Access

Local Train Station: Suzaka
From Tokyo: From Tokyo take the Jyoetsu Shinkansen to Nagano. Then transfer to a local train, the Nagano Dentetsu and get off at Suzaka Station. Then take a public bus toward Yamada Onsen, getting off at the Goshiki Onsen stop.
Travel Time: Tokyo to Nagano station, 1 hr and 30 minutes. Nagano to Suzaka Station, 15 minutes. Suzaka Station to Goshiki Onsen, 40 minutes. Total travel time, approx. 2 hrs and 30 minutes.

Location/Contact Info

Address: Goshiki Onsen, Takayama
Tel: 026-242-2500
Fax: 026-242-2550

Accommodations

Price: Rates start at Y15,500 (including breakfast and dinner). This is a 12-room Japanese-style ryokan.
Days Closed: None
Day Visit Option: Y500 (9:00am 5:00pm)

The Water

Onsen Specifics: Three outdoor baths (two mixed and one women-only) Two indoor baths.
Water Good For: Gout, high blood pressure, neuralgia.
Water Composition: Hydrogen Sulfide, Radium

Goshiki Onsen, located deep in the mountains, gets its name from the unique qualities of the water. From the word 'Go' (which means five), and the word 'shiki' (which means color), the water of Goshiki Onsen changes from cobalt blue, white, creamy white, black, to dark green. The outside temperature influences the water in this way, making this a unique onsen experience.

Because of the ryokan's remoste location, it maintains a secretive image. When the Goshikinoyu ryokan opened 50 years ago, there was no postman delivery nor any public transportation in that area.

Of interest are the indoor baths, built from local cypress trees, and the fact that the ryokan restaurant serves especially fresh food using all local ingredients.

[Thanks to Toto for use of the above photo.]

Reader Comments

Onsen in Northern Hokuriku