Naena Falls is located about 8 kilometers south of Akakura Onsen town, and it can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. The waterfall is situated on the Seki River, which forms the border between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
Located within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Naena Falls is a renowned waterfall selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. With a drop of 55 meters, its powerful descent, accompanied by a spray of water, is truly impressive. The roaring sound of the water crashing down echoes through the surrounding forest, which is why it is also known as the 'Earthquake Waterfall.' In ancient Japan, the word for earthquake was 'nai,' and it is said that the name 'Naena' evolved from 'Nai no Taki' due to this sound.
The cliff where the waterfall is located has a unique landscape, featuring a well-developed columnar jointing pattern on its basalt walls. There are walking trails around the waterfall, allowing visitors to leisurely explore the area while enjoying views of the falls."
There is also a viewing platform near the waterfall where you can experience its full power up close. Additionally, the cliffs along the walking trail feature a unique rock surface known as platy jointing, which resembles layers of stacked plates. This distinctive lava formation can also be observed up close."
Naena Falls is also the starting (or ending) point of the 'Myoko Kogen Nature Trail,' which has been designated as a Forest Therapy Road, offering a chance to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind while strolling through nature."
At the edge of Akakura Onsen town, there is a small, quiet garden where Okakura Tenshin's Hexagonal Hall is located. This unique hexagonal building, with its white walls and striking red doors, offers an exceptional view of the surrounding scenery."
This Hexagonal Hall was built in memory of Okakura Tenshin, an art historian and philosopher who loved this place, built a villa here, and spent his final days in the area. The hall is modeled after the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyuji Temple in Nara, whose artistic value was established through Tenshin's research.
Okakura Tenshin established many art institutes and made great efforts to advance art education in Japan. He also dedicated himself to the preservation and promotion of traditional Japanese arts amidst the pressures of rapid modernization and Western influence.
In his later years, Okakura Tenshin was appointed as a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he widely introduced Japanese art to the world. His book, The Book of Tea (1906), written in English, explores the Japanese tea ceremony and its aesthetics and is still read today by people abroad who wish to understand Japanese sensibilities. Around the time this book was published, Okakura visited this area, was captivated by the scenic beauty of Akakura Onsen, and built a villa here, where he kept cows and birds and spent much of his time.
At Okakura Tenshin's Hexagonal Hall, you can find Akakura Sanso (which has been renovated), a pond, and more, allowing you to understand his deep affection for this place while enjoying the beautiful scenery he once admired."
Lake Nojiri is located 11 kilometers south of Akakura Onsen, about a 20-minute drive away, just inside Nagano Prefecture.
Situated within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park at an elevation of 654 meters, Lake Nojiri offers beautiful views of the nearby Hokushin mountains reflected in its waters, making it a popular scenic spot. It is the second-largest natural lake in Nagano Prefecture, known for its considerable depth and large water volume."
Additionally, 38 archaeological sites dating from the Paleolithic to the Jomon period have been discovered at the bottom of Lake Nojiri, along its shores, and in the surrounding hills, collectively known as the Nojiri Lake Archaeological Sites. Among these discoveries are fossils of Naumann elephant bones found at the lake’s bottom. Nearby, the Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum houses and displays approximately 80,000 fossils excavated from Lake Nojiri.
In addition, Lake Nojiri is a popular spot for marine sports in the summer, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, yachting, and windsurfing, and visitors can also enjoy sightseeing cruises. These cruises take you to Biwa Island (Benten Island), which floats on the lake and is home to Uga Shrine, with its red torii gate. In winter, you can enjoy smelt fishing from a ‘dome boat,’ a boat equipped with a stove to keep you warm.
Togakushi Shrine is located near the Nagano Prefecture border, at the foot of Mount Togakushi, one of the Hokushin Five Mountains and a sacred mountain. It is about 27 kilometers southwest of Akakura Onsen, a 40-minute drive, and is situated within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park.
Togakushi Shrine has a long history, with numerous myths associated with the area. It first appears in official historical records in the Heian period, around 1,200 years ago. Around the same time, many ascetics began to visit the area as a sacred site for esoteric mountain Buddhism. However, it is believed that worship at the Okusha (Upper Shrine) and Kuzuryusha (Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine) existed even earlier, suggesting a history of nearly 2,000 years.
