[2025 Yamanouchi ] Travel Guide for Shibu Onsen (Updated Jul)

#Hot Springs From Yudanaka Onsen, take the bus to Snow Monkey and get off at Shibuwagobashi. If you don't have any luggage, you can walk there, but it's best to take the bus at first. After getting off the bus, turn left and you'll reach Shibu Onsenkyo.

#HotSpring There is a line called Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station, which connects to Shibu Onsenkyo. (It might be better to call it Yudanaka Onsenkyo.) These days, it is famous for its Spirited Away inns, and since ancient times, Jigokudani Onsen's snow monkeys (monkeys that bathe in hot springs). The train starts underground, and you can go to the hot springs while enjoying a panoramic view. Vegetables are sold at the station and are very cheap. Peaches are about half price.

Nagano Prefecture, near the Alps Mountains in central Japan, has a superb view. There are many hot spring hotels and hotels in the hot springs and Yudanaka Onsen Township, a 50-minute drive from Nagano City. This time, a Japanese-style hot spring hotel on the river is simply overwhelming. Expected sticks, the entrance is the torrential water and the snow-capped mountains, the back door of the hotel is directly opposite the hot spring street. In the evening, climb the hill, breathe the fresh and natural cold air to enjoy the snow, eat the hot spring dishes at night and soak a soup, praise! The hotel also has a free Yudanaka station pick-up service and a car to Noji Park. Luggage can also be stored directly at the cafe next to the station. Next time I want to see a cherry blossom!

#cherryblossom25 Shibu Onsen is like stepping into an old ukiyo-e print, especially when cherry blossoms bloom along its narrow stone-paved lanes. I stayed overnight in a ryokan and did the traditional "onsen pilgrimage" — visiting all nine public baths — while pink petals fluttered around me. Locals say if you complete the bath circuit, you’re blessed with good fortune, and doing it under sakura made it feel even more magical. In the evening, lanterns lit up the streets and the blossoms glowed softly in the light — my favorite moment. My #cherryblossom25 post captured the iconic Shibu streets with petals scattered across the stones, a scene straight from another era. If you want an onsen town that combines tradition, charm, and sakura beauty, Shibu Onsen is the perfect spot.

If you’re planning to see the snow monkeys at Jigokudani, staying a night in Shibu Onsen is such a good call — and honestly, kind of a hidden gem. The town is super quiet and full of charm, with narrow little streets, old wooden buildings, and steam curling up from the bathhouses. It gave me total Spirited Away vibes, especially with the snow falling — like stepping into another world. When you stay at one of the local ryokans, they give you a special key that lets you try out all nine public onsens around town. Each one is a bit different, and yeah — the water is hot. Way hotter than most other places I’ve been to. But that’s part of the fun. It feels super local and traditional, like a little onsen adventure. The best part? After checking out the next morning, you can head over to Jigokudani to see the snow monkeys. It’s really close by, and seeing them just chilling in a natural hot spring surrounded by snow is such a cool (and kinda surreal) sight. It was the perfect way to end the visit — like the whole trip built up to that one magical moment. Shibu Onsen made the whole experience feel extra special. Peaceful, authentic, and something I’ll definitely remember for a long time.

