When you hear the term "Lamp no Yado" (Inn of Lamp), you might imagine it's located in a remote and isolated place. Surprisingly, in Japan, there's the convenient Takamine Onsen in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture. Despite its elevation of 2,000 meters, Takamine Onsen is open year-round and easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a bus from JR Sakudaira Station or Komoro Station, which will drop you right in front of the inn, making it perfect for train enthusiasts.
Takamine Onsen is situated on the Takamine Plateau, extending west from the Asama Mountains and renowned for its "open-air hot spring at an altitude of 2,000 meters." It's located at the border of Nagano and Gunma Prefectures, and the surrounding area is designated as the Joshin'etsukogen National Park.
With attractions like the Ike-no-hira Wetlands, Takamine-yama, Higashi-kago-no-to-yama, and Nishi-kago-no-to-yama, it's a paradise for mountain climbers. Starting from Takamine Onsen, you can enjoy hiking and formal mountain climbing on various routes.
You might wonder, "Can non-hikers visit as well?" Of course, they can. Many people come here purely for the hot spring experience without any climbing or hiking. It's a cozy inn primarily meant for soaking in the hot springs, and not necessarily for outdoor activities.
Now, let's go over how to enjoy Takamine Onsen.
Check-in time at Takamine Onsen is at 1:00 PM
Check-in time at Takamine Onsen is at 1:00 PM. Sometimes, certain accommodations may allow check-ins to start at 2:00 PM. If you wish to fully enjoy the high-altitude hot spring, be sure to arrive at the inn for check-in by 1:00 PM.
The inn also has a restaurant where you can enjoy soba noodles and light meals (soba noodles require a reservation). Additionally, there is a meal accommodation menu available for guests checking in at 1:00 PM.
Enjoy the hot springs to the fullest!
The hot springs at Takamine Onsen have a composition of calcium and sodium. They have a slight sulfur scent, and the temperature at the source is 36 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for extended bathing in the summer.
The inn features a total of six hot springs, including one open-air bath for men and women each, and two indoor baths for men and women each.
The water source for "Takamine no Yu" and the "Women's Observation Bath" is heated to 42 degrees Celsius, with a bath temperature of 36 degrees Celsius. Guests staying at the hotel can use them for free 24 hours a day.
The only embedded bath that can be used at any time is the "Lamp no Yu" (ランプの湯), allowing guests to enjoy hot water without worrying about crowding.
During your stay, you can use the open-air baths only until sunset and after 7:00 AM the following day (note that in severe winter weather, the open-air baths may not be accessible).
Experience the "open-air bath at an altitude of 2,000 meters"
The open-air bath is located on a hill about 50 meters from the accommodation building, and it accommodates up to 4 people. In front of the entrance to the open-air bath, there are four baskets provided for each gender.
Guests grab one of these baskets and head to the open-air bath. If there are no baskets left, it means the bath is full, and you'll have to wait until there's an available spot.
There are no changing rooms in the open-air bath, and there's no roof either. There's just a rack for placing your yukata. In case of rain or snow, plastic sheets are provided to cover the baskets, and you can bathe while wearing the provided hats to protect yourself from the elements.
These hats also serve as sunshades on sunny days since there's nothing to shield you from direct sunlight. The experience in the open-air bath is greatly influenced by the natural environment. However, on a clear day, you can enjoy views of Komoro City and Saku City below, with further vistas of Car Mountain, Kirigamine, Mt. Ontake, and the Central Alps mountain range.
Moreover, if conditions are right, you might even see an expanse of sea clouds stretching out before you. Bathing while witnessing a sea of clouds is truly a wonderful experience. In the evening, you might want to soak in the hot water while gazing at the stars, but please note that the open-air bath is closed after sunset, which can be a bit disappointing.
Takamine Onsen's indoor baths are of the highest quality, so make sure to enjoy them when the outdoor baths are not available. The comfortably warm water flowing from the 36-degree Celsius hot spring source makes for an incredibly relaxing bathing experience.
There are no refrigerators in the rooms, but you can purchase draft beer at Kimagure Cafe on the first floor. There are also vending machines, so you can enjoy a cold beer even late at night after your bath.
Savor the Flavors of the Mountains
Takamine Onsen is an inn where you can truly savor your dining experience. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, it's a mountain lodge for hikers, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the cuisine here!
In addition to hearty main dishes like grilled river fish, tempura, and ceramic-grilled beef, the table is filled with a plethora of mountain delicacies made from locally sourced ingredients.
From chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) to side dishes, the flavors are gentle and the meticulous preparation of each dish leaves a lasting impression on guests.
In mountain lodges where procuring ingredients can be quite a challenge, the warm and hospitable food not only warms your body but also warms your heart.
The shelves at the buffet restaurant are lined with homemade fruit wines, leaving a memorable impression. So, if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to try one that piques your interest!
Additionally, the inn hosts free activities such as "Bird Watching Classes" and "Stargazing Events." It's a hospitable inn with a lot to offer.
Many guests also enjoy mountain activities like hiking, trekking, and skiing during the winter. But even if you're just here for the hot springs, it's a fantastic experience!
After checking out, you can continue to use the baths, so after your mountain adventures, you can have one last soak before heading home.
Enjoy the hot springs at any time, day or night, and take the time to appreciate the mountain views and the local birdlife.
The warmth from the natural gas stove near the lobby is heartwarming, and when night falls, the soft illumination of the hotel and bath, along with the soothing starry sky of Takamine Onsen, is the perfect way to rejuvenate your spirit.
In less than a 3-hour drive from the city center, you can enjoy this hot spring getaway. Prices start from 16,500 yen per person for two adults, including tax, with 2 meals for one night.
While it's often fully booked, with frequent checks, you might find an available room on the weekends. Depending on room availability, it's also possible to stay by yourself. So, if you're looking to reset and change your mood, come to Takamine Onsen.
- Takamine Onsen（高峰温泉 ランプの宿）
- Address: 704-1 Takamine Kogen, Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture
- Directions: About 60 minutes by JR bus from JR Sakudaira Station (via Komoro) / Direct bus from Busta Shinjuku (reservation required) is also available.
- Cost: Starting from 16,500 yen per person
- Business Hours: Check-in from 13:00 to 17:00 / Check-out at 10:00
- Official Website: https://www.takamine.co.jp/
