Shibu Onsen

By Daniel Frederick

Shibu Onsen, located in the Nagano Prefecture, is home to many traditional Ryokans, historic public baths, and is near the Jigokudani Monkey Park. This mountainous settlement was established 1300 years ago, providing visitors an atmosphere they might not experience elsewhere. Shibu was also a skiing site for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

Many of the Ryokans that populate Shibu contain famous baths can be seen through the Kyu-to Meguri. It is said that if one were to visit all nine public baths, they would receive a good fortune, such as longevity, protection from evil spirits, and others.

The Ryokan, or traditional Japanese Inn, which our group will be staying in is the Shibu Hotel, which boasts both a public and private natural spring bath, many dining rooms, 18 Japanese rooms, and 20 guest rooms. Shibu Hotel serves a Kaiseki style breakfast and dinner, which consists of local Japanese dishes that correspond to different seasons of the year.