Norikura Kogen Onsen is a hot spring area in the Norikura Highlands of Nagano Prefecture, on the lower slopes of Mount Norikura. Rather than a single built-up resort town, it feels more like a mountain hamlet scattered among forests and open highland views, with small inns and lodgings that make the most of the setting.
People usually come here as much for the landscape as for the baths. In the warmer months, the area is a base for walking, hiking, and visiting nearby waterfalls, while winter brings a quieter rhythm shaped by snow and mountain air. The appeal is simple and enduring: hot springs in a highland setting, with nature close at hand in every season.