Originally Posted by
KI-NRT
I wouldn't say so. Nothing towards Toyama or Lake Biwa, unless you actually stay near Lake Biwa (we'll be in Fukudaya later this month). The nice places are far away, deeper into Nagano (and beyond.) Zenagi is a new ryokan near Tsumago, which is an awesome place if you go during off-peak periods (and hours), and offers a variety of curated experiences (if you so choose), but if Onsen is a priority it doesn't have it. Ditto for Fukudaya.
Thanks - you are giving me great ideas here. I think what we may do is take the Shinkansen to Nagano, rent a car and do Kusatsu Onsen instead of Gero Onsen. I'll explore your suggestions around the Nagano region.
We have been to Japan several times. On this occasion we are doing 5 nights in Tokyo and have 4 nights to spend anywhere before heading to Osaka for 3 nights. We fly out of there. My wife really wants to see Nagoya for at least one night so that's why I'm basing everything around it. If we do the Nagano region we could take the Shinano line from Nagano to Nagoya....
Onsen is not a priority everywhere we stay. It's a nice. What is a must is atmosphere and experience.
If you are aware of any gems or new finds in Nagano, Kotatsu Onsen, and around, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.