About 3 hours from Takase Dam (distance just under 10 km, elevation difference just under 300 m), the first 1 km or so of tunnel is the crux of the matter. From there, trekking along the right bank of the Takase River is a pleasant stroll while taking in the view of the Northern Alps Ginza. The blue color of the dam lake, rich in hot spring ingredients, adds a mysterious accent to the beauty of the valley. Along the way, you should be able to spot Mount Yari, the majestic mountain of the Northern Alps. When the smell of sulfur gets stronger, you’re almost there. Whether you go for a day trip first thing in the morning, or take an overnight trip to enjoy the hot springs and gorge fishing, or encounter the volcanic cone that has been selected as one of the 100 best geological sites in Japan, you are sure to have an extraordinary experience.

This is the destination of many people’s Takase Valley tours. Normally, it is about a 30-minute walk along the riverbank from Takase Dam in the direction of Eboshi, but during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, this place shows a completely different look.
You can also take a 15-minute taxi ride to Takase Dam (about 2,700 yen one way for one vehicle (for four passengers)) and then walk for about 30 minutes in the direction of Yumata Onsen (there is a long tunnel) to reach a trail spot with views of the lake, Harinodake, Nanakuradake, and the mountains of Uraginza. You can buy a fishing license to go mountain stream fishing, or in recent years it has become a popular place for trail runners to practice. Takase Dam is the second tallest dam in Japan, and if you change the time a little, you might be able to have it all to yourself.

Bathing fee: 680 yen per adult (tax included), 300 yen per child (tax included)
Opening hours:Summer climbing season: 6:00-17:30 (last entry)18:00
Spring/rainy season: 10:00-17:30 (last entry)18:00
Autumn: 8:00-17:00 (last entry)17:30
Water quality: Simple alkaline hot spring
Effects: Digestive diseases (gastrointestinal diseases), neuralgia, muscle pain, poor circulation, hemorrhoids
The hot spring at our hotel is a simple alkaline hot spring, which is generally said to be a beauty bath. Many people stop by on their way down from climbing Uraginza, and this helps to wash away their fatigue. In addition to the indoor bath, the open-air bath where you can listen to the sound of the Shichikurazawa rapids is very popular. In autumn, the autumn leaves add color to the open-air bath.