Mount Togakushi, the sacred mountain, is home to five shrines: Okusha (Upper Shrine), Chusha (Middle Shrine), Hokosha (Lower Shrine), Kuzuryusha (Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine), and Hinomikosha (Sun God Shrine). Together, these five shrines are collectively known as Togakushi Shrine.
The air surrounding these five shrines is crisp and solemn, with an atmosphere that feels invigorating. After passing through the torii gate, the approach to the shrine is lined with ancient cedar trees, said to be 400 years old, stretching for 500 meters. Just walking along this mountain path gives you a sense of great energy. This area is renowned as one of the three great power spots in Northern Shinano, and it indeed possesses a truly pure and sacred atmosphere.
After being spiritually refreshed in this special place, it is also recommended to explore the famous Togakushi soba shops and bamboo craft stores that line the approach to the shrine in front of the torii gate. You can also visit the Togakure Ninpo Museum or the Togakushi Folklore Museum, both located near the gate.
Akakura Onsen is a historic Onsen area located in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park.
Myoko City borders Nagano Prefecture, and the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park spans both Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
Mount Myoko, which has long been revered as a sacred mountain, is also known by the nickname 'Echigo Fuji,' reflecting the deep love and respect of the local people for this mountain. Even today, it remains one of the representative mountains of the area, known collectively as the Hokushin Five Mountains (Mount Myoko, Mount Madarao, Mount Kurohime, Mount Togakushi, and Mount Iizuna).
The area around Mount Myoko has many Onsen sources and seven Onsen towns. Collectively, they are known as the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, with Akakura Onsen being the largest and oldest of these Onsen towns.
The area around Mount Myoko, long revered as a sacred mountain and now part of the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, is filled with natural beauty and a mysterious charm.
In addition to the Hokushin Five Mountains, there are many other attractions, such as Naena Falls, Imori Pond, Kagami Pond, Togakushi Shrine, and, a bit further away, Lake Nojiri.
The area is also rich in alpine plants, forests, wild birds, and wildlife, offering a variety of perspectives to enjoy its mystical scenery
As a result, the area has been gaining increasing attention in recent years not only as a scenic destination for those seeking beautiful nature but also as a place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and sports, such as hiking, trekking, camping, skiing, and other nature-based leisure activities.
Get to Know Akakura Onsen
Area guide
Located in the southwestern part of Niigata Prefecture, Akakura Onsen lies on the eastern slopes of Mount Myoko, a mountain that has long been revered as a sacred site.
With its majestic and mysterious presence, Mount Myoko is also known as 'Echigo Fuji.' The Onsen town sits at an elevation of about 800 meters, where the clear air and refreshing climate have made it a beloved summer retreat, in addition to being a Onsen destination.
The area around Mount Myoko, where Akakura Onsen is located, has many Onsen sources that feed seven different Onsen towns. Collectively, these are known as the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village.
Akakura Onsen is the largest among them and has a long history dating back to the Edo period.
It boasts the highest Onsen water output in Niigata Prefecture, with around 3,400 liters per minute. The Onsens have a high source temperature of over 42 degrees Celsius and feature a unique combination of two types of spring qualities, making it a rare and valuable onsen. It has long been loved by many writers and notable figures.
Akakura Onsen is located in an area known as Myoko Kogen. Due to its high altitude and unique geographical and climatic conditions, it is occasionally enveloped in a thick highland mist that cannot be experienced in the plains.
The mist completely covers the Akakura Onsen town, creating the sensation of being inside a cloud. Witnessing this kind of fantastical and mysterious scenery is one of the area’s many attractions.
In addition, there are many memorable views, such as the sight of Mount Myoko as seen from Akakura Onsen, Mount Madarao appearing to float in a sea of clouds, the view of the Sea of Japan from the slopes of Mount Myoko, the Kubiki Plain spreading out at the foot of the mountain, Lake Nojiri, and the many peaks of the Shinshu mountain range.
Nearby, there are also many attractions to enjoy alongside the Onsens, such as Naena Falls, Imori Pond, Otakigawa Gorge, Sotaki Falls, and Lake Nojiri.
Additionally, Mount Myoko, where Akakura Onsen is located, is situated within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, which spans Niigata and Nagano Prefectures. As a result, with a short journey, you can experience Japan's mystical nature and culture in abundance, including sites like Togakushi Shrine and Mount Kurohime.
Of course, outdoor activities are also popular here. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, there are opportunities for hiking, trekking, stream fishing, camping, and nature tours. These experiences in the midst of this mystical natural setting offer a unique and healing experience.