On my recent trip to Nagano, Japan, I chose several ski resorts in Shiga Kogen, and from a scenic perspective, Ryuoo is my top recommendation. Ryuoo, also known as Ryuoo Ski Park, reaches a height of 1,930 meters. I recommend starting at the Skyland area at the summit, which features three ski trails: A, B, and C. I skied all of them. The Skyland area at the summit is less crowded, has great snow, and offers the best views in Shiga Kogen, being above the sea of clouds. The most famous trail, the Kiotoshi Route, is named for its 39-degree steep slope, where even logs roll down the mountain. With a super long cable car that holds 150 people, a 6-kilometer ski trail, and magnificent snow scenery, you can truly enjoy skiing here. The resort boasts the world's first scenic cable car and the Sora Terrace café at the summit. I was lucky to see the sea of clouds during my visit, making the trip worthwhile even without skiing. Nearby is Shibu Onsen, the inspiration for the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away,' where you can stay if you decide to ski at Ryuoo. It is recommended to rent a car or drive to Ryuoo Ski Park, as the only other option is the ski resort shuttle bus. 🚌: Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station for 50 minutes to Yudanaka Station, where you will find the Ryuoo Ski Park shuttle bus stop. The bus runs every hour, so remember the return time. It's about a 20-minute ride to Ryuoo Ski Park. 💰: A full-day ski pass is 5,200 yen, and after 1 PM, you can buy a half-day pass for 4,200 yen, which includes unlimited cable car rides. If you're not skiing, you can purchase a scenic ticket for 4,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children, which includes a round-trip snow vehicle ride from the entrance to the cable car station and a round-trip cable car ride to the Sora Terrace café. 💰 Ski equipment and lift pass: Full-day pass is 9,600 yen, half-day pass is 7,600 yen, including rental of ski wear and snowboard. 🎿 At the foot of the mountain, there is a children's playground and a beginner's area where free snowboards are provided for children to play. Note that the beginner's area is only open until 2 PM. Address: 11700 Yomase, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture. Open period: Daytime: December 4, 2021 – April 3, 2022; Nighttime: December 25, 2021 – March 20, 2022. Business hours: Daytime: Weekdays 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Nighttime: Weekdays 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Tips: Japan's only Dimito flagship store is located in the Ryuoo ski equipment hall. #NaganoSkiing #NiigataSkiing #RyuooSkiing #ShigaKogen #ShigaKogenSkiResort #Japan #JapanTravel #JapanSkiing #Skiing #Snowboarding #Ski

#hotsprings #100waysoftravel The culture of hotspring vacation and holiday is a traditional culture in Japan, due to the geographical location of Japan which has lots of underground spring water scattered around the island nation. As such, many hot spring towns and resort were born. I went to this nice little hot spring town at Nagano called Shibu Onsen, which is famous of its quality spring water. There are lots of hotels there and I stayed in one, and we get to use their hot springs around the town with a fee. You see people carrying a bucket moving around to visit hot springs, and restaurants are also busy at that time. I had a great time there and that place is highly recommended for hot spring lovers.

#familytrips2024 Our family trip to Shinu Onsen was magical. Nestled in the serene Japanese Alps, the tranquil hot springs provided a perfect escape. We soaked in the rejuvenating waters while admiring the picturesque snowy landscape. Traditional ryokan hospitality made our stay memorable, with delicious kaiseki meals and tatami mat rooms adding an authentic touch. Strolling through the quaint village and enjoying the natural beauty was truly refreshing. For our next adventure, we're heading to Kyoto. The city’s rich cultural heritage, from the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, promises an immersive experience. We're excited to explore the historic streets of Gion, visit traditional tea houses, and witness the vibrant festivals that bring Kyoto's history to life.

#Overseas Travel #Japan Attractions #Nagano #yudanakahotspring Yudanaka Onsen is located in Yamanouchi Town in the mountains northeast of Nagano City. This spa town is the ideal place to completely unwind on a leisurely trip, soaking in steaming hot spring pools while admiring stunning mountain views. From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu Railway directly to Yudanaka Station, a journey of less than an hour.

Name 📝: Shibu Onsen Area Address 📍:PCMJ+P7 Yamanochi, Nagano, Japan Nearest stations: Bus 🚌: Shibu Onsen (right to the place) Train 🚊: Yudanaka (10 minute walk) Famous for✨: having dozens and dozens of hot spring hotels (both for day trip and for overnight) for whole body or just feet - with beautiful views and bird chirping that make the whole environment relaxing Tourist spots nearby 👀: 🛍️ the streets surrounding the hot spring places have a wide range of shops and food stalls ⛩️ Amagawa Shrine (15 minute walk) an important local shrine #nagano #Yudanaka #japan

Visited in October 2022 Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo in Nagano Prefecture♨️ A hot spring area that spreads along the Shiga-Kusatsu Plateau Route😊 "Yudanaka Onsen" was named Yudanaka because hot spring water gushed out from the rice fields✨ The history of hot springs is long, and it began more than 1,350 years ago when it was named Yorei, which means longevity😊 The chloride spring water is colorless, transparent, and soft, and is said to be good for cuts, coldness, and muscle stiffness🎵 The charming hot spring town was perfect for a walk🙌 *Yudanaka Shibu Onsenkyo #Autumn Trip #Hot Springs #Yudanaka Onsen

#SummerWeekendTrip