This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
With a neverending list of unique and fun things to do in Tokyo, leaving the city to explore somewhere else might feel unimaginable. However, if you visit Japan during winter, a trip from Tokyo to Shibu Onsen should undoubtedly be part of your Tokyo itinerary!
Even after living in Tokyo for six months, I was hesitant to take day trips out of the city. It always felt like leaving meant missing out on another amazing neighborhood I hadn’t explored or a unique event happening in Tokyo.
However, with so many amazing day trips from Tokyo, each offering a completely different vibe—like the stunning Kamakura, the relaxing Hakone, or in this case, the winter wonderland of Shibu Onsen in Nagano—I’ve become a true advocate for exploring not just Tokyo, but also its incredible surroundings.
If you’ve ever heard about the adorable snow monkeys living in a serene onsen town and wondered, ‘Where is that, and how do I get there?’ this post on traveling from Tokyo to Shibu Onsen, Nagano, has all the answers you need!
So, dig out your coziest winter jacket, and let’s get started!
Tokyo To Shibu Onsen, Nagano: How To Get There And What To Do
Save this post for later!
Your future self will thank you!
What is Shibu Onsen, Nagano?
Shibu Onsen is an old hot spring town in Japan nestled in the mountains of the Nagano prefecture, just next to the more popular, and busier, Yudanaka Onsen.
The town is filled with historic buildings and a classic, traditional vibe that makes you feel like you are traveling back in time as you wander the quiet streets of Shibu Onsen—which is said to date back nearly 1300 years(!)
With its historic small-town charm, a trip from Tokyo to Shibu Onsen makes for the perfect weekend getaway to slow down, relax, and immerse yourself in the traditional use of the healing hot springs. While also getting to know some unique locals who also enjoy the hot springs…
How to get from Tokyo to Shibu Onsen, Nagano
The fastest and most convenient way of visiting Shibu Onsen from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen bullet train—which is a fun experience in itself, so I would highly recommend you opt for this travel method.
To get to Shibu Onsen from Tokyo you will want to make your way to Tokyo station, where you will take the Hokuriku Shinkansen heading to Nagano. These trains depart almost every 30 minutes and will cost around 8,140 yen per person for one way.
You can buy the train ticket in person at Tokyo station and select a seat, which I would highly recommend you do to have a more pleasant trip. Train rides are very peaceful until you have to be on the lookout for the passenger who booked the seat you are currently sitting on.
So to be able to sit back and relax while you take in the views, make sure to book a seat!
Japan travel tip: If you do not book a seat in advance and are looking for a free seat on the train, in Japan, red above the seat means it is available, yellow means the passenger who reserved the seat will board at the next stop, and green means is occupied.
Once you arrive at Nagano station, head to the old-school-looking ticket machine and buy a train ticket for Yudanaka. These do not depart as often as the ones for Nagano.
An adult one-way ticket for Yudanaka costs 1,190 yen, and you can pay 100 yen on top for express entrance, instead of waiting in line with people.
This train, while older than the modern-looking Shinkansen is comfortable enough for the short ride and is a good introduction to the historic charm of Shibu Onsen.
Lastly, once you arrive at Yudanaka station, you can either take the Number 20 bus, a taxi, or walk to Shibu Onsen, which will take you around 20 min.
We opted for walking, as we had been sitting in trains for a while, plus, it allowed us to get a taste of the quiet and charming town as we made our way to our ryokan for the night.
Shinkansen etiquette in Japan
Although eating and drinking on public transportation or the streets is generally not allowed in Japan, the Shinkansen is an exception since it’s designed for longer trips.
Locals will come prepared to their train journeys with homemade bento boxes, or with a train station-bought one. There is also a bistro on board selling meal options, so make sure to pick up a bento box for the full Shinkansen train ride experience!
If you are rushed getting to the train station and don’t have time to stock up on snacks, don’t worry. There are also kiosks on the train platforms selling sandwiches, chips, candy, and drinks.
The ham, cheese, and egg sandwiches together with an iced coffee were our go-to for a morning train ride.
Where to stay in Shibu Onsen, Nagano
First of all, while Yudanaka is the most popular of the two onsen towns, we opted for Shibu Onsen as we were attracted by the promise of a smaller, quieter area, and honestly, we loved it!
And we probably loved it more due to the location of our home for the night, the charming Shibu Onsen Koishiya Ryokan.
Shibu Onsen Koishiya Ryokan is set in the heart of Shibu Onsen, being a very very short walk to the town’s many public hot springs, as well as being a very convenient distance away from the unmissable Snow Monkey Park.
At the ryokan, you are provided with full yukata attire upon your arrival, as well as the key to the town’s public onsens. They offer both western bedrooms and traditional rooms with tatami mat flooring and futons—which I was surprised to find incredibly comfortable.
There is also a small casual restaurant and bar on-site, which is great since most things in town have very specific closing hours, so is good to know you can get a meal at the hotel.
Best time to visit Shibu Onsen in Nagano
The best time to visit Shibu Onsen in Nagano is during the winter months—from December to March specifically for a higher chance to see the monkeys bathing.
During the winter months, Shibu Onsen looks straight out of a fairy tale with the historic Japanese architecture covered in snow.
After living in Japan for nine months, the image of the quiet streets of Shibu Onsen as the snow falls is still one of my favorite memories of my time in Japan, it felt truly magical!
It is also so much more enjoyable to hop around piping hot onsens while it snows outside. And while you might think you will freeze to death while wearing a Yukata, you don’t, not really.
Once you get into your first onsen of the day your body will keep the heat until you move to the next onsen spot.
Plus, when visiting Snow Monkey Park, well, you want it to be snowed for full effect.
Tips for visiting Shibu Onsen
- Business hours: Things in Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen close between 3-6 pm so plan meals accordingly. You can use that in-between time to visit more onsens.