Centered around Akakura Onsen, Myoko Kogen is an area where you can refresh both body and mind with its beautiful and enchanting nature, combined with Onsens.
Access
From Tokyo
<Shinkansen / Train / Bus> Tokyo Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Nagano Station (Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line) → Myoko Kogen Station (City Bus Akakura Line) → Akakura Ginza Bus Stop (approximately 3 hours)
From Niigata
<Train / Bus> Niigata Station (JR Shinetsu Main Line Shirayuki) → Naoe Station (Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line) → Myoko Kogen Station (City Bus Akakura Line) → Akakura Ginza Bus Stop (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes)
From Nagoya
<Train / Bus> Nagoya Station (JR Chuo Main Line Shinano) → Nagano Station (Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line) → Myoko Kogen Station (City Bus Akakura Line) → Akakura Ginza Bus Stop (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes)
From Kanazawa
<Shinkansen / Train / Bus> Kanazawa Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Joetsu-Myoko Station (Myoko Haneuma Line) → Myoko Kogen Station (City Bus Akakura Line) → Akakura Ginza Bus Stop (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes)
Water quality
Akakura Onsen has a rare combination of two types of Onsen qualities: sulfate spring and bicarbonate spring. It is a calcium, magnesium, and sodium sulfate-bicarbonate Onsen.
The Onsen water is drawn from the Kita Jigokudani (North Hell Valley) area of Mount Myoko, where it naturally springs at a high temperature of 40-60 degrees Celsius. By the time it reaches Akakura Onsen town, the temperature is around 42 degrees Celsius—ideal for bathing—allowing it to be enjoyed as a free-flowing Onsen without the need for cooling, mixing with water, or reheating.
The general indications for the Onsen include relief from chronic pain or stiffness in muscles or joints (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, and the chronic phase of bruises or sprains), muscle stiffness in cases of motor paralysis, poor circulation, sensitivity to cold, peripheral circulatory disorders, gastrointestinal issues (such as a heavy stomach or gas accumulation in the intestines), mild hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), mild hypercholesterolemia, mild asthma or emphysema, pain from hemorrhoids, autonomic instability, various stress-related symptoms (such as sleep disorders or depressive states), recovery after illness, fatigue recovery, and general health promotion.
The rare combination of two types of spring qualities—calcium, magnesium, and sodium sulfate-bicarbonate Onsens—combined with its high therapeutic benefits, has made this water, flowing from the sacred mountain of Myoko, revered as a sacred spring.
It is also known as 'the water for beautiful skin' and 'the water for fertility,' and has long provided healing to many people.
Specific indications unique to Akakura Onsen are said to include benefits for cuts, peripheral circulatory disorders, sensitivity to cold, depressive states, dry skin, arteriosclerosis, chronic skin diseases, cuts, and burns.
History
The area around Mount Myoko, where Akakura Onsen is located, is home to many Onsen towns. Collectively known today as the Myoko Kogen Onsen Village, they are all gifts of the earth, brought about by the volcanic activity of Mount Myoko.
This Onsen seems to have been flowing since ancient times. According to the oldest legend, Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, who was exiled to Niigata by the imperial court, visited Mount Myoko and told the local people, 'This sacred mountain has a sacred spring.'
Mount Myoko, selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and also known as 'Echigo Fuji,' is regarded as a special sacred mountain. In the worlds of Buddhist and mountain worship, it is referred to as Mount Sumeru (Shumisen). Not only Shinran Shonin, as previously mentioned, but also Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, known and revered as Kobo Daishi, is said to have used this mountain as a place for his spiritual practice.
At the foot of the sacred Mount Myoko, there is Sekiyama Shrine, which is dedicated to the mountain. The shrine is said to have been founded in the Nara period, and its buildings are designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The opening of Akakura Onsen, utilizing the blessed Onsens of Mount Myoko, dates back to 1816, boasting a history of over 200 years.
Akakura Onsen, which draws its Onsen water from the source at Kita Jigoku on the slopes of Mount Myoko, was developed as a Onsen town during the Edo period. At that time, it was the only Onsen in Japan operated by a feudal domain, managed by the Echigo Takada Domain, which was entrusted with governing the area by the Tokugawa Shogunate.
At that time, Mount Myoko was under the management of Hozoin Temple, which has since been integrated into Sekiyama Shrine and is now defunct. Consequently, general entry to the mountain was prohibited. However, local village leaders gathered and petitioned the lord of the Echigo Takada Domain, who governed the area, to develop the Onsens.
