Shibu Onsen (Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town in Yamanouchi Town, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, known for its traditional hot spring resort atmosphere, with a row of charming wooden inns. It has flourished as a post town and hot spring resort since the Edo period, and is famous for the "Kyuto Meguri" tour, a tour of nine public baths, and the sight of people strolling around in yukata and geta sandals. Each season has its own charm, with outdoor baths amidst a snowy landscape, the fresh greenery of early summer, and the autumn leaves also popular. The nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad, as visitors can see Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in the hot springs.

Highlights

• Tour of the nine bathsThere are nine public baths in Shibu Onsen town, and tickets (bathing passes) for touring the baths are sold. The standard way to enjoy touring the baths is to stroll around the town in a yukata and geta sandals, slowly visiting each one.
• Old hot spring town streetsThe narrow alleys lined with wooden inns, stone pavement, and paper lanterns create a picturesque scene dotted with photo spots. At night, the warm lights create a tranquil atmosphere befitting a hot spring resort.
• Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkeys): It is famous for the monkeys that bathe in the hot springs in winter. It is easily accessible from Shibu Onsen, and many people visit to combine the hot springs with a visit to the wild monkeys.
• Seasonal scenery and events: Beautiful nature, including snowy scenery, autumn leaves, and spring flowers. In winter, the entire hot spring town is covered in snow, adding to the charm of the area.
• Local cuisine and culture: The inn's kaiseki meals, cuisine made with local ingredients, and local sake from the area are some of the things to look forward to.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Public transportation (general routes from the Tokyo metropolitan area)
  • From Tokyo: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes), then transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line) at Nagano Station for a train bound for Yudanaka/Shibu, then transfer at Yudanaka Station to Shibu Onsen (after getting off at Yudanaka Station, walk to Shibu Onsen). (Nagano to Yudanaka: approximately 40 to 50 minutes)
  • Nearest station: Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from Yudanaka Station to Shibu Onsen (this depends on your luggage and how fast you walk).
  • Local bus: Buses bound for Jigokudani run from Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. If you're heading to Jigokudani Monkey Park, it's convenient to use a bus or taxi.
• car
  • Accessible via the Kan'etsu Expressway and Joshin'etsu Expressway. From the IC, enter the mountainous area on a local road. Winter gear (chains and studless tires) is required during the snowy season.
  • There are parking lots within Shibu Onsen and at the inns, but as the roads in the hot spring town are narrow in some places, it is best to check with the inn in advance.
• plane: There are few large airports directly connected to Nagano Prefecture, so the most common way to get to Nagano is by express bus or bullet train from an airport near Tokyo such as Haneda or Narita, and then by train or bus.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: 2-4 hours for a stroll around the hot spring town and use of 1-2 outdoor baths (however, if you visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, an additional 2 hours is required for the round trip).
• One night stay: This is the most recommended option, as it includes an evening stroll around the hot spring town, a nighttime tour of the outdoor baths, and sightseeing the next morning. If you want to enjoy the hot springs and local cuisine at your leisure, a stay of one night or more is recommended.
• 2 nights or more: Suitable for combining sightseeing in the surrounding area (Jigokudani, Yudanaka, Zenkoji Temple, or a tour of the Hokushin region).

Nearby spots

• Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkeys): Famous for the monkeys that bathe in the hot springs in winter. Easily accessible from Shibu Onsen. It gets especially crowded during the snowy season.
• Yudanaka Hot Springs: A hot spring resort adjacent to Shibu Onsen, with many restaurants and souvenir shops.
• Zenkoji Temple (Nagano City): If you head towards Nagano Station, you can visit historic temples (travel by car or train).
• Togakushi and Shiga Highlands: It is a convenient base for enjoying nature, mountain climbing, or skiing (traveling by car).
• Obuse: A town known for its chestnuts and art museums. A good choice for a day trip.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Manners
  • In outdoor baths and public baths, please observe general hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing yourself before entering the bath, and not putting towels in the bath.
  • Taking photos in the baths violates the privacy of other bathers. Please avoid areas where photography is prohibited and take photos that include other people in them.
  • Please check in advance as some facilities may refuse to accept people with tattoos.
• congestion
  • It gets crowded during the winter snow monkey season, Golden Week, and the New Year holidays. Jigokudani in particular is visited by many tourists on tour buses, so please plan your visit accordingly and arrange your tickets accordingly.
  • The main outdoor baths are often small and crowded during peak times, so it's a good idea to go early in the morning or late at night when it's quieter.
• Seasonal precautions
  • In winter, there is a high possibility of heavy snowfall and frozen roads, making it slippery even when walking, so non-slip shoes and cold weather gear are essential. If traveling by car, studless tires or chains are required.
  • In spring and autumn, there is a large difference in temperature between morning and evening, so we recommend wearing layers of clothing.
• Other practical information
  • Many small inns and stores prefer cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Many of the accommodations are traditional Japanese inns, and there may be restrictions on curfews and check-in times if not notified, so please check when booking.

Shibu Onsen is a place perfect for "slowly staying and enjoying the hot springs and townscape." Combine your visit to the outdoor baths with a visit to the nearby snow monkeys, and enjoy the seasonal scenery and local cuisine.