Yudanaka Ekimae Onsen Kaede no Yu

Yudanaka Ekimae Onsen Kaede no Yu stands as a unique hot spring facility built directly within Yudanaka Station in Nagano Prefecture, making it one of Japan's few onsen integrated into a railway platform. This traditional Japanese-style bathhouse serves the historic Yudanaka Onsen district, which has been welcoming visitors to its therapeutic hot springs for centuries. The area gained particular prominence as a gateway to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques bathe in natural hot springs during winter months.

The onsen represents the practical bathing culture of Japan, where hot springs serve both local communities and travelers. Kaede no Yu maintains the authentic sento (public bathhouse) experience while accommodating modern transportation needs. The facility draws from the same natural hot spring sources that have made the Yudanaka Onsen area renowned for its therapeutic mineral-rich waters, believed to benefit skin conditions and promote relaxation.

Visitors experience both indoor and outdoor rotemburo baths separated by gender, allowing them to soak in natural hot spring water while potentially waiting for train connections. The outdoor baths provide a traditional Japanese bathing experience where guests can observe changing seasons and mountain scenery. The facility caters to day-trippers visiting the nearby monkey park, local residents, and travelers exploring the broader Shiga Kogen region.

Kaede no Yu is accessible directly from Yudanaka Station, the terminus of the Nagano Electric Railway line from Nagano City. The train journey from Nagano Station takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around ¥1,170 for a one-way ticket. Visitors arriving by car can utilize station parking facilities. Admission to the hot spring costs ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for elementary school children, making it one of the most affordable authentic onsen experiences in the region. A complimentary footbath is available outside the station for those seeking a brief hot spring encounter without full facility access.