Marvel at Japanese Autumn Foliage in Nagano’s Private Hot Spring Bath

HOT SPRING BATHS (or onsen) are a haven for many Japanese people but a place that foreigners often find ‘awkward’ to visit because of sharing a bath with strangers while being completely NAKED. However, fear not! There are PRIVATE ONSEN in Japan where you can unwind on your own and there is one that is perfectly nestled in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

Kose Onsen

KOSE ONSEN is a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, that is surrounded with luscious greenery which turns into spectacular crimson and golden scenery during autumn. Moreover, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Karuizawa Station but the place is very serene and makes you feel very close to nature. On top of that, it has an OPEN-AIR private bath that allows you to gaze at the breathtaking landscape while you chill in the onsen .

Facilities

Before you can use the private hot spring bath at Kose Onsen, you must first need to reserve it with the receptionist and then you can use it for an hour. Aside from that (of course) Kose Onsen also has a public bath.

There are no convenience stores, shops, and restaurants nearby so it’s advisable to eat-out or bring your own food, or you can eat at the inn’s restaurant which serves Japanese and Western cuisine. But you need to inform the staff if you plan to dine there and you must check in at 7pm (for dinner) or you won’t be able to eat (and there are no refunds). 

A Perfect Memory

After 5 years living in Japan, I was able to experience a private onsen! I’ve only been in public and I always wanted to go to a private one, but it was TOO EXPENSIVE, FARAWAY, or DIFFICULT to ACCESS. Plus, I've mostly traveled on my own and my friends weren’t that enthusiastic about going, hence my motivation was quite low. Then I met my husband, who FREAKING  loves going to hot springs, so FINALLY I have someone to accompany me and can check that off on my bucket-list. Then we found Kose Onsen.

Going there was one of my unforgettable memories in Japan. I was away from home and work, I have a beautiful view while bathing, and I was with my husband. It was such a romantic moment; hence, I highly recommend it for couples.

How to Get There

From Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station, you can take the Shinkansen, which takes around an hour and costs about 6,000 yen. From Karuizawa Station you can either take a taxi (which can be a bit pricey) or go by bus and get off at KOSE ONSEN Bus Station.  It’s a 3 minute walk to the ryokan from the bus stop.

Nearby Autumn Attractions

Shiraito Falls is only 3.1 km away from Kose Onsen, which is on the way if you ride the bus going to Karuizawa Station or Kose Onsen. Its cascading water looks more dazzling with autumn’s amber colored scenery.

Shiraito Falls

If you like shopping you can visit Harunire Terrace, which has a lot of chic shops, surrounded by trees, and a place where you can read books from the bookshelves scattered around the area. If that is not enough, you can also go to Karuizawa Ginza Dori for a wider range of stores and restaurants.

They also have blankets!

In addition, Karuizawa also has beautiful churches that will make you want to say, ‘I DO.’

Karuizawa Kogen Church

And these are the Karuizawa Kogen Church that has wooden, rustic architecture and Karuizawa Stone Church, which of course, is made from stone. These churches are certainly best for a wedding ceremony and a lot of the nearby spots are so picture-perfect!

Karuizawa Stone Church

Just outside Karuizawa Kogen Church

Kumoba Pond

There is also a pond, which you can reach on foot from Karuizawa Station, called Kumoba Pond.

Since it’s close by, it can get a bit crowded, but the view is magnificent!  You can enjoy walking around the area and marvel at the colors of fall or watch the ducks bathe in the pond!

So that’s my autumn adventure! How about you? Where did you go? 

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