The charm of Shibu Onsen

The charm of a hot spring town boasting a 1300-year history
Located along the Yokoyu River, which flows from Shiga Kogen, Shibu Onsen boasts the largest volume of hot spring water in the Yudanaka Shibu Onsen area.
Discovered during the Nara period by the high-ranking monk Gyoki, it boasts a 1,300-year history. After flourishing as a secret hot spring of Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku period, it still retains its old-world charm.
In 1973, the public bathhouses in the hot spring town were opened to hotel guests free of charge, making it the first place in Japan where people could visit multiple public bathhouses.

Shibu Onsen boasts nine public bathhouses known as "sotoyu." One of the joys of visiting Shibu Onsen is that guests staying at a Shibu Onsen inn can enjoy visiting all nine baths free of charge. Each bath has different therapeutic properties, and it is said that bathing in all nine will not only cure all ailments but also wash away nine (ku) burdens, relieving you from various stresses.

The Shibu Onsen hot spring town still has many old-fashioned shops and facilities. You can still find retro shops selling things like shooting galleries and smartball games, which are typical of hot springs. And for some reason, table tennis is also a popular activity at hot springs. There are even places where you can use table tennis tables for free.

The mountain path behind Onsenji Temple and Shibutaka Yakushi Temple is lined with numerous shrines and temples. Walking along this back path while offering prayers is said to bring blessings from each temple, making it a truly auspicious walking route. Even just strolling along it offers a different experience from the Shibu Onsen town, a healing experience amidst the seasonal beauty of the forest paths.

Whether as a memento of your trip or a gift for family and friends, Shibu Onsen offers a wide variety of attractive souvenirs.
Sakaeya's "Original Miso Pudding" is a mildly sweet pudding with a subtle hint of miso.
Matsumoto Confectionery, located a short distance from Sakaeya, offers a wide selection of sesame soba noodles and miso-flavored manju (sweet buns). Kogoiya's "Uzumaki Bread" is a hidden gem. You can create your own personalized assortment by packing individually purchased sweets into the "Itowokashi Box." The "Itowokashi Box" can hold up to nine sweets or small items. Other recommended items include local sake from Shinshu, goods featuring Shibu Onsen's mascot character "Shibuzaru-kun," and geta (wooden clogs) with the "Shibu Onsen" logo.

Jigokudani Onsen is famous for the sight of wild monkeys bathing in the hot springs. The hot spring water of Jigokudani, which springs from the riverbed of the Yokoyu River, is also supplied to Shibu Onsen and Kanbayashi Onsen.
The hot spring water at Sakaeya is also piped in from here in Jigokudani. The water from Jigokudani is a weak saline spring, colorless and transparent. It is said to be effective for neuralgia and high blood pressure.
Designated a national natural monument, the Shibu Jigokudani Geyser boasts a 20-meter-high eruption of hot spring water reaching nearly 100°C. The name "Jigokudani" (Hell Valley) likely comes from the sight of the water gushing out and the rising steam…