Hamadaira Onsen is a hot spring area in Ueno Village, Tano District, Gunma Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains and pristine nature. Its main day-use bathing facility is Hamadaira Onsen Shioji no Yu.
Located beside the clear waters of the Kanna River and surrounded by mountains in every direction, Shioji no Yu has the peaceful atmosphere of a secluded mountain hot spring. The facility stands in Narahara, an area known for its extensive Shioji ash tree forest, which is designated as a national natural monument.
Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons while relaxing in the hot spring and taking a break from the pace of everyday life.
One of the greatest attractions of Shioji no Yu is its open-air bath, where you can enjoy the sensation of bathing in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.
In spring, fresh green leaves brighten the mountains, while autumn brings vivid foliage across the hillsides. On clear nights, the open-air bath offers views of a sky filled with stars.
Soaking in the warm water while breathing the crisp mountain air is a wonderfully relaxing experience and offers a chance to leave the noise and stress of everyday life behind.
The spacious indoor public bath provides another comfortable place to unwind. Clean changing rooms and relaxing areas are also available, making the facility welcoming for a wide range of visitors.
Shioji no Yu is notable for its high concentration of metasilicic acid, containing approximately 110 mg per kilogram of spring water. Hot springs containing 100 mg or more of metasilicic acid are commonly associated with skin-conditioning benefits, and the high concentration here has earned the spring the nickname “Beauty Bath.”
Metasilicic acid is a naturally occurring component associated with helping the skin retain moisture and maintain a smooth, hydrated feel. After bathing, many visitors enjoy the pleasantly soft sensation of their skin.
Another distinctive feature of Shioji no Yu is that the spring water is also available for drinking. It has one of the higher metasilicic acid contents among hot springs in Gunma Prefecture and is officially recognized as a hot spring under Japan’s Hot Springs Act.
The spring is traditionally listed for purposes such as recovery after illness, relief from fatigue, and general health promotion. Drinking the spring water is available in the facility’s refreshment room.
The on-site restaurant, Shiojiya, serves dishes made with ingredients from the surrounding area. You can enjoy a meal before or after bathing, and the restaurant can also be used without entering the baths.
Goku Inobuta is a local specialty meat from Ueno Village, known for its flavorful lean meat and rich, subtly sweet fat. It has relatively little of the distinctive gamey aroma often associated with wild boar, making it approachable even for first-time visitors.
One of the most popular dishes is the Inobuta Cutlet Set Meal, featuring a crisp coating and a thick, juicy piece of meat.
Masu-jū, a rainbow trout dish prepared by the restaurant’s chef, is a traditional local specialty of Ueno Village. Served in limited quantities, this special dish is popular with visitors looking to experience a taste of the region.
The restaurant also makes use of locally grown ingredients, including thick, juicy shiitake mushrooms and sweet mini tomatoes from Ueno Village. These local products are also sold at the nearby roadside station and make popular souvenirs.
For a sweet treat after your bath, try the facility’s homemade pudding or coffee jelly topped with soft-serve ice cream. Their gentle sweetness makes a refreshing finish after relaxing in the hot spring.
The facility includes a spacious rest area where visitors can continue relaxing after their bath. Local specialty products are also available for purchase at the reception and shop areas, providing an opportunity to take a little piece of Ueno Village home with you.
Surrounded by the gentle sound of the Kanna River and peaceful mountain scenery, Shioji no Yu offers a simple and restorative experience: soak in the hot spring, enjoy local food, and take your time in the quiet atmosphere.
Hamadaira Onsen Shioji no Yu is more than just a bathing facility—it is a relaxing base where visitors can experience the nature, flavors, and warm hospitality of Ueno Village.
For travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city, a visit to Hamadaira Onsen is an excellent way to slow down, relax, and reconnect with the natural beauty of the mountains.