Ashiyu (foot bath) at Kamisuwa station

Momo enjoys relaxing in hot springs and will always take an opportunity, even if it’s just to dip his paws, to experience Japan’s natural waters.

Momo recommends enjoying an ashiyu (foot bath) at Kamisuwa Station in Nagano.

This station is famous for those visiting Tateishi park, the real-life inspiration for Itomori lake in the anime Your Name (君の名は).
Literally located on platform 1, you can dip your feet while waiting for the arrival of the Azusa line that takes you back to Tokyo.
The water is sourced from the Kirigamine highlands, one of the hyakumeizan (百名山) or 100 famous mountains of Japan.
Like most foot baths, it is completely free! It is unattended and there are no pre-washing rituals.

Remove your shoes before entering the small facility.
Place your shoes in the shelf.
Remove socks, roll up sleeves as needed.
Enjoy!
No towels are provided but the hot water will only take a couple minutes to dry.

Take off your shoes before you step on the wood floors.

Drop off your shoes in the shelf.

VERY HOT water flowing out.

You can use this stick to help circulate the hot water.

Just don’t forget to buy your egg at the convenience store outside the station.

A piece of the rail to crack your boiled egg.

Egg boiling station.

The faucet on the right is for drinking. Not the faucets on the left.

Momo recommends that you DON’T drive during peak hours (sunset, holidays, nice weather). The parking lot is very limited. You could spend >1hr idling on a steep hill with no views.
- In case you did drive, there is an abundance of coin parking lots near the station.
For the most chill experience, Momo recommends taking a taxi from the station (roughly 1500 yen).
- Busses are very limited (>1hr between each).
- Walking will take 30-40 min. and will be non-stop uphill/stairs through poorly lit residential areas.
- Bicycle rental stores close early (5pm-ish), too early to make it back after sunset views.
Walking back is much easier, 15 min. at a brisk pace. Just be careful at night because it is poorly lit.

September views.

Bonus slide, it’s well polished and surprisingly quick!