5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yudanaka Onsen, Nagano Prefecture—Thrived as a Post Station Town

Yudanaka Onsen in Nagano Prefecture is a hot spring town located about 45 minutes from Nagano Station via the local Nagano Dentetsu line. It’s also a popular tourist destination, especially for visitors from Tokyo, as it’s only about two hours away by Shinkansen. The hot spring is renowned for its natural emergence near the ground’s surface, and during the Edo period it developed as a post station, offering weary travelers a restorative stay. Today, the hot water continues to flow abundantly from its source. Below are some top attractions in and around Yudanaka Onsen.

1. Kaede no Yu – Yudanaka Station Front Onsen

At the terminus of the Nagano Electric Railway, Yudanaka Station, you’ll find the public bath Kaede no Yu. Opened in 2003, this shared hot spring allows visitors to enjoy high-quality onsen at a reasonable price even without staying overnight. The facility offers indoor and slightly cooler outdoor baths filled with smooth, colorless, 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water that leaves skin soft and moisturized. The relaxation room is cozy, with tables and tatami flooring where you can sit and rest. Locals and tourists alike visit, making it a great place to pick up local tips. Admission is budget-friendly at 300 yen for junior high students and older, and 150 yen for elementary students. Open from 10:00 to 21:00, it’s perfect for warming up before catching your next train. Discount combos with train tickets are available too.

2. Peace Goddess of the World (Sekai Heiwa Daikannon)

Just past the Yudanaka Onsen town lies Heiwa no Oka Park, home to the towering Peace Goddess of the World—a bronze statue about 25 meters tall, making it the tallest metal Kannon statue in Asia. Originally a Kannon statue stood here but was dismantled during WWII metal donations; after the war, it was re-erected to symbolize peace. Inside the pedestal is the Daihiden, displaying the current statue’s figure and photos/documents of the earlier statue. Nobel symbol and tourist draw, this statue is a must-see when visiting Yudanaka.

3. Miroku Stone Buddha

Another unmissable attraction in Heiwa no Oka Park is the Miroku Stone Buddha. The hot springs of Yudanaka are said to have been discovered during the era of Prince Nakano‑Oe (later Emperor Tenchi) around 645 CE, and believed to grant longevity. The Miroku Stone Buddha is said to have been erected to protect the hot springs and honor the hope for immortality. Located on a hill overlooking the Peace Goddess, the Buddha’s serene, rounded face still soothes visitors to this day. The site is walkable from town and highly recommended for tourists visiting Yudanaka.

4. Yukeburi Jizo (Steam Bath Jizo)

Near Yudanaka Onsen stands Baiōji Temple, founded around 300 years ago during the Edo period. Among the many hot springs nearby is the beloved Yukeburi Jizo—a cute statue that, when its waist or shoulders are gently rubbed with a white cloth, is said to bless the person with health and vitality thanks to the hot spring’s energy. The cloth is first soaked with hot spring water using a ladle. A nearby shop sells charmingly designed cloths—great souvenirs! This healing statue is a treasured spiritual stop for visitors to Yudanaka.

5. Movable Rock (Ugoki Iwa)

Finally, a curious spot near Yudanaka Onsen is the Movable Rock at Yumiya Shrine. This shrine dates back centuries and draws many faithful worshippers and tourists. Legend says this massive rock can be moved with just one finger—though, in reality, it's immovable. Reflecting on why this large boulder remains here and the legends around it can be surprisingly fascinating. A short walk from Yudanaka’s hot spring district, it’s a quirky and memorable stop.

◎Summary

Here are some recommended tourist spots in Yudanaka Onsen. Famous for its longevity-inducing hot springs, Yudanaka offers more than just baths. Esteemed haiku poet Kobayashi Issa once lived here, adding cultural depth to the town. The atmosphere of the entire hot spring district is wonderfully immersive. Easily accessible by train from Tokyo or Nagoya, Yudanaka is perfect for both overnight and day trips. The bathhouse area is conveniently close to the station, making it easy to enjoy without rush. Please visit Yudanaka Onsen someday soon!

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