Tsubame Onsen to Naena Falls Hiking Trail

Tour the hot springs of Myoko and view some of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls

Relaxing in hot springs, known as onsen, is a popular leisure activity in Japan. This trail allows you to sample these rejuvenating volcanic waters, which well up from the ground in the foothills of Mount Myoko. You can also take a bus tour of the area's six onsen, each with their own distinctive type of spring water.

Tsubame Onsen is at the start of the route. The water here is cloudy and white, while at the neighboring spa of Seki Onsen the water is known for its red hue. Near Tsubame Onsen are the Sotaki Falls. From Seki Onsen you can walk through picturesque woodland to Fudo Falls. You can visit a small shrine dedicated to Fudo-son, a spirit that is said to grant protection against eye ailments. The trail then passes the hot spring spas of Akakura Onsen, Shin-Akakura Onsen, Ikenotaira Onsen, and Suginosawa Onsen.

Halfway along the trail lies Imoriike Pond, a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the view of Mount Myoko across the water. There is a visitor center and a place to get refreshments. The Suginohara Gondola operates during the summer months not far from the visitor center, from where you can experience panoramic views of the mountains. The trail finishes at the Naena Falls, named one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.

Highlights

The Ogon-no-Yu open-air spa near Tsubame Onsen

The open-air spas at Tsubame Onsen and stunning Sotaki Falls

Around 15 minutes' walk from Tsubame Onsen are two spots for relaxing amid the natural surroundings. Kawara-no-Yu and Ogon-no-Yu are open-air hot spring baths, known as rotenburo in Japanese. They are free and open to the public from early May until early November. Relax in the milky waters as swallows swoop among the trees in the summer months. Walk a bit further along the mountain path and you will come to Sotaki Falls.

The Nekorobi bath (left) and hand bath (right) at Yutohana-no-Koen Park

The historic spa town of Akakura Onsen

Akakura Onsen is a hot spring spa town with more than 200 years of history. The area is a famed for its clear mountain spring water, as well as the mineral rich hot spring baths. At Ashiyu Park and at Yutohana-no-Koen Park there are hot foot baths at which to relax and soak your tired feet. These are open to the public from April to November. You can also sample local food and drink including sake rice wine and sweet steamed buns known as manju.

The secluded Naena Falls

The picturesque Naena Falls

At the end of the trail is the famed Naena Falls. This waterfall is located on the Seki River along the border with Nagano Prefecture around 3.5 kilometers from Suginosawa Onsen. The waterfall is an impressive sight, as water plunges 55 meters from top to bottom. As you near the falls you can hear the rushing water pounding on the rocks giving it the nickname “Earthquake Falls."

Trail Map

Tsubame Onsen to Naena Falls Hiking Trail

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