The Best Place to See the Brightest Stars! 5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Hirugami Onsen

Located in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, Hirugami Onsen is the largest hot spring resort in Southern Shinshu. Discovered in 1973, this relatively new hot spring is widely known as the "Beauty Skin Hot Spring" due to its beneficial properties.

Achi Village is a small town with a population of just 6,600 people, yet it has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Japan today. What brought Achi Village into the spotlight is its breathtaking starry sky, which is considered the most beautiful in Japan. Visitors from all over the country come here to witness this rare and stunning celestial view.

In this article, we have carefully selected five must-visit tourist spots in Hirugami Onsen that you should not miss!

1. The Popular Beauty-Enhancing Alkaline Hot Spring: Hirugami Onsen

Hirugami Onsen is a highly alkaline hot spring with a pH of 9.7, earning it the nickname “Beauty Skin Hot Spring”. When visiting this onsen, be sure to fully enjoy its healing waters. For day-trip visitors, some great options include the "Yuttari-na Hirugami" onsen facility, the "Fureai-no-Yu" footbath, and the small footbath "Ahiru-no-Yu".

At Yuttari-na Hirugami, you’ll find two open-air baths where you can soak while admiring the beautiful nature of Achi Village. The baths, named "Higashi-no-Yu" (Eastern Bath) and "Nishi-no-Yu" (Western Bath), switch between men and women on alternate days. There are also two types of indoor large baths—one made of stone and another made of wood—as well as waterfall showers, reclining baths, seated baths, and saunas. If you are traveling with children, there are private baths available, ensuring a relaxing experience for families.

For those looking for a footbath experience, Fureai-no-Yu can accommodate around 15 people and is located along Achi River, allowing visitors to unwind with the sound of flowing water in the background. If you prefer a quieter setting, Ahiru-no-Yu is a small footbath that can fit around four people at a time. Since it is relatively unknown, it’s a great hidden gem for those who enjoy a more secluded atmosphere.

Relax in the Hirugami Onsen waters and achieve soft, radiant skin!

2. Heavens Sonohara: A Place for Beautiful Views Day and Night

Heavens Sonohara is a popular ski resort, but did you know that it’s also an amazing sightseeing destination outside of the winter season? During the green season (spring to autumn), visitors can take a ride on the Fujimidai Kogen Ropeway and enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

For nature lovers, you can take a leisurely walk along the designated "Forest Therapy Road", where you can admire wildflowers and alpine plants. One of the highlights is the Mizubasho (Asian skunk cabbage) Path, home to 10,000 Mizubasho plants. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the three rare yellow Mizubasho flowers that exist in the area.

For families with children, the resort also features playgrounds and slides, making it an ideal destination for all ages!

3. Magical Night Event: Tenku no Rakuen Winter Night Tour – STARS BY NAKED

Achi Village is one of the best places for stargazing in Japan due to its high altitude and crystal-clear air. The surrounding mountains block city lights, allowing visitors to enjoy a sky full of twinkling stars with the naked eye. During summer, you can witness the Milky Way, while winter offers a chance to see the Pleiades star cluster (Subaru).

If you’re visiting Hirugami Onsen, stargazing is an absolute must! From April to October, visitors can experience the "Tenku no Rakuen Night Tour," where they can admire the night sky from 1,400 meters above sea level. From December to March, the event transforms into the "Tenku no Rakuen Winter Night Tour – STARS BY NAKED," held at the mountain base.

The winter version of the tour is particularly recommended for those who want to see the brightest and clearest stars. This special event is a fusion of stunning starry skies and projection mapping, creating a breathtaking interactive experience. The venue also features a 15-meter-diameter super planetarium called "MEGASTAR", as well as a space-themed café and a hot stone footbath, making it feel like a stargazing theme park.


With such mesmerizing views, this truly deserves the title of "The Best Place to See the Brightest Stars". While winters in Nagano are extremely cold, this event is absolutely worth experiencing. After enjoying the winter night tour, you can warm up in the Hirugami Onsen for a perfect relaxation experience.

4. Jibuzaka Kogen Ski Resort: A Destination for All Seasons

The Jibuzaka Kogen Ski Resort opens for the ski season in mid-December every year. The resort offers special discounts—Tuesdays are "Men’s Day" and Thursdays are "Ladies’ Day", allowing adults to enjoy a cheaper full-day lift pass. Additionally, there are kid-friendly events and ski schools available throughout the season, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.

During the summer season, the resort opens its famous "Cosmos Garden", where you can ride a lift and admire a field of vibrant cosmos flowers in full bloom beneath your feet. From July to September, a "Night Garden" event is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, allowing visitors to enjoy both the starry night sky and the cosmos flowers. Take this opportunity to experience the breathtaking seasonal views that can only be found in Hirugami Onsen!

5. Jibuzaka Kogen Jam Workshop: Discover Unique Jams

Located about 20 minutes south of Hirugami Onsen by car, Jibuzaka Kogen is home to the Jibuzaka Kogen Jam Workshop, a shop specializing in handmade jams. The jams are crafted using high-quality fruit from Nagano Prefecture and pure natural water, ensuring a delicious and premium taste. With their adorable packaging, these jams are a popular souvenir among visitors to Hirugami Onsen.

The workshop offers a wide variety of jams, including seasonal fruit flavors. At the tasting corner, you can sample over 10 different types of jams at any given time. Even among apple jams, the taste varies slightly depending on the variety of apples used, so visitors can compare different flavors and find their favorite.

Don’t forget to visit the on-site café, where you can enjoy sweets and lunch featuring these delicious jams!

◎ Summary: Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Hirugami Onsen, the Land of Beautiful Starry Skies

Hirugami Onsen is a scenic destination known for its certified "brightest starry sky in Japan," along with its hot springs, seasonal flowers, and rich natural beauty. While the onsen is a major attraction, there are also plenty of exciting events and must-visit spots to explore throughout the year.

Hirugami Onsen is the perfect getaway for those who want to relax in a hot spring while also engaging in outdoor activities. With seasonal events happening all year round, it’s a great place to visit at any time. And of course, the breathtaking starry sky is an experience you won’t want to miss!