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Shirahone Onsen in Nagano: Best Hot Springs, Access, and Hotels
Milky white water, a faint sulfur scent, and forested mountain views define Shirahone Onsen, a secluded hot-spring area in the Northern Japanese Alps. Its springs emerge clear, then turn creamy as dissolved hydrogen sulfide and calcium react with the air; the shade can vary with the weather and time of day. Bathing traditions here stretch back more than 600 years, reflected in the saying that three days in the water will ward off colds for three years. Soak beside the river at the public open-air bath or stay at a ryokan such as Awa no Yu, Konashi no Yu Sasaya, or Shirafune Grand Hotel. Snow can close some baths in winter, while autumn brings vivid foliage around the outdoor pools.