The Gentle Waters of Maguse Onsen
A Mild Spring Suitable for a Wide Range of Visitors
The spring is classified as a weakly alkaline simple hot spring. The source temperature is approximately 39.5°C, based on an analysis conducted on September 4, 2006, and the spring produces around 160 liters of water per minute.
The water is colorless, clear, and gentle on the skin. Its mild alkaline character makes it a pleasant hot spring for a wide range of visitors, from children to older travelers. It is also traditionally appreciated for its skin-softening and beautifying qualities.
Maguse Onsen Bōkyō-no-Yu
A Famous Open-Air Bath with Mountain Views
Maguse Onsen Bōkyō-no-Yu is situated high in the mountains and is particularly well known for its open-air bath with expansive views. On clear days, bathers can look out toward the magnificent peaks of the Northern Japan Alps while soaking in the warm waters.
The scenery is especially striking in winter. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and forests, the outdoor bath creates a memorable Japanese hot spring experience in which the boundary between the bath and the natural landscape seems to disappear.
The winter scenery has received particular recognition, with the facility previously ranked first in eastern Japan in a Japanese newspaper’s selection of hot springs with outstanding snowy landscapes.
Nashino-ki-so
A Simple Retreat in the Mountains
Next to the hot spring facility is Nashino-ki-so, a simple accommodation facility specializing in room-only stays. It is ideal for travelers who want to spend a quiet night surrounded by nature without the formality or expense of a full-service resort.
Its convenient location beside the hot spring makes it possible to enjoy a relaxing stay centered around bathing, mountain scenery, and the peaceful atmosphere of rural Nagano.
The History of Maguse Onsen
From Geological Surveys to the Opening of the Hot Spring
The history of Maguse Onsen is relatively recent. During geological surveys carried out in the 1960s, researchers identified indications of underground hot spring resources in the area.
After years of planning and preparation, the hot spring officially opened in 1982. In its early days, it consisted only of an outdoor bath and operated on a seasonal basis.
Development as a Year-Round Destination
Kijimadaira Village gradually worked to make the hot spring available to visitors throughout the year. As part of this effort, a small hydroelectric pumping system using water from the nearby Maguse River was introduced, while the surrounding area was developed as Maguse Onsen Park.
In 1988, the present Bōkyō-no-Yu facility opened, greatly expanding the hot spring’s appeal. In 1997, Nashino-ki-so was added as an accommodation facility, strengthening Maguse Onsen’s role as a place for tourism and community exchange.
A New Chapter for Maguse Onsen
Temporary Closure and a New Operating Structure
Maguse Onsen underwent a major transition in recent years. When the third-sector company Kijimadaira Kanko Co., Ltd. was privatized, both Bōkyō-no-Yu and Nashino-ki-so temporarily closed from April 1, 2023.
During the closure, efforts were made to establish a new operating structure and secure the future of the facilities. On October 31, 2023, Kijimadaira Village and BJ Co., Ltd., a company based in Nagano City, concluded an agreement concerning the transfer of shares in Maguse Onsen Co., Ltd. and the use of the facilities.
Reopening in 2024
After approximately one year of closure, Maguse Onsen Bōkyō-no-Yu reopened on April 27, 2024, under its new operator. With renewed support from local residents and businesses, the hot spring began a new chapter while preserving its role as a beloved place of relaxation for both the local community and visitors.
Enjoying the Scenery of Every Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter
One of the greatest attractions of Maguse Onsen is the opportunity to bathe while surrounded by the changing scenery of the mountains.
Spring brings fresh green leaves and the gentle atmosphere of the new season. Summer offers cool mountain breezes and refreshing greenery. In autumn, the surrounding forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Then, in winter, deep snow transforms the landscape into a quiet white world.
Each season gives the open-air bath a completely different character, making Maguse Onsen a destination worth experiencing at different times of the year.
How to Reach Maguse Onsen
By Public Transportation
The nearest railway station is Iiyama Station on the JR Iiyama Line. From the station, Maguse Onsen can be reached by bus in approximately 20 minutes. Because bus services may vary by season and day, checking the latest timetable before traveling is recommended.
By Car
From the Toyota-Iiyama Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway, follow National Route 117 north. In Iiyama, turn right at the Chuo-bashi-nishi intersection and continue onto National Route 403. Turn left at the Kamikijima intersection and enter Kijimadaira Village, then follow the signs for Maguse Onsen.
A Mountain Hot Spring Rooted in the Local Community
Maguse Onsen is more than a place to take a bath. Its history has been closely connected with the development of Kijimadaira Village, and its reopening was supported by local residents and businesses working together to preserve this important regional attraction.
Today, the combination of a gentle hot spring, dramatic mountain scenery, seasonal landscapes, and a quiet rural setting makes Maguse Onsen an inviting destination for travelers looking to slow down and experience a more peaceful side of Japan.
A Memorable Hot Spring Experience in Northern Nagano
Maguse Onsen offers the simple pleasure of soaking in warm mineral water while surrounded by the mountains of northern Nagano. Its famous open-air bath, especially beautiful beneath a blanket of winter snow, provides an unforgettable way to experience Japan’s hot spring culture.
After exploring the mountains and countryside of Kijimadaira, taking time to relax in the waters of Maguse Onsen is a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons.