Shibu Onsen

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About Shibu Onsen

Shibu Onsen is one of the oldest hot-spring villages in Nagano Prefecture, with a tradition dating back to the 8th century. It sits on the slope of the Yokoyu River valley, just above Yudanaka, and is organized along a narrow, winding street paved with stone, where three- and four-story wooden inns face each other.

The village is known for its nine public baths, the soto-yu, each supplied by its own source and traditionally attributed a specific property. Guests staying in Shibu receive a key to open them and a towel to stamp at each bath; completing all nine is seen as a sign of good luck. The last one, at the top of the village, is next to the Shibu Takayakushi temple. The baths are small and hot, with Japanese etiquette rules: wash before entering, no swimwear.

At night, guests stroll the street in yukata and wooden clogs, among lanterns and small shops with old-style games. Some wooden inns, with interior corridors and staircases, preserve the structure from the early 20th century.

Shibu is about a 15-minute bus ride from Jigokudani Park and can be combined with a visit to the monkeys on the same day. In winter, the village also receives skiers from Shiga Kogen.