What type of hot spring water does Maruko Onsen have?

Maruko Onsen features sodium-chloride-sulfate spring water that reaches temperatures between 50-60 degrees Celsius. The mineral composition is traditionally believed to help with circulation issues, muscle pain, and skin conditions. The waters have a slightly saline quality due to their chemical makeup.

How do I get to Maruko Onsen Village from Tokyo?

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ueda Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes. From Ueda Station, board a local bus on the Maruko Line for a 20-minute ride to the village. If driving, take the Joshinetsu Expressway and exit at Sakaki IC, then continue about 15 kilometers to reach the village.

Can I visit the hot springs without staying overnight?

Yes, day-use bathing is widely available throughout Maruko Onsen Village. Public bathhouses like Dai-yu charge between 300-500 yen for admission, while ryokan facilities offering day-use access typically cost 1,000-2,000 yen. Most facilities operate during daytime and early evening hours for day visitors.

Do I need to bring my own towels?

Yes, most public bathhouses expect visitors to bring their own towels following traditional onsen customs. However, small towels are usually available for purchase at the facilities for a few hundred yen if you arrive without one. Some ryokan day-use packages may include towel rental in their fee.

What other attractions are near Maruko Onsen Village?

The village is located near Bessho Onsen, another historic hot spring area, and is within easy reach of Ueda's cultural sites including temples from the feudal period. The Chikuma River valley offers seasonal natural scenery, and the broader Ueda area features historical connections to the Sanada clan and their castle ruins.

Maruko Onsen Village

4.1 (136)Public BathPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 30, 2026

Maruko Onsen Village is a historic hot spring settlement located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, approximately 170 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The village has served as a therapeutic bathing destination since the Edo period (1603-1868), when it became known for its natural mineral springs along the Chikuma River. The area's hot spring waters are classified as sodium-chloride-sulfate springs, reaching temperatures between 50-60 degrees Celsius and containing minerals believed to benefit circulation and skin conditions.

The village preserves traditional onsen culture through several historic public bathhouses, with Dai-yu being the most prominent communal facility dating back over a century. The settlement's compact layout features narrow lanes lined with wooden ryokan inns and small bathing houses that maintain architectural styles from the Meiji and Taisho eras. The natural riverside setting provides access to seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage along the Chikuma Valley enhancing the traditional atmosphere.

Visitors typically experience both public bathhouses and private ryokan facilities, many offering day-use bathing options. The village supports walking tours through its preserved streetscapes, and several establishments provide traditional kaiseki dining featuring local Nagano ingredients. The area serves as a base for exploring nearby Bessho Onsen and historical sites in Ueda, including temples associated with the region's feudal history.

Access from Tokyo requires taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Ueda Station (approximately 90 minutes), followed by a 20-minute local bus ride on the Maruko Line. By car, the village is accessible via the Joshinetsu Expressway, exiting at Sakaki IC and continuing approximately 15 kilometers. Public bathhouse admission typically costs between 300-500 yen, while day-use ryokan facilities range from 1,000-2,000 yen. Many establishments accept cash only, and visitors should bring their own towels or purchase them on-site.

Traveler reviews

This is a hidden hot spring! There's a public bath and a few inns. The public bath has an unmanned reception, separate entrances for men and women, and costs 250 yen. No amenities, no showers. Payment is made by putting the money in a wooden box, so it's recommended to bring small change. The water is colorless and transparent, and doesn't have the typical hot spring smell, but the smooth texture somehow made me feel like my mind was being cleansed. It warmed me to the core.

パーシー

May 1, 2026

This hot spring resort is located very close to Shikayu Onsen. Bessho Onsen and Tazawa Onsen are also within my range. It's a remote hot spring resort in the mountains, famous for its mild, lukewarm waters, which reminded me of Yugi Onsen. Reisenji is slightly larger, though. If you take the road along the Reisenji River from the national highway, you'll reach the center in about 1.6km, and just after the fork in the road there are signposts numbered 1 through 8, providing little guides to the famous spots. It might be worth looking for them while you're out for a walk.

One of Nagano Prefecture's most esoteric hidden hot springs. It could probably have been called a hot spring town in the past, but now it's a run-down hidden hot spring known only to those in the know. The admission fee for the public bath is 200 yen. Parking is available next to the temple and above the public bath. There are no shampoos or hair dryers, and no lockers with locks, so you need to be careful with your valuables. The inside is like a Showa-era public bathhouse, with only an indoor bath. The hot spring is fairly warm, so you can enjoy a long soak.

Reizenji Onsen, one of the hot springs in the Maruko Onsenkyo area (Kakeyu, Oshio, and Reizenji) From Ueda, take Route 254 and turn left at the sign that says "Reizenji Onsen 2km". Follow the narrow road along the river for about 2km, and you'll see a magnificent temple (Reizenji). Beyond that is a charming hot spring town (four inns are currently operating). This time, I enjoyed the public bath. It's a traditional public bath style! Parking is available a little further down from the public bath, in a gravel area with space for 5-6 cars, and there's also a private parking lot at Reizenji Temple. Opening hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Admission is ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for children (up to 6th grade). Bringing your own towels and soap is essential. Upon entering through the separate entrances for men and women, you'll find a counter where you pay the fee to the attendant 👴. (If he's not there, put the money in the payment box ⚠️ Make sure you pay properly☺️‼️) It's probably a good idea to bring some change just in case✨ Put your shoes 👟 in the shoe locker. Passing through the curtain, you're immediately in the changing room 😃 There are lockable lockers for valuables. It's small. The hot spring water is free-flowing ♨️ (calcium, sodium, sulfate spring). The scent is faint. The bath is indoors only (40-42℃ 🌡️). The temperature is just right 😃. It gets full with about 10 people. There are four washing areas. The nostalgic Kerorin bath buckets are a nice touch 👌. There are only water and hot spring taps. (Of course! ⚠️🚿 There are no showers.) Perhaps due to the components of the hot spring water, it doesn't lather very well. But... I love this kind of bathhouse! 😻 Since it's a hot spring deep in the mountains, it feels like you have it all to yourself depending on the time of day. It was empty, so I was able to soak for a long time and feel completely refreshed. 😸 I really hope these kinds of retro Showa-era bathhouses remain forever! 🤩 It's a bit far, but I'll definitely visit again to recover from fatigue and feel refreshed! ‼️😄✨

This is a public bath in a temple and shrine village that was probably once a popular place of worship (there is a fine temple and a large inn nearby). It's a one-minute walk from the free shared parking lot. The hot spring has a nice atmosphere. The bathing fee was 200 yen at the time of our visit (summer 2024). The changing room is small and can only fit four or five people. Everything is simple and there are no amenities of any kind. The bath is clean and appears to have been renovated not long ago. It's a bath that will appeal to connoisseurs.

Maruko Onsen Village

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Places & attractions near Maruko Onsen Village

Nakajo Hokusaikan

Minamiaiki Dam

Lake Shiozawa

Kiso Toy Museum

Places & attractions near Maruko Onsen Village

Nakajo Hokusaikan

Minamiaiki Dam

Lake Shiozawa

Kiso Toy Museum

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