Ive been to Japan and visited Nagano and the surrounding Hot springs there. These in camparison are like swimming pools and hot bath tubs. I hardly felt like I was experiencing anything special here. Keep going its a tourist trap.

We visited Hanmer Springs in April 2007. It is truly a great place for the whole family. The pools are great at night and during the day we went on a sightseeing tour with Ian from the Hanmer Springs Booking Service. The Heritage is very nice and close to the pools and the shops.