Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Shiobara Onsenkyo is a traditional hot spring region that spreads across Nasu-Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. Comprising multiple hot spring areas (Yumoto, Furumachi, Shinyu, Hatashita, etc.), its main features are its beautiful valleys and abundant nature. The hot springs, which take advantage of the mountainous terrain, are captivating visitors with their steam, public baths, and numerous inns, as well as the changing scenery with each season (fresh greenery, deep greenery, autumn leaves, snowy landscapes). The hot springs come in a variety of types, including sulfur springs and simple springs, and are expected to have beneficial effects (such as fatigue recovery, sensitivity to cold, and skin ailments), leading to a well-established hot spring culture.
Highlights
- Hot Spring Tour: Enjoy visiting unique inns, day-use bathing facilities, and foot bath spots. The view of the valley and mountains from the open-air bath is exceptional.
- Shiobara Valley scenery: There are many walking routes along the valley, including promenades, suspension bridges, and waterfalls. The autumn foliage is especially popular and worth seeing.
- Hiking/Trekking: There are many hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, allowing you to enjoy nature walks according to your stamina and time.
- Local cuisine and local delicacies: Enjoy hot dishes made with Nasu beef, mountain produce, and local vegetables, as well as soft-boiled eggs cooked in hot springs.
- Photo spots: The mountain stream, the atmosphere of the wooden hot spring town, and the scenery of rising steam from the hot springs are popular with photography enthusiasts.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Bus: Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station. From the station, take a local bus, sightseeing bus, or taxi to Shiobara Onsen (approximately 40-60 minutes). Some accommodations offer shuttle service from Nasushiobara Station or Nishinasuno Station, so be sure to check in advance.
- By car: Approximately 40 to 70 minutes from the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC or Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway via national and local roads. There are also routes that use scenic toll roads such as the Nishio-Momiji Line (please note that there may be congestion and traffic restrictions depending on the season and time of day, so it is recommended to check in advance).
- Day trip bus tours: There are often sightseeing buses and tours departing from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and plans that combine hot springs with sightseeing are convenient.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: If you want to enjoy one or two hot springs and take a short walk around the area, it will take about 3 to 6 hours.
- 2 days, 1 night: This is the standard plan for relaxing in the hot springs, exploring the valley, and sightseeing in the surrounding area. You can also enjoy dinner, breakfast, and an evening bathing in the hot springs.
- 2 nights or more: Recommended if you want to take your time hiking and touring the surrounding tourist spots (such as Nasu Highlands).
Nearby spots
- Nasu Highlands Area: There are a variety of tourist spots within driving distance, including Mount Nasu and Nasu Animal Kingdom.
- Art galleries and museums: There are many small art galleries and museums scattered around Nasu and Nasu-Shiobara (please check opening times before visiting).
- Local farm shops and roadside stations: Get a taste of local flavor at facilities that sell seasonal vegetables, local specialties, and souvenirs.
- Nature walking spots: Enjoy seasonal nature on the walking trails along the valley, waterfalls, and observation decks.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Accommodations, buses, and tourist spots are crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. We recommend making reservations for accommodations and buses early.
- Onsen etiquette: Please observe general onsen etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing yourself in the washing area before bathing, avoid monopolizing the bath for long periods of time, and not putting your towel in the water. Some facilities will refuse bathing if you have tattoos, so please check in advance.
- Clothing and equipment: Bring a jacket as there are large temperature differences in the mountainous areas. There are also slippery and muddy paths, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- Winter roads: Snow and ice can affect roads and tourist facilities. In winter, be sure to bring chains or studless tires and check road regulations.
- Cash/Payment: Some smaller inns and shops only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
(Note) Opening hours, shuttle service, and bathing rules for each facility may differ depending on the accommodation or facility. Please check the official website or your accommodation for the latest information before visiting.
