Hoshi onsen is unique among all onsen in Japanese. Located near to where Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata prefectures come together, Hoshi was once a popular stop on the Mikunikaido, the trail that passes over nearby Mikuni Pass. Originally built in the 1870's, the onsen is managed by the fifth generation of the Okamura family.

onsen

Onsen are the japanese version of our Termes, though the term is often used to describe the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. Onsen were traditionally used as public bathing places and today play a central role in directing Japanese domestic tourism.
Onsen come in many types and shapes, including outdoor (露天風呂 rotenburo) and indoor baths. Baths may be either public run by a municipality or private (内湯 uchiyu) often run as part of a hotel, ryokan or Bed and Breakfast (民宿 minshuku).

In most onsen baths, tatoos are not allowed, since they are mostly common amongst members of the Yakuza mafia.