One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the onsen (hot springs)! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by locals for centuries? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area have a long history and have been protected by these "yumori," or "hot spring guardians," who are the pride of the hot spring resorts introduced in this project.
Onsen above the clouds at an altitude of 2,000 meters Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen
In the 23rd installment of our series "The Charms of Local Hot Springs", we introduce "Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen" in Nagano Prefecture. We asked Mr. Goto, the innkeeper, about the inn.
Ryokan surrounded by natural deciduous pine forest in Joshinetsu National Park
What kind of place is Takamine Onsen, where "Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen" is located?
Mr. Goto, Yumoru "It is located in a rich natural environment in Joshinetsu National Park. The inn is located on a ridge between Nagano and Gunma prefectures at an altitude of 2,000 meters, where you can enjoy the sunset in winter and the sunrise in spring. The area around the inn is surrounded by natural deciduous pine forests, which begin their fresh green season in mid-May. Exterior view
Winter, when you can enjoy activities unique to snowy mountains and star-filled skies
Please tell us about the attraction of Takamine Onsen during the snow season.
Mr. Goto, Yumori "In winter, the inn is located behind the Takamine Mountain Park ski resort, so guests can drive their snowmobiles to the inn from the ski resort's temporary parking lot No. 5. In addition, the trails around the inn are snowshoe trails, and there are several courses to choose from according to your fitness level. The inn rents snowshoes free of charge to guests. For beginners, a guide will be available from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to show you around Takamine for 1,000 yen. In addition to this, the inn holds morning bird classes, where more than 10 species of wild birds gather in front of the rest area to please the eye. Occasionally, marten and squirrels come to visit. The winter attraction is the clear night sky, full of stars, and the telescope provides a beautiful view of the neighboring galaxies. Ten who visited "Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen Starry sky
Spring, when you can enjoy fresh greenery, alpine flora in full bloom, and a sea of clouds in the morning.
I see that during the winter, you can experience winter sports such as snowshoeing! The star-filled sky is also wonderful! Now, can you tell us how to enjoy Takamine Onsen in the coming spring season?
Mr. Goto Goto, Yumamori "Because we are 2,000 meters above sea level, spring comes late, starting in May, but from May, guided tours of Ikenodaira Marsh with fresh greenery will be offered from 9:00 to 12:00. Around the inn's outdoor hot spring baths, many Azuma rhododendrons are in full bloom, and many alpine plants are in full bloom along with the fresh greenery. May, when the weather is stable, is also the season when many morning seas of clouds form. Takamine Plateau Squirrel visiting Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen
Open-air bath above the clouds" with a view of the sea of clouds below
So the scenery around the ryokan can be enjoyed in each season! I strongly feel Yumori's desire for people to feel nature. What is the best place to feel nature?
Mr. Goto, Yumori "In the open-air bath above the clouds, you can look down on the Takamine Valley below with the Alps in the distance, unobstructed. In the morning, a sea of clouds can cover the entire area below. The hot spring baths in the midst of nature's four seasons will allow you to experience a moment of being at one with nature." Open-air bath above the clouds Sea of clouds
Hot water from a 36-degree fountainhead bathtub and a 41-degree heated bathtub "Lamp-no-yu
The view is unique to an open-air bath surrounded by mountains, isn't it? The indoor "Lamp no Yu" bath is divided into two bathtubs, one of which is 36 degrees Celsius, which is about the same temperature as human skin.
Mr. Goto, Yumamori "At Lamp no Yu, there is a 41°C heated bathtub and a 36°C source bathtub. Alternating between the two bathtubs will help with muscle pain, balance the autonomic nervous system, and increase insulin secretion. Drinking the spring water also has beneficial effects for diabetes, gout, constipation, and liver disease. Lamp no Yu
Mountain cuisine using flavorful ingredients from Shinshu
After the onsen, I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the food. I understand that the main dining room, "Kumomote," offers an atmosphere like being in nature.
Ms. Goto Goto, Yumori "In the "Restaurant Kumomote," you can enjoy your meal in a space with a view in three directions. You can sometimes enjoy the sea of clouds in the morning from here. This is a privilege for guests staying at the hotel. The meals are prepared using mainly ingredients from Shinshu, such as wild vegetables in spring, vegetables in summer, and mushrooms in autumn, as well as river fish such as carp, rockfish, sweetfish, and Shinshu salmon nurtured by the limpid waters of Shinshu. Our homemade hometown cuisine is very popular. Main dining room "Kumomote An example of a dish
Enjoy the nature around the inn
Lastly, please tell us about Yumori's commitment to its customers.
Mr. Goto, Yumori "Please come prepared to go outside so that you can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons. You can fully enjoy the grandeur and healing power of nature." The view from Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen
Ryokan where you can enjoy the four seasons in the mountains with all five senses
How was it? In this issue, we asked you to tell us more about "Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen". There are many attractions such as seasonal scenery, cuisine, the environment surrounded by mountains, and the sea of clouds in the morning! We hope you enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature at Lamp no Yado Takamine Onsen. Sea of clouds
Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!
You can create your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Next time
Please enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature at Lamp Inn Takamine Onsen! Please look forward to the next installment. If you would like to know more about "Ji-onsen," please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview cooperation: Takamine Onsen, Lamp no Yado
