Shibu Onsen in Nagano: Hot Springs, Fireflies, and Ghibli Magic

Whenever I return to Japan, there’s one thing I always want to do: visit an onsen. This year, I went to Shibu Onsen in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture.
Since the town is also home to Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its hot spring–soaking monkeys, it’s a great idea to visit both together.
While the winter snow scenery is beautiful, the fresh greenery of summer is equally stunning. I’m excited to share the charms of Nagano with you.

 

Exclusive for Guests: The Nine Baths of Shibu Onsen

Shibu Onsen is a charming hot spring town where you can stroll along stone-paved streets and enjoy a tour of the public baths.
There are nine public baths that the locals have carefully preserved for generations, and all of them are available for guests staying in the town’s inns.

Access to Shibu Onsen:

• By train: Take the limited express on the Nagano Dentetsu line from JR Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station (about 45 minutes).
• From the station: Take a bus to Shibu Onsen (around 10 minutes).

Each of the nine public baths is said to have different healing properties, and visiting all of them is believed to bring good fortune, washing away hardships, protecting against misfortune, ensuring safe childbirth and healthy children, and granting long life.

 

Magical Fireflies: A Unique Early Summer Experience

At the ryokan, I noticed an invitation to join a firefly-viewing event. Luckily, it was being held during my stay, so I headed out to check it out.
By the way, the cute monkey character you’ll see around town is “Shibuzaru-kun,” the mascot of Shibu Onsen.

At the Firefly Park, members of the ryokan association had prepared lanterns to light the path, making it easy to walk down to the stream without getting lost. It was actually my very first time seeing fireflies. Their glow was just magical.

 

Straight Out of a Ghibli Movie: Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen

One spot you definitely shouldn’t miss is Kanaguya, a ryokan that has been recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
It’s even said to have inspired the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away!
Whether you’re interested in experiencing early Showa-era onsen culture or you’re a Ghibli fan, this historic inn is an absolute must-see.

Shibu Onsen is the kind of charming town where you’ll want to stroll the retro stone-paved streets in a yukata.
From hopping between the historic public baths to watching fireflies in early summer, and even discovering a ryokan that feels straight out of a Ghibli film, it’s the perfect spot for a summer getaway.
Pair it with a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park for an unforgettable trip.

Check out my article on Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can meet the snow monkeys

Shibu Onsen
https://shibuonsen.net/en

☆Access
https://shibuonsen.net/en/access

☆ How to enter the public nine bath
https://shibuonsen.net/onsen/manner

Kanaguya
https://kanaguya.amebaownd.com