The lord of the Echigo Takada Domain, who accepted their request, purchased the land rights from Hozoin Temple. He then laid bamboo pipes to channel the Onsen water from the source on Mount Myoko, about 7 kilometers away, to the Onsen town, leading to the establishment of Akakura Onsen.
As a result, many inns that have been in operation since the Edo period still remain in Akakura Onsen today. The reason for the charm of Akakura Onsen, known as Japan's only domain-operated Onsen or 'the Lord's Bath,' lies here.
Akakura Onsen, which had been used by those engaging in spiritual practices, seeking healing for the mind and body, or by travelers, saw a shift in its visitors in the Meiji era, becoming increasingly popular as a summer retreat and a high-end villa area.
This change was largely due to the construction of a railway that made the area more accessible to many people and the fact that Okakura Tenshin, a prominent thinker and literary figure of the Meiji era, visited the area, became fond of it, and built a villa here.
Okakura Tenshin first visited this area in 1906, praising it as 'the most scenic place in the world,' and built a villa named 'Akakura Sanso.' Furthermore, he aimed to make this place an artistic hub known as the 'Barbizon of the East.' He relocated the Japan Art Institute to Akakura Onsen, invited his disciples, Yokoyama Taikan and Hishida Shunso, to the area, and engaged in various activities.
Okakura Tenshin spent his final years at Akakura Onsen, where he eventually passed away.
In addition, many literary figures, such as the writer Ozaki Koyo and poet Yosano Akiko, visited this area, highly praised its beauty, and captured it in their works. The breathtaking scenery of this place has captivated the hearts of many sensitive and creative individuals.
In the Taisho era, a villa for Marquis Hosokawa was established in 1922. When Prince Takamatsu and Prince Chichibu began visiting to enjoy skiing, it received extensive media coverage, quickly spreading the name of Akakura Onsen and its ski resort.
Later, in 1925, when the Kuni-no-Miya family also built a villa, Akakura became even more renowned as a summer retreat for the imperial family, further increasing its popularity."
To step away from Onsens for a moment, the Joetsu region, where Akakura Onsen is located, is also known as the birthplace of skiing in Japan. It all began in 1911 when an Austrian officer provided instruction to the military and local teachers.
Due to this background, ski resorts were developed early on, and the fact that members of the imperial family enjoyed skiing here also contributed to the area's development as a resort destination.
In this way, the area around Mount Myoko, which surrounds Akakura Onsen, continued to develop as a summer retreat and a high-end villa area. Later, villas used as salons, such as the one called 'Myoko Club,' were built, and even in the Showa era, Taro Okamoto established the 'Akakura Sun Club' as a place to spend time with his friends."
In recent years, with the further development of the Joetsu Shinkansen, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and other railway lines, it has become easier to reach Akakura Onsen in a shorter time. Additionally, even if you are not staying at a Onsen inn, there are public Onsen facilities such as the open-air bath 'Taki no Yu,' the Ashiyu Park, and the 'Kuma no Nekorobi Yu,' where you can casually stop by for a bath after mountain climbing or skiing.
Akakura Onsen, with its Onsens and beautiful, mystical scenery, continues to attract many people both past and present as a summer retreat and a place to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the four seasons.
Attractions
Naena Falls
Naena Falls is located about 8 kilometers south of Akakura Onsen town, and it can be reached by car in about 10 minutes. The waterfall is situated on the Seki River, which forms the border between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
Located within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Naena Falls is a renowned waterfall selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. With a drop of 55 meters, its powerful descent, accompanied by a spray of water, is truly impressive. The roaring sound of the water crashing down echoes through the surrounding forest, which is why it is also known as the 'Earthquake Waterfall.' In ancient Japan, the word for earthquake was 'nai,' and it is said that the name 'Naena' evolved from 'Nai no Taki' due to this sound.
The cliff where the waterfall is located has a unique landscape, featuring a well-developed columnar jointing pattern on its basalt walls. There are walking trails around the waterfall, allowing visitors to leisurely explore the area while enjoying views of the falls."
There is also a viewing platform near the waterfall where you can experience its full power up close. Additionally, the cliffs along the walking trail feature a unique rock surface known as platy jointing, which resembles layers of stacked plates. This distinctive lava formation can also be observed up close."
