fires and "medicinal brown rice porridge" offer deep, nourishing flavors.
- Spring Quality: Sodium, calcium-chloride spring
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Baths: Indoor bath, open-air bath
- Source Temperature: Approximately 37 degrees
- No dilution, heating applied (some baths)
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Season: Year-round
3. Matsunoyama Onsen Ryounkaku (Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture)
One of Japan's three great medicinal baths alongside Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen, Matsunoyama Onsen. Ryounkaku is a three-story wooden inn standing on a small hill slightly removed from the hot spring village.
The main building, constructed in 1938, is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. When built, the founder brought carpenters from Shibukawa in Joshu, assigning each to design one room to compete in skill and design, making every room in the main building uniquely crafted.
The spring features extremely high salt concentration, originating from "fossil seawater" trapped in geological layers. The pale green hot spring is favored by hot spring enthusiasts. The source temperature is approximately 84 degrees, making it a highly effective warming bath.
Cuisine progresses through the seasons, from spring mountain vegetables to matataび (hardy kiwi), anningo (wild yam), iwanashi (Asian pear), and autumn's "mushroom hot pot" featuring over ten varieties of natural mushrooms.
- Spring Quality: Sodium, calcium-chloride spring
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Baths: Indoor bath, private baths
- Source Temperature: Approximately 84 degrees
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Season: Year-round
4. Echigo-Nagano Onsen Rankeiso (Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture)
A nationally registered tangible cultural property single inn nestled in Sanjo City's countryside, about 50 minutes by car from Tsubame-Sanjo Station. Enjoy the beauty of the gorge while listening to the murmur of the Morimon River (Ikarashi River).
The greatest feature of this hot spring is its intensely concentrated strong salt cold mineral spring, rare in Japan. The strong salty water that clings to skin is said to be highly effective for post-illness recovery and was once sold as medicine. The source is a 16.5-degree cold mineral spring, qualifying as therapeutic water.
The facility comprises three buildings: the main building "Ryokufukan" (a relocated early Showa-period restaurant), "Keiryukan" overlooking the gorge through large windows, and "Suiyukan," a wooden single-story building for small groups facing the mountain. All 17 rooms offer unique character and the four seasons of mountain village beauty.
Meals feature "mountain village kaiseki" using abundant mountain delicacies with "Maki-no-Shimizu," spring water from Ikarashi River. Signature dishes include ichi-hon-ni of zenmai (royal fern), koi-no-arai (chilled carp), and Niigata wagyu ishiyaki (stone-grilled beef). The breakfast specialty "onsen-gayu" (hot spring porridge) is cooked using the source water.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride cold mineral spring (hypertonic, neutral, cold mineral spring)
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Baths: Indoor bath, open-air bath, private open-air baths
- Source Temperature: 16.5 degrees
- Heating applied, no dilution
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Season: Year-round
5. Renge Onsen (Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture)
A true secret hot spring at 1,475 meters altitude within Chubu Sangaku National Park. It serves as a base for mountaineers climbing the Northern Alps from the Niigata side. A cloud-top bath where you can soak while viewing 2,000-meter-class mountains.
Bathing is available from mid-March to around October 20th. Pay 500 yen at Hakuba-dake Renge Onsen Lodge, which manages the hot spring, to access four wild open-air baths: Sangoku-ichi-no-Yu, Senki-no-Yu, Yakushi-Yu, and Kogane-Yu. All baths are located along mountain trails, offering completely open bathing without changing facilities.
With five different source springs, each has unique spring quality. Senki-no-Yu is a simple acidic spring with white turbidity, Kogane-Yu is a bicarbonate earth spring that's clear, and Yakushi-Yu is an acidic gypsum spring with slight white turbidity and pale green color. Sangoku-ichi-no-Yu is a simple acidic spring that's clear, while the indoor Soyu is a simple spring with slight white turbidity and white yubana sediment.
- Spring Quality: Varies by source (simple spring, simple acidic spring, bicarbonate earth spring, acidic gypsum spring)
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Wild Open-air Baths: 4 locations, Indoor bath: 1 location
- Day-trip Bathing: Available (wild baths only 500 yen, indoor and wild baths 800 yen)
- Accommodation: Available (Renge Onsen Lodge)
- Operating Season: Mid-March to around October 20th
6. Sakamaki Onsen Kawatsuya (Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture)
An ancient hot spring gushing from the left bank of Nakatsu River near the entrance to the secluded Akiyamago area, with Kawatsuya as its single lodging. A compact ryokan with 5 rooms, rebuilt in 2000, stands on the mountainside surrounded by mountains.
Known as the inn where author Yoshikawa Eiji conceived and wrote "Shin-Heike Monogatari" (New Tale of the Heike), it's beloved by literature fans. The "Meiso-no-Yu" cave bath, carved from rock with water gushing from rock crevices, and a viewing bath are available. The cave bath, created by cutting through rock mountain, offers a calming atmosphere.
The colorless, transparent radium-containing sulfur spring is said to be effective for physical and mental fatigue recovery. Being a small establishment, available baths can be used, with private bathing possible.
Cuisine centers on mountain delicacies including mountain vegetables, river fish, and bear hot pot. Akiyamago is rich in mountain and river bounty, offering seasonal flavors from the snow melt onward.
- Spring Quality: Radium-containing sodium, calcium-chloride, sulfate spring
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Baths: Cave bath, viewing bath
- Source Temperature: Approximately 39 degrees
- No dilution or heating (heating only in severe cold)
- Day-trip Bathing: Available (confirmation required)
- Accommodation: Available (limited to 5 groups per day)
- Operating Season: Year-round (may close during heavy snow)
7. Sasakura Onsen Ryuunso (Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture)
Surrounded by 2,000-meter-class mountains on the north side of the Myoko mountain range including Yakeyama, Hiuchiyama, and Eboshidake, the environment is superb. With no other houses, it's a single inn at the end of the road, on a highland plateau with expansive views.
