Question
What are some highly-recommended onsen in the Japanese Alps that are accessible by public transportation and tattoo-friendly?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The Japanese Alps is an incredible region to explore, offering stunning landscapes and a number of beautiful onsen (hot springs). Here are some highly-recommended tattoo-friendly onsen in the Japanese Alps that are accessible by public transportation:
1. **Kamikochi**:
- **Kamikochi Onsen Hotel**: This onsen is located in the heart of the Kamikochi National Park. It has beautiful outdoor baths that allow you to enjoy nature. Kamikochi is accessible via bus from Shin-Shimashima Station.
2. **Myojin Pond**:
- **Myojin Hot Spring**: Located within Kamikochi, this onsen is perfect for a relaxing soak after hiking. The area is accessible by bus, and the onsen allows tattoos.
3. **Shibu Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture):
- This historic onsen town has several ryokan (traditional inns) that welcome tattooed visitors.
- **Shiraya Ryokan**: A lovely ryokan with traditional onsen facilities. It’s conveniently reachable by public transport (via Yamanouchi Station) and offers a variety of baths.
4. **Nozawa Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture):
- **Nozawa Onsen is renowned for its public hot springs**, many of which are tattoo-friendly. The town is easily accessible by train and bus from Nagano city.
- **Kumanotearai Onsen**: A charming ryokan that welcomes tattooed guests.
5. **Hakuba** (Nagano Prefecture):
- **Hakuba Onsen**: The entire Hakuba Valley has many onsen resorts, several of which are tattoo-friendly.
- **Mominoki Hotel**: This hotel features its own onsen and is known for being welcoming to those with tattoos. It can be reached by train to Hakuba Station followed by a short bus ride.
6. **Kusatsu Onsen** (Gunma Prefecture):
- While not strictly in the Japanese Alps, Kusatsu is nearby and famous for its hot springs and tattoo-friendly establishments. Accessible via bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
- **Yubatake Souan** offers traditional Japanese hospitality and has private baths that can be reserved.
7. **Tateyama Onsen** (Toyama Prefecture):
- **Tateyama Murodo Onsen**: Located near the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this onsen has outdoor baths with breathtaking views. It’s accessible via the Alpine Route and is known to be tattoo-friendly.
8. **Takayama** (Gifu Prefecture):
- **Hirayu Onsen**: Within a short bus ride from Takayama, this onsen is known for its quaint surroundings and tattoo-friendly policies.
- **Hirayu Onsen Hotel**: A traditional ryokan with both indoor and outdoor baths.
Remember that policies can change, and it's always a good idea to check in advance about their specific tattoo policies and accessibility from the nearest train or bus stops. Enjoy your onsen experience in the beautiful Japanese Alps!
1. **Kamikochi**:
- **Kamikochi Onsen Hotel**: This onsen is located in the heart of the Kamikochi National Park. It has beautiful outdoor baths that allow you to enjoy nature. Kamikochi is accessible via bus from Shin-Shimashima Station.
2. **Myojin Pond**:
- **Myojin Hot Spring**: Located within Kamikochi, this onsen is perfect for a relaxing soak after hiking. The area is accessible by bus, and the onsen allows tattoos.
3. **Shibu Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture):
- This historic onsen town has several ryokan (traditional inns) that welcome tattooed visitors.
- **Shiraya Ryokan**: A lovely ryokan with traditional onsen facilities. It’s conveniently reachable by public transport (via Yamanouchi Station) and offers a variety of baths.
4. **Nozawa Onsen** (Nagano Prefecture):
- **Nozawa Onsen is renowned for its public hot springs**, many of which are tattoo-friendly. The town is easily accessible by train and bus from Nagano city.
- **Kumanotearai Onsen**: A charming ryokan that welcomes tattooed guests.
5. **Hakuba** (Nagano Prefecture):
- **Hakuba Onsen**: The entire Hakuba Valley has many onsen resorts, several of which are tattoo-friendly.
- **Mominoki Hotel**: This hotel features its own onsen and is known for being welcoming to those with tattoos. It can be reached by train to Hakuba Station followed by a short bus ride.
6. **Kusatsu Onsen** (Gunma Prefecture):
- While not strictly in the Japanese Alps, Kusatsu is nearby and famous for its hot springs and tattoo-friendly establishments. Accessible via bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
- **Yubatake Souan** offers traditional Japanese hospitality and has private baths that can be reserved.
7. **Tateyama Onsen** (Toyama Prefecture):
- **Tateyama Murodo Onsen**: Located near the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, this onsen has outdoor baths with breathtaking views. It’s accessible via the Alpine Route and is known to be tattoo-friendly.
8. **Takayama** (Gifu Prefecture):
- **Hirayu Onsen**: Within a short bus ride from Takayama, this onsen is known for its quaint surroundings and tattoo-friendly policies.
- **Hirayu Onsen Hotel**: A traditional ryokan with both indoor and outdoor baths.
Remember that policies can change, and it's always a good idea to check in advance about their specific tattoo policies and accessibility from the nearest train or bus stops. Enjoy your onsen experience in the beautiful Japanese Alps!