Shibu Onsen 渋温泉

Shibu Onsen is a trip back in time. This old hot spring town, filled with historic buildings and a traditional atmosphere, is just a quick hop from Yudanaka Onsen .

Shibu Onsen is located just next door to Yudanaka Onsen , the last stop on the Nagano Dentetsu-Nagano Line.

To access the area from Nagano, catch the Nagano Dentetsu-Nagano Line to Yudanaka Station. From there, it is about a half-hour walk or short taxi ride.

Shibu Onsen's history is said to go back over 1,300 years. It has long been a rest stop for pilgrims making their way to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City . The cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden Japanese inns and dotted with shrines offer you the atmosphere of another era.

Shibu Onsen has nine public baths, known as sotoyu, managed by the village inns. Being a guest at one of them entitles you free use of all of the baths. All of the different baths are meant to heal or protect from various ailments.

To add to the fun of onsen-hopping in Shibu Onsen, you can get commemorative stamps from each bath. Buy one of Shibu Onsen's special junyoku stamp towels and collect them all. If you are not staying, you can still use the largest Oyu bath for a small fee, payable at the information center.

In the evening, stroll the narrow lanes in your yukata robe and geta wooden sandals, going from bath to bath or bar to bar. Try some of the local sake at Tamamura, a brewery near Shibu Onsen.

Shibu Onsen is only a 10-minute bus ride from the entrance leading into the famed Snow Monkey Park , and 30 minutes from Shiga Kogen Ski Resort . For a change of pace or more restaurant options, Yudanaka Onsen is a little busier and located just down the road.