Considered the oldest hot spring resort in Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), Bessho Onsen in Ueda City is also known as the 'Kamakura of Shinshu' for its concentration of historic temples and shrines including Kitamuki Kannon, Anraku-ji, and Daiho-ji. The Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line provides the only rail access, and the spa town is dotted with inns and communal baths. Day-trip facilities such as…

Bessho Onsen is considered the oldest hot spring resort in Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture), said to have been discovered by the Buddhist monk Gyoki around 700 CE. According to tradition, the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) also visited during the Heian period and spread its reputation as a sacred healing sprin…