ougon no yu

Ougon no Yu (outdoor snow hot spring)

Ougon no Yu – hot spring surrounded by deep snow

The outdoor baths (Ougon no Yu) open at the end winter in March – beginning of April time. It is an amazing experience to try this hot spring while it is still surrounded by meters of deep snow. To reach this amazing bath you will need to walk over the snow for about 400m. Whilst the snow is still very deep it is compact enough to allow walking on it. Even so, you will need to watch your step and have some boots with you. The bath is very easy to find, just turn left after passing all the buildings. Then just climb up the snow and head up the hill. You will be walking on snow above the baths so be careful not to walk straight past them!

Outdoor bath Ougon no Yuu

This is an excellent area to head to for those who are looking to explore a little. The baths are not usually busy at the end of the winter season so this is an excellent time to head there. You can also try the amazing onsen at Hotel Iwatoya and Hotel Hanabun.

Ryokan Hanabun
Ryokan Hanabun
Hotel Iwatoya
Hotel Iwatoya

There is a local bus that runs from Sekiyama station to Tsubame Onsen. Check our page HERE.

For train times from Myoko to Sekiyama check our page HERE.

For those with a car, get on R18 heading to Arai/Joetsu and turn left at the Tomato farmers market and continue up the road past Seki Onsen until you reach Tsubame Onsen at the end of the road.

Ougon no Yu
Outdoor bath Ougon no Yu
Guide
Turn left at the top of the road and walk up the snow.
Other places to visit
nojiriko fireworks

Nojiriko Fireworks

The fireworks at Lake Nojiriko are immensely impressive. The fireworks are all launched over the waters of the lake.

matsugamine cherry blossoms

Matsugamine Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossoms at Matsugamine provide an amazing photo opportunity. The trees line the road leading up to and past the country club.

sasagamine

Sasagamine Skunk Cabbages

During spring Sasagamine is famous for its huge skunk cabbage areas deep in the forest. The area is easily accessible by foot.

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