Naena Falls is also the starting (or ending) point of the 'Myoko Kogen Nature Trail,' which has been designated as a Forest Therapy Road, offering a chance to relax and rejuvenate both body and mind while strolling through nature."
Okakura Tenshin's Hexagonal Hall
At the edge of Akakura Onsen town, there is a small, quiet garden where Okakura Tenshin's Hexagonal Hall is located. This unique hexagonal building, with its white walls and striking red doors, offers an exceptional view of the surrounding scenery."
This Hexagonal Hall was built in memory of Okakura Tenshin, an art historian and philosopher who loved this place, built a villa here, and spent his final days in the area. The hall is modeled after the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyuji Temple in Nara, whose artistic value was established through Tenshin's research.
Okakura Tenshin established many art institutes and made great efforts to advance art education in Japan. He also dedicated himself to the preservation and promotion of traditional Japanese arts amidst the pressures of rapid modernization and Western influence.
In his later years, Okakura Tenshin was appointed as a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he widely introduced Japanese art to the world. His book, The Book of Tea (1906), written in English, explores the Japanese tea ceremony and its aesthetics and is still read today by people abroad who wish to understand Japanese sensibilities. Around the time this book was published, Okakura visited this area, was captivated by the scenic beauty of Akakura Onsen, and built a villa here, where he kept cows and birds and spent much of his time.
At Okakura Tenshin's Hexagonal Hall, you can find Akakura Sanso (which has been renovated), a pond, and more, allowing you to understand his deep affection for this place while enjoying the beautiful scenery he once admired."
Lake Nojiri
Lake Nojiri is located 11 kilometers south of Akakura Onsen, about a 20-minute drive away, just inside Nagano Prefecture.
Situated within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park at an elevation of 654 meters, Lake Nojiri offers beautiful views of the nearby Hokushin mountains reflected in its waters, making it a popular scenic spot. It is the second-largest natural lake in Nagano Prefecture, known for its considerable depth and large water volume."
Additionally, 38 archaeological sites dating from the Paleolithic to the Jomon period have been discovered at the bottom of Lake Nojiri, along its shores, and in the surrounding hills, collectively known as the Nojiri Lake Archaeological Sites. Among these discoveries are fossils of Naumann elephant bones found at the lake’s bottom. Nearby, the Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum houses and displays approximately 80,000 fossils excavated from Lake Nojiri.
In addition, Lake Nojiri is a popular spot for marine sports in the summer, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, yachting, and windsurfing, and visitors can also enjoy sightseeing cruises. These cruises take you to Biwa Island (Benten Island), which floats on the lake and is home to Uga Shrine, with its red torii gate. In winter, you can enjoy smelt fishing from a ‘dome boat,’ a boat equipped with a stove to keep you warm.
Togakushi Shrine
Togakushi Shrine is located near the Nagano Prefecture border, at the foot of Mount Togakushi, one of the Hokushin Five Mountains and a sacred mountain. It is about 27 kilometers southwest of Akakura Onsen, a 40-minute drive, and is situated within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park.
Togakushi Shrine has a long history, with numerous myths associated with the area. It first appears in official historical records in the Heian period, around 1,200 years ago. Around the same time, many ascetics began to visit the area as a sacred site for esoteric mountain Buddhism. However, it is believed that worship at the Okusha (Upper Shrine) and Kuzuryusha (Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine) existed even earlier, suggesting a history of nearly 2,000 years.
Mount Togakushi, the sacred mountain, is home to five shrines: Okusha (Upper Shrine), Chusha (Middle Shrine), Hokosha (Lower Shrine), Kuzuryusha (Nine-Headed Dragon Shrine), and Hinomikosha (Sun God Shrine). Together, these five shrines are collectively known as Togakushi Shrine.
The air surrounding these five shrines is crisp and solemn, with an atmosphere that feels invigorating. After passing through the torii gate, the approach to the shrine is lined with ancient cedar trees, said to be 400 years old, stretching for 500 meters. Just walking along this mountain path gives you a sense of great energy. This area is renowned as one of the three great power spots in Northern Shinano, and it indeed possesses a truly pure and sacred atmosphere.
After being spiritually refreshed in this special place, it is also recommended to explore the famous Togakushi soba shops and bamboo craft stores that line the approach to the shrine in front of the torii gate. You can also visit the Togakure Ninpo Museum or the Togakushi Folklore Museum, both located near the gate.
