Joetsu and Myoko are some of Japan's snowiest areas. Sinking into the mountains in the deep powder and then soaking in a hot spring bath with a view of the snow is the ultimate bliss! So, we'll introduce some hot springs in and around the resorts that are perfect for soaking in if you're skiing in the Joetsu and Myoko area
[Near Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort]
Myoko Onsen Myoko Yamazato no Yuyado Kofukan (Niigata Prefecture)
This historic hot spring inn was founded in 1922 and uses free-flowing hot spring water. The indoor baths, "Ka" and "Kaze," are retro-styled with hot spring wood, stone, and mosaic tiles, and the open-air bath offers a spectacular view. There is a special accommodation plan that includes a lift and gondola ticket. Benefits: 20% discount on rentals and 10% discount on lessons. When it's not crowded, you can also drop in and take a bath
Myoko Yamazato no Yuyado Kofukan
Opening hours: (drop-in bathing): 12:00-20:30
Price: Adults 800 yen
Official website: https://kofukan.jp/about.html#page3
[Near Seki Onsen Ski Resort]
Seki Onsen Koshinoyu Kyukamura Myoko (Niigata Prefecture)
A snow-viewing bath overlooking Mount Myoko, one of the 100 famous mountains
Located about a 15-minute drive from Seki Onsen Ski Resort, this is the only hot spring in Seki Onsen with its own source. Echigo no Yu is a natural hot spring characterized by red hot spring deposits, which are effective for neuralgia and skin diseases. The large public bath overlooks Mt. Myoko, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and the view of the snowy landscape, autumn leaves, and the changing appearance of Mt. Myoko throughout the seasons while soaking is a wonderful experience. Kyuka Mura Myoko is a complex that offers accommodation, meals, hands-on activities, camping, skiing, and the opportunity to experience the nature of Myoko throughout the year. There is also an outdoor working space, making it suitable for workation. Staying at a place like this and going to the ski resort might be a good idea
Kyukamura Myoko
Hours: 13:00-18:00
Fee: Adults 800 yen
Official website: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/myoukou/
[Near Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort]
Ikenotaira Hot Springs, Myoko Kogen Hot Springs
The blissful combination of craft beer and hot springs
This spa facility is attached to Ikenotaira Onsen Alpen Brick Resort and is open for day trips. The hot springs that spring from Minami Jigokudani Valley on Mt. Myoko are colorless, transparent, and simple hot springs containing sulfur. The open-air bath is a black mud bath filled with hot spring ingredients mixed with black mud from the source, warming you from the inside out. It is effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, and sensitivity to the cold. Alpen Brick Snow Resort is also famous for producing craft beer. At the Tatrakan brewery restaurant, you can enjoy freshly brewed Myoko Kogen Alpen Brick beer on draft, while also enjoying a hearty buffet
Alpen Blick Spa Day-trip hot springs
Hours: 7:00-22:30
Fee: Adults 800 yen
Official website: https://www.alpenblick-resort.com/spa
Suginosawa Onsen Naena no Yu
The only day-trip hot spring facility in Suginosawa
It is one of three "nearby day-trip bathing facilities" listed on the official website of Akakura Kanko Ski Resort (Alpen Brick Spa Day-Trip Hot Spring, Myoko Kogen Fureai Kaikan, and Naena no Yu). The nearest one is Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. The water is a bicarbonate spring and is almost colorless and transparent. It is said to contain ingredients with a strong cleansing effect
Naenanoyu
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Price: 500 yen for adults
Official website: https://naenanoyu.com/index.html
[Inside Lotte Arai Resort]
Starry Sky Hot Springs
An open-air bath where you can enjoy the starry sky
The "Hoshizora Onsen" within Lotte Arai Resort is a natural hot spring that springs from a source 1,750 meters underground. It is slightly alkaline, gentle on the skin, and has excellent moisturizing properties, resulting in beautiful skin. As the name suggests, it is fully equipped with an open-air bath with a view of the starry sky, a jacuzzi, a dry mist sauna, and more. There is also a SPA, heated swimming pool, gym, and children's playroom, so you can enjoy the ultimate relaxation here, not only after a day of skiing, but also on days when the weather is bad and you can't go up the mountain. It is also great that day trips are available
Hoshizora
Onsen Hours: 13:00-23:00
Price: 1,500 yen for adults
Official website: https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/ja/facilities/hoshizora-onsen.html
[Charmant Hiuchi Soba]
Sakaguchi Onsen Gongenso
If you're coming back from Charmant Hiuchi, come here
Located close to Charmant Hiuchi Ski Resort, it is also available for day trips. It has a charming open-air bath, an indoor bath, and a mist sauna. There is also a rest area, and delivery of sasa sushi and other dishes is available. You can relax and enjoy the snowy scenery
Maseguchi Onsen Gongenso
Opening hours: 9:00-20:00
Price: 600 yen for adults
Official website: https://www.maseguchionsen-gongenso.com/
[Inside Cupid Valley]
Yukidaruma Onsen Kubigino
Afterwards, you can relax at Yukidaruma Onsen Kubikino, located within the resort. The hot spring water flows directly from the source, and the yellow-greenish brown sodium and calcium chloride spring is effective for relieving muscle and joint pain. If you present your season pass or lift ticket for the day, you can receive a 500 yen discount for adults
Yukidaruma Onsen Kubikino
Opening hours: 12:00-18:00 (closed every Monday)
Fee: Adults 600 yen
Official website: https://www.yukidaruma-kogen.com/winter/spa.html