Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture! Spend a Relaxing Time

Shibu Onsen is a famous hot spring tourist destination in Nagano Prefecture. The hot spring town is lined with many inns and has nine public bathhouses, including those used daily by locals. Tourists are also welcome to use these public bathhouses, and many visitors enjoy doing the “Kyu-to Meguri” (Nine Bath Tour).
In addition to hot springs, Shibu Onsen offers many other tourist attractions. Located deep in the mountains of Nagano, the area is surrounded by nature, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Among these, the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques bathing comfortably in the hot springs, is not only popular in Japan but also internationally famous. Many tourists from overseas come to see these “snow monkeys” soaking in the hot springs amidst a snowy winter landscape.
This time, we introduce must-visit sightseeing spots in Shibu Onsen for anyone planning a trip to the area.

1. Jigokudani Monkey Park – See Japanese Macaques in Hot Springs

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located at the foot of the Shiga Kogen, a national park in the Joshinetsu Highlands. It is a sightseeing spot in Shibu Onsen where visitors can closely observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. During the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, tourists from around the world visited, boosting the park's popularity.
Images of wild macaques soaking in the hot springs during the harsh Shibu Onsen winters frequently appear in media. Although monkeys appear near the hot springs year-round, they do not actively enter the baths during warm seasons. To see the macaques bathing, winter is highly recommended. Seeing even the little monkeys soaking in the warm water is incredibly cute. Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can witness this up close amidst snowy scenery, is a highlight of Shibu Onsen.

2. Shiga Kogen Roman Museum – Coexisting with Nature

The Shiga Kogen Roman Museum, built in commemoration of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and Paralympics, is a popular sightseeing spot in Shibu Onsen. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa. Many tourists visit just to see his architectural design.
With the theme “Coexistence with Nature,” the museum exhibits glass art and romantic collections from the Edo to Taisho periods. The museum is barrier-free, making it accessible for visitors in wheelchairs.
The facility is divided into two structures: the museum building and the restaurant building. Both were designed by Kisho Kurokawa and have distinctive features. The museum building is elliptical, with a 15-meter-high, two-story atrium hall at the center surrounded by exhibition rooms. The entrance is fitted with glass windows to let in natural light, casting reflections of light and shadow on the walls. The restaurant building features an eye-catching circular design that serves as a landmark from afar, symbolizing the Shiga Highlands.
When touring Shibu Onsen, make sure to visit the famous Shiga Kogen Roman Museum.

3. Tour the Hot Springs of Shibu Onsen: “Kyūtō Meguri”

The “Kyūtō Meguri” (Tour of the Nine Baths) at Shibu Onsen is a special experience available only to overnight guests. With a “Prayer Hand Towel” in hand, visitors collect stamps as they tour nine different open-air hot springs that draw directly from natural sources. The image shows Shibutaka Yakushi (Shibu Yakushian), which overlooks the town. Visiting this temple at the end of the tour and receiving a seal is believed to make your wish come true. If you’re staying overnight in Shibu Onsen, be sure to try the Kyūtō Meguri.
The ninth bath, “Shibu Ōyu,” is open even to non-staying visitors, so you can enjoy a day-use bath after sightseeing in Shibu Onsen. Below are three of the most recommended baths along the Kyūtō Meguri.

◆ Starting Point of the Kyūtō Meguri: First Bath “Hatsuyu”

Located in the center of the main street of Shibu Onsen, the “First Bath – Hatsuyu” marks the beginning of the nine-bath tour.
Each bathhouse along the Kyūtō Meguri has a simple wooden structure, embodying the historical charm of traditional communal baths. “Hatsuyu” also features a wooden interior with a rectangular bath into which the hot spring water flows through wooden gutters. The whole bathhouse—walls, floors, and bath—is made of wood, creating a soothing atmosphere.

◆ Sixth Bath “Mearai no Yu” – Popular for Beautifying Skin

The “Sixth Bath – Mearai no Yu” is located at the eastern edge of Shibu Onsen, at the base of a steep staircase near Fudōson. Nearby is the Kotohira-gū Yakushian, and the bath is also well-known as a photogenic spot.
The bathhouse has a warm wooden wash area and a narrow wooden tub. You can see white “yunohana” (hot spring mineral flowers) floating or settling at the bottom of the bath. The water contains sodium, calcium, and sulfate, and is on the hotter side at over 50°C.
There’s a historical legend that says washing one's eyes in this bath cured eye disease, making it popular for eye-related healing. It’s also said to beautify the skin, earning it the nickname “Beauty Bath.” Mearai no Yu is a favorite among female visitors and a key sightseeing attraction in Shibu Onsen.

◆ Ninth Bath “Shibu Ōyu” – Available for Day-Use Visitors

“Shibu Ōyu,” the Ninth Bath, is one of Shibu Onsen’s most iconic hot springs and can be enjoyed even by day visitors. It’s said to have been discovered by the high priest Gyōki. Tradition holds that if you bathe here at the end of the Kyūtō Meguri and visit the shrine afterward, your wish will come true. On the rooftop, there’s a footbath fed by the same spring water for those who prefer not to disrobe. The bathhouse also features a steam bath powered by the spring’s natural steam.
Among the nine baths, Shibu Ōyu is the largest and is located semi-underground, giving it a calm and dimly lit ambiance. There are two baths: a hotter one in the back for about four people and a milder one in the front for about five. The back bath is directly fed by the spring. The water is a cloudy brown with a greenish hue.
Non-staying guests are welcome at Shibu Ōyu, so why not stop by during your day trip to Shibu Onsen?

4. “Kanaguya Ryokan” – Said to Be One of the Inspirations for Spirited Away

One of the inns in Shibu Onsen, “Kanaguya,” is a historic ryokan with over 200 years of history. Its Saigetsurō building, a four-story wooden structure designated as a Tangible Cultural Property, is said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. It’s believed that director Hayao Miyazaki took inspiration from the Shimotsuki Festival in Kamimura, Minami-Shinano, after seeing it on NHK.
Kanaguya is also a popular photo spot in Shibu Onsen. Its picturesque setting is perfect for memorable snapshots. As you stroll through the town, you might feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from the movie.

◎ Summary

When visiting Shibu Onsen, not only can you enjoy the hot springs, but you can also relax and have fun with family, friends, or a partner at various sightseeing spots. If you’re staying overnight, the nine-bath “Kyūtō Meguri” tour is a must! Appreciate the character of each bath while strolling through the charming streets of Shibu Onsen. Besides bathing, you can enjoy art and culture or observe Japanese macaques up close. Shibu Onsen is particularly recommended for art lovers and animal enthusiasts. No matter who you visit with, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to add the scenic and culturally rich hot spring town of Shibu Onsen in the mountains of Nagano to your travel list!