Shibu Onsen and Jigokudani, Monky Park

Attractive, Old-faschioned Hot Spring Town

I went to Shibu Onsen from November 10th to 11th one night for two days. Shibu Onsen (渋温泉) is a historic and attractive hot spring town in Yamanouchi, Northern Nagano prefectire, which has retained an old traditional atmosphere. There is a spiritual Buthhouse, Aburaya Ryokan which has been tucked away for more than 250 years in the village. This place is believed as the model for Hayao Miyazaki’s animation movie, Sen to Chihiro, but the Stadio Jiburi deneyed it.

Shibu Onsen is spread out on a gentle slope beside the Yokoyugawa River, and hot spring streams rise from various places. Putting on Yukata and Geta, and walking alley in the village is so attractive.

There is a fork at the end of the village: left leading to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, and right to parking lots, dead end.

Wakakiya Ryokan

Staying in a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan is essential for immersing yourself explorelation of Japan. Wakatake Ryokan, runs by a delightfuly eldery couple, is simple yet incredibly comfartable. I thoroughly enjoyed both the meals and the onsen experience at Wakatake Ryokan.

• Price: 12,500 yen, including two meals, Dinner and breakfast.
• Indoor bath: wooden 100% natural onsen, 24 hours.
• Parking: Two parking lots available.
• Meals: Traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal and local ingredients.

Enjoy 9 public Onsen-house

There are 9 public onsen houses with characteristics onsen each on the street. you could enjoy it all 9 for free if you stayed at a Ryokan or Hotel in the village.

Jigokudani Monky Park

Jigokudani Monky Park is nestled in the valley of Yokoyu River, which orignated from Shigakougen in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, it is just about 5 km away from Shibu Onsen Vellege.

The only monky in the world to bath in hot spring

At an altitude of 850 meters, the Monkey Park area is nestled deeper in the mountains from Shibu Onsen Village. It features a valley with steep cliffs and hot spring steam rising from every corner, earning it the name ‘Jigokudani’ in Japanese, which translates to ‘Hell Valley’ in English.

While Hell Valley presents a harsh environment for humans, covered in snow for almost one-third of the year, it is a paradise for the monkeys.