Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools
Witness locals cook eggs and vegetables in natural hot springs, a unique tradition in Nozawa Onsen village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See locals in action
Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools
Best Time
See locals in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness locals cook eggs and vegetables in natural hot springs, a unique tradition in Nozawa Onsen village.
"A fascinating glimpse into local life where hot springs are used for cooking, not just bathing."
Respect Local Use
Remember these pools are for locals. Observe respectfully and do not attempt to use them yourself.
Market Delights
If you're lucky, you might see market vendors cooking local produce. Try some if offered – it's delicious!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 381 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Cooking Scene
Market area
Watch locals expertly cook vegetables and eggs in the natural hot spring water. A unique culinary tradition!
The Steaming Pools
Top of the hill
Marvel at the powerful, steaming hot springs that provide the heat for this unique cooking method.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Local Access Only
Observe the Local Way
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Snow Weekend in Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)
Note: Japan is not yet open for tourism. We currently reside in Japan. I hope this trip report is helpful for future planning or others currently in Japan. # Overview We spent three days skiing and snowboarding over a long weekend in this cool onsen village. We even got to…
Respect Local Use
Remember these pools are for locals. Observe respectfully and do not attempt to use them yourself.
Market Delights
If you're lucky, you might see market vendors cooking local produce. Try some if offered – it's delicious!
Trip Report: A Vegetarian + a Meat Eater's first trip to Japan - 13 days (Tokyo, Nozawa, Kyoto, Hakone in WINTER)
\*Japan absolutely slaps, so if you’re thinking of taking a trip there, just bloody do it! You won’t regret it!\* **Trip Dates:** Feb 29 - March 12, 2024 **About Us:** 1 female (Aussie vego) and 1 male (Canadian meato), iPhone users, VISA and MC holders, Intermediate…
How to Onsen in Japan
Very nice - I was in Japan (nozawaonsen) last month and went to few onsens- absolutely brilliant
Hot Springs Safety
The water is extremely hot, only locals know how to safely use it.
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Local Use
Remember these pools are for locals. Observe respectfully and do not attempt to use them yourself.
Market Delights
If you're lucky, you might see market vendors cooking local produce. Try some if offered – it's delicious!
Hot Springs Safety
The water is extremely hot, only locals know how to safely use it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors note that the Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools are primarily for local use, not for tourists to cook in. While not an interactive experience for travelers, it offers a unique glimpse into local life and traditions, with many appreciating the chance to observe the natural cooking process.
"Not much to see but a spot where locals can use the hot springs to cook or wash, non-locals not allowed to enter, it was quite messy when I went with planks and other stuff everywhere, probably renovation work after the winter. Saw one local in the morning, otherwise very quiet."
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
"We, turists , can't get in or use here. Just for locals."
星野浩
"Beautiful town with onsen , the market next street will cooking there vegetables, eggs at the onsen water . Try some they just so sweet and delicious."
Eliza Beth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools are located in the charming village of Nozawa Onsen. You can reach Nozawa Onsen by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station, then transferring to a local bus that goes directly to the village. The pools are a short walk from the main street.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the pools, there are several public parking lots available in Nozawa Onsen village. It's a pleasant walk from most of them to the pools.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools are strictly for local residents to cook food and wash. Tourists are welcome to observe the process from a distance. +1
There is no entrance fee to view the Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools, as they are a functional part of the local community.
Mornings are often a good time to see locals actively using the pools for cooking. However, the pools are a constant feature of the village, so you can observe them at various times.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for visitors observing the pools. Please be mindful and respectful of the locals who are using the facilities.
Try capturing the steam rising from the pools and the vibrant colors of the vegetables being cooked. Photos from slightly above can give a good overview of the activity.
🍽️ 🍳 Food & Dining
Unfortunately, tourists cannot cook their own food at the Ogama Hot Spring Cooking Pools. They are reserved for local residents. +1
You can often find food cooked in the hot springs at the local market adjacent to the pools, or at restaurants in Nozawa Onsen village that feature these ingredients.
Locals typically cook vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, as well as eggs. The natural heat imparts a unique, sweet flavor. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit