Access

Local Train Station: Iiyama
From Tokyo: Take the Joetsu shinkansen to Nagano station. Then, transfer to the local train on the JR Iiyama line and get off at Iiyama Station. From Iiyama Station, take a public bus toward Nozawa onsen. Get off at Nakamura.
Travel Time: Tokyo to Nagano, 1 hr and 20 minutes. Nagano to Iiyama, 50 minutes. Bus to Nakamura, 15 minutes. Total travel time approx. 2 hrs 25 minutes.

Location/Contact Info

Address: Kijimadaira
Tel: 0269-82-4028
Fax: 0269-82-4062
Web: kijimadairakanko.jp/... (Japanese only)

Accommodations

Although Maguse onsen is a public onsen, the Nashinoki-so ryokan is right next door. There, rooms start at Y8,000 for two. Tel: 0269-82-4380
Days Closed: The second Wednesday of the month
Day Visit Option: Y500 (6am -10pm)
Credit Cards: None accepeted

The Water

Onsen Specifics: Two large outdoor baths (one for men, one for women) and two indoor baths (separate).
Water Good For: Stomach problem and fatigue.
Water Composition: Weak Alkaline

Maguse onsen is located in a public park in the Northern Japan Alps. Because the onsen is publicly owned (created by the local municipality to attract visitors), it is a very simple and inexpensive onsen. Nearby is an ryokan (also city-owned) with a communcal kitchen where guests can do their own cooking. If you're not interested in cooking, there is a restaurant on the premises. And if you come to the onsen for a day visit only, it has relaxation room bathers can use at no extra charge.

The outdoor baths have spectacular panoramic views of the Alps.

The Buzz

Word on the web is positive. Everyone who visits the site becomes adddicted to the water and views. "I wanted to see the view again and again," said one web reporter.

Reader Comments

Onsen in Northern Hokuriku