- Keep volume down: Due to its size and relaxing nature, Shibu Onsen is incredibly quiet, so be mindful and respectful as you walk through the small residential streets.
- Onsen steps: Pay close attention to the instructions of every onsen to not be disrespectful towards the local users.
- Packing for Shibu Onsen: When visiting Shibu Onsen in winter pack accordingly, especially if you are going up to see the Snow Monkeys. You will need a good weather-proof winter jacket, and winter boots with good grip, as is a small hike to arrive at the Snow Monkey Park.
- Onsen attire: If staying at a traditional ryokan you will be provided with Yukata, traditional wooden sandals, and towels for your onsen visits, so don’t worry about packing for that.
What to do in Shibu Onsen, Nagano
Soak in the town’s healing hot springs
The top thing to do in Shibu Onsen, Nagano, one of the best onsen towns in Japan, is to enjoy the town’s natural hot springs. Especially when visiting during the cold winter months.
There are nine different bathhouses in Shibu Onsen, all believed to have different healing properties, from helping with skin issues to gastrointestinal health, etc. The town’s bathhouse map will explain what each one is for.
Most of the bathhouses, except for number 9, are quite small, fitting only 2 to 3 people, and the baths are separated by gender.
If you are shy about being naked in a very small tub with a stranger, then I recommend visiting bathhouse number 9.
The easiest way to have access to the Shibu Onsen bathhouses is by staying at one of the town’s inns, which will provide you with a key to the houses.
If you are only visiting for the day, you can get a day pass to one of the bathhouses at the Ryokan Association office for 500 yen.
- Tattoos in onsens: Sadly, since all the bathhouses in Shibu Onsen are for community use, tattoos are not allowed in any of them. Unless is a very small one that could be covered by a bandage.
Visit the unique Snow Monkey Park
If you are wondering where to see snow monkeys in Japan, then Jigokudani Monkey Park, also known as Snow Monkey Park, is the place that you are looking for. And is conveniently close to Shibu Onsen, Nagano.
Being just a short 10-minute drive away from Shibu Onsen, you can visit the Snow Monkey Park by bus, or some inns, like the ryokan we stayed at, offer a complimentary shuttle ride to the park.
After being dropped off at the foot of a hill, you will have to hike a little bit to arrive at the entrance of the Snow Monkey Park.
As mentioned before, you should wear appropriate winter attire, as you are hiking in the snow and going even higher, which makes it feel cooler. If you feel like you are not well-equipped for the weather, you can rent some winter gear at the entrance point of the hike.
The hike is gorgeous though, with postcard-perfect views of trees and the town underneath covered in snow.
The entrance to the park costs 800 yen per person.
I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of getting close to monkeys after one tried to bite me in Thailand out of nowhere. But the Japanese macaques at the Snow Monkey Park are so chill, they truly do not care about the human visitors.
They are too busy living their best life, soaking in the hot springs. Which is incredibly adorable and funny to witness!
Tip: Stop by Enza Cafe on your way back down from Snow Monkey Park to warm up with a tasty ramen bowl!
Stay at a traditional Ryokan
One of the best things to do while staying in Shibu Onsen is to stay at a ryokan. And I would say that to have the full experience, you have to stay in a traditional Japanese bedroom with tatami floors and futons for beds.
You came all the way over here, might as well get the full experience, even if is just for one night. I promise the futons are actually super comfy!
Walk around town in a Yukata
One of my favorite moments of our trip to Shibu Onsen was waking up at sunrise, putting our Yukata on, and wandering the picture-perfect snowy streets of Shibu Onsen on our way to the first hot spring of the day.
If there is an activity that can slap you in the face and make you realize that you are somewhere so far away from your everyday life, in a foreign place, following someone else’s customs, is this, and it feels so magical!
Wearing the Yukata felt like such a unique, intimate, and culturally immersive experience that you simply would not have anywhere else in the world.
It is also so heartwarming to see how supportive and happy the local staff is of foreigners wearing the Yukata, and how helpful they are in the process.
Overall, it’s just such a wholesome experience that everyone should take part in while visiting Shibu Onsen, Nagano!
Visit the most unique bar in the world
There are so many elements of why our trip to Shibu Onsen was truly magical and unforgettable. And if the snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs and the dreamy town covered in snow wasn’t enough, there was this bar…
I do not want to spoil it by giving it all away, but I will say that if you are up for an interesting night you have to visit Chokkun Izakaya.
It’s nothing out of this world, is not a speakeasy, it’s just a casual unassuming bar, with tons of messages written on the walls, and polaroids pinned to the wood-paneled room.
However, it is also home to the most entertaining character of a host, and the weirdest service system I have ever encountered.
I will say this, there is no food menu, but you should arrive hungry.
Buy from a self-serve stand offering hot-spring-boiled eggs
This is not necessarily something I ever thought about adding to my to-do list, but damn it if is not a highly niche activity to do in Shibu Onsen.
We came across this ridiculously adorable self-service stand of hot-spring-boiled eggs and it was just too much for my brain. It’s so freaking cute!
I have seen a few of these self-service stands in Japan—and already that seems revolutionary for other parts of the world—but this little one was just something else.
With its charming streets covered in snow, its healing hot springs, and the nearby unique Snow Monkey Park, a visit to the relaxing and magical Shibu Onsen from Tokyo should undoubtedly be part of your Japan winter itinerary.
We hope this guide to visiting Shibu Onsen helps you see why you should visit this unique town, and hope it answers all the questions you might have about planning a little getaway trip to this beautiful Onsen town.
What are you doing first, soaking in the hot springs yourself, or heading to the Monkey Snow Park to see them bath in their monkey sauna? Let us know in the comments.