Shiriyaki-onsen Hot Spring
Gumma
The river itself is a hot spring!
Enjoy playing in the river and bathing at the same time.
The hot spring naturally wells up in a mountain from the bottom of the Nagazasasawa River flowing from Shigakogen Highlands (Nagano) and Mount Kusatsu Shirane (Gunma). Dig anywhere on the riverbed and hot water might well up. The flowing river itself is a hot spring. A huge open-air bath made by constructing a dam in the river is Shiriyaki Onsen that is also called Kawa-no-yu (river hot spring.) The name literally means "buttocks burning hot springs." It is said that people sat down on the riverbed and cured their hemorrhoids on stones warmed by hot water. They say the water is good for rheumatism, skin diseases, feminine problems and hypertension in addition to hemorrhoids. The water contains calcium, sodium, sulfate salts and chlorides.
Being in the midst nature, the hot spring is available anytime for free, but the water level is too high to soak especially after heavy rain and snow melting season. There is no changing room and some people soak wearing swimsuits while others are naked. This is a true natural bath in a rustic atmosphere.
The hidden bath is only 10 km from Kusatsu Onsen that is a major hot-spring resort. There are three hot-spring inns in Shiriyaki Onsen. This is a place to casually enjoy a hot spring that is not known to many people.
Information
Address: Iriyama, Nakanojo-machi, Gumma
Phone: 0279-95-3111(Nakanojo Town Office Rokugo Branch Economy and Industry Division)
Directions: Train: 30 minutes by Rose Queen Kotsu Bus for Hanayashiki Onsen from JR Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station (2 hours from Tokyo Station) to the terminal and 10 minutes on foot
Car: One hour from Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
