Bessho Onsen (別所温泉) is a hot spring resort town located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is situated in the foothills of the Japanese Alps and is known for its scenic beauty and relaxing hot springs.
The hot springs of Bessho Onsen are said to have been discovered over 1,300 years ago by a Buddhist priest named Gyoki. Since then, the area has been a popular destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of hot springs. There are a number of traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) in the town that offer lodging and access to the hot springs.
In addition to the hot springs, Bessho Onsen has several historic temples and shrines that date back to the 8th century. One of the most famous is the Rokugo Manzan temple complex, which includes several temples and pagodas. The town also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including a lantern festival in August and a snow festival in February.
Details
Bessho Onsen is easily accessible by train from Tokyo, with a journey time of approximately 2.5 hours.