Takahama Kenko Onsen Center, known as Yutanpo, is a hot-spring facility in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, by Lake Suwa. The warm water, at 40°C, feeds an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo and a sauna.
Insider tip — Yutanpo, the Japanese hot water bottle, is a charming name for this Suwa health centre spring. Shimosuwa sits at the southern tip of Lake Suwa, home to the ancient Suwa Taisha shrine — one of Japan oldest — whose Onbashira log-riding festival every six years is among the country most spectacular rituals.