Shibu Onsen

In Yamanouchi Town, Shibu Onsen is a spa with a long history said to span 1,300 years. The old hot-spring street, lined on both sides with wooden inns along stone-paved lanes, feels like stepping back in time. Walking in a yukata and wooden geta, you can savor a deeply nostalgic mood.

Highlights

Shibu Onsens signature pleasure is touring its nine public baths. Each is said to have different benefits, and bathing through them in order before climbing to the shrine at the top, a circuit known as junguri, is the custom. Overnight guests are lent keys to the baths and can enjoy unhurried bath-hopping.

Enjoying the Seasons

In winter the snow-wrapped town is especially beautiful, and the nearby Jigokudani Yaen-koen is famous for monkeys that bathe in a hot spring. From spring through autumn, highland walks are pleasant, making it a place to visit in any season.

Access and Basic Information

From Yudanaka Station, the terminus of the Nagano Dentetsu line, it is about five minutes by bus or taxi. By car it is about thirty minutes from the Shinshu-Nakano interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway.

A Quick Tip

The nine-bath tour is in principle for overnight guests. Some baths run quite hot, so pour water over yourself slowly to acclimate before entering and take it at an easy pace.