Founded approximately 300 years ago in 1716 (Kyoho 1), legend says it opened following divine guidance from the Yakushi Nyorai of Sorin-ji Temple. Though the hot spring was lost in the great flood of 1914, supported by local people's deep love and strong faith in the hot spring, it gushed forth again in 1926. Truly a miraculous water revived by local power.
Known as a "beauty bath" with abundant sodium bicarbonate content. The smooth sensation of the open-air bath is wonderful. Being in the outskirts of Itoigawa City near the Sea of Japan, the cuisine pleasantly features abundant seafood. The breakfast specialty "onsen-gayu" (hot spring porridge) cooked with source water is popular.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-hydrogen carbonate spring
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Baths: Indoor bath, open-air bath, private bath
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Season: Year-round
8. Deyu Onsen Keho-ji Communal Bath (Agano City, Niigata Prefecture)
Said to be Niigata Prefecture's oldest hot spring, Deyu Onsen. With 1,200 years since opening, legend says Kobo Daishi struck his staff to make the water gush forth. A nationally rare hot spring with a communal bath within Keho-ji Temple grounds.
A communal bath called "Chosenkutsu" exists within the grounds of Keho-ji Temple, which enshrines Yakushi Nyorai said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi. The water is colorless, transparent, and odorless, with weak alkaline simple spring quality. Slowly soaking in the lukewarm hot spring heals both body and mind.
The water temperature is approximately 35 degrees, lukewarm and suitable for long soaking. Though heated in cold seasons, it remains free-flowing from the source. A simple communal bath beloved by local people.
- Spring Quality: Simple spring (weak alkaline)
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Operating Hours: 6:00-19:00
- Fee: Adults 250 yen, Children 150 yen, Infants 50 yen
- Closed: Open daily
- Accommodation: Not available (day-trip bathing only)
9. Deyu Onsen Communal Bath (Agano City, Niigata Prefecture)
Another communal bath in the same Deyu Onsen area. Locally called "Shin-yu" (new hot water) and beloved. The communal bath was renewed in February 2008, newer than Keho-ji's communal bath with better facilities.
The pleasant new bathtub and free-flowing natural hot spring are the ultimate luxury. Equipped with showers, handrails, and lockers, you can enjoy bathing with peace of mind.
Unlike Keho-ji's communal bath, this is not a radium spring but a simple spring. Except in cold seasons, it's free-flowing without dilution, heating, or chlorine disinfection. Mainly used by locals, it's crowded from morning.
- Spring Quality: Simple spring (hypotonic weak alkaline spring)
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Operating Hours: 6:00-20:00
- Source Temperature: 40.6 degrees
- Fee: Adults 250 yen, Children 150 yen
- Closed: Open daily
- Accommodation: Not available (day-trip bathing only)
10. Murasugi Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu (Agano City, Niigata Prefecture)
With 700 years since opening, one of Japan's leading radium hot springs. Counted among Japan's three great radium springs, it has long been known as the "hot spring for child-bearing and safe childbirth" due to its effectiveness for women's diseases.
The saying goes "no doctors grow in Murasugi Onsen." The legend arose because injuries and illnesses heal thanks to Japan's finest radium hot spring and the divine protection of Yakushi Nyorai, the guardian Buddha of hot springs. The veranda around Yakushi-do once displayed many crutches dedicated by hot spring cure visitors who recovered and no longer needed them.
The No. 3 well of Yakushi-no-Yu boasts abundant output of 483 liters per minute. This "Yakushi-no-Yu" source water is distributed to all hot spring facilities in Murasugi Onsen. The famous water of Murasugi Onsen, said to have Japan's highest radium content, can be casually enjoyed at the communal bath.
"Yakushi-no-Shimizu" spring water gushs from the giant cedar roots beside the communal bath, where pure natural water can be drawn. A foot bath is also available for casual hot spring enjoyment.
- Spring Quality: Simple weak radioactive cold mineral spring (radium hot spring)
- Free-flowing hot spring
- Operating Hours: Confirmation required
- Fee: Confirmation required
- Day-trip Bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Not available (communal bath), multiple ryokan in the hot spring village
Summary
Niigata Prefecture's secret hot springs are truly diverse, from wild open-air baths exceeding 1,000 meters altitude to ancient baths with 1,200 years of history. Each has its unique character, including Matsunoyama Onsen (one of Japan's three great medicinal baths), Kaikake Onsen (known as the eye hot spring), and Renge Onsen (cloud-top secret bath).
For wild bath experiences, Tsubame Onsen and Renge Onsen are recommended. For secret hot springs with accommodation, Kaikake Onsen, Matsunoyama Onsen Ryounkaku, Echigo-Nagano Onsen Rankeiso, Sakamaki Onsen Kawatsuya, and Sasakura Onsen Ryuunso are members of the Japan Secret Hot Springs Protection Association.
For casual secret hot spring enjoyment at communal baths, the communal baths of Deyu Onsen and Murasugi Onsen are excellent. All offer free-flowing natural hot springs at reasonable prices around 250 yen.
Niigata's secret hot springs offer the appeal of abundant nature, history, and highly effective hot spring waters. Please find the secret hot spring that suits you and refresh both body and mind.
*Note: While the information represents the latest available at the time of research, errors may exist. Please confirm the latest information on official websites.