Located a short distance from the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen offer some of the best accommodation options in the region - and it goes without saying that that means that visitors have plenty of great hot spring hotels and guesthouses to choose from. On this page you will find the following information:
Visitors to Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen can enjoy the quaint charms to two of the region's best hot spring towns. Known as 'onsen' in Japanese, natural hot springs are found throughout the country with specific 'onsen towns' achieving renown for the claimed medicinal and relaxing properties of their water. Yudanaka and Shibu are two such towns. Fed by numerous sources of thermal water, the towns have long been considered as places of refuge, rest and healing and as such, have histories stretching back over one thousand years. Shibu Onsen is particularly charming, with quiet alleyways to explore and many historic buildings still lining the streets. Time and development have been less kind to Yudanaka, but don't that distract you from the fact that it boasts some acclaimed hot spring guesthouses - and all of this within easy reach of Nagano Station.
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Our group tours run throughout the year and can also arrange private tours and charters to the park along with any destination in the region, and as a registered travel agent, we can package transport, accommodation and more together so you save and get the most out of your time in Yudanaka, Shibu and beyond – scroll to the bottom for details.
Where are Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen?
Located approximately 35 km northeast of Nagano City (45 minutes by train or under an hour by car) and 270 km northwest of Tokyo (3 to 4 hours by train via Nagano Station or a 3.5 to 4-hour drive), Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen are two distinct, historic hot spring towns situated within easy walking distance of one another. Visitors arriving by train reach Yudanaka Station in the center of Yudanaka Onsen, while charming Shibu Onsen—famous for its 1,300-year history, preserved timber architecture, and narrow cobblestone lanes—is just a 2-minute drive or a 10 to 15-minute walk away. Beyond their own traditional ryokan (guesthouses) and thermal baths, both towns serve as the primary gateway base for exploring the Jigokudani Monkey Park (under a 5-minute drive), the slopes of Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and Kita-Shiga Kogen (around 30 minutes drive), and the year-round outdoor trails of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.
10 Things to Do Around Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen
Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen offer visitors the quaint charm of traditional hot spring towns and plenty of great accommodation options, and all within easy reach of some of Nagano's most poplar and engaging attractions and activities. Here's our recommendation of the best things on offer:
1 / WALK THE HISTORIC LANES OF SHIBU ONSEN & COMPLETE THE 9-BATH CHALLENGE / all year round
Located near the monkey park in the wider region of Yamanouchi, the historic hot spring towns of Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen are blessed with numerous thermal sources. Shibu Onsen is particularly charming—with a history stretching back 1,300 years, its quiet alleyways are lined with family-run ryokan, traditional shops, and historic atmosphere.
A highlight of visiting Shibu is Shibu Onsen's 9 Healing Onsen. These public baths (kyu-to-meguri) each feature unique mineral properties. While eight are reserved for overnight guests (who receive a master key at check-in), day visitors and locals can soak in the ninth and largest bath, the 'O-yu' (tickets available at tourist information), or relax at the free outdoor foot baths (ashi-yu) located directly above the O-yu and near Onsen-ji Temple. Over at Yudanaka Station, day visitors can also enjoy a warm foot bath at Kaede-no-Yu.
As you stroll through town in your yukata (light kimono) and geta (wooden sandals), enjoy local delights like senbei crackers, manju sweet cakes, and onsen tamago (eggs slow-boiled in hot spring water), or stop into local shooting galleries and traditional game parlors.
2 / INDULGE IN AUTHENTIC RYOKAN HOSPITALITY & SEASONAL KAISEKI DINING / all year round
Staying at a traditional Japanese guesthouse (ryokan or minshuku) is the ultimate way to experience local hospitality. Most ryokan feature their own private hot spring sources reserved exclusively for guests, and many offer private baths (kashikiri-buro) that can be booked upon check-in.
A major highlight of staying at a ryokan is enjoying multi-course kaiseki dining. Designed by the head chef, kaiseki multi-course menus showcase seasonal local ingredients, varying greatly between guesthouses and changing with the seasons to profile the unique flavors of the region.
For full guesthouse recommendations, see Where to Stay in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen? below.
3 / VISIT THE WORLD-FAMOUS JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEYS / all year round
As the only troop of monkeys in the world known to naturally bathe in hot springs, the Jigokudani Monkey Park—often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park—is one of the region's top destinations. With no barriers separating you from the macaques, you can observe them up close as they go about their daily lives.
While famous for winter bathing, the macaques come to the park throughout the year. Spring brings cherry blossoms and new baby monkeys, summer offers lush greenery, autumn turns the surrounding forest vibrant shades of red and gold, and winter covers the park in deep snow. The park is under a 5-minute drive from Yudanaka and Shibu, or a 30 to 45-minute walk outside of winter.
Recommended Monkey Tours:
- 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano (Year-Round) — Visit Zenko-ji Temple, enjoy sake tasting, and see the snow monkeys with optional drop-off/stay in Yudanaka & Shibu.
- 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen (Winter Only) — Combine snow monkey viewing with winter snow play activities in Shiga Kogen. Pickup/drop-off in Yudanaka & Shibu available.
- (Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano (Spring Only) — See newborn baby monkeys at Jigokudani in the morning followed by afternoon cherry blossom viewing.
For our full list of guided options, explore our 'Tours' main page.
4 / SAVOR LOCAL DINING & TRAILHEAD RELAXATION IN THE SNOW MONKEY AREA / all year round
Located at the trailhead to the monkey park in Kanbayashi Onsen, this area offers great dining, shopping, and relaxation before or after your walk:
- Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop : Located right at the trail entrance, offering official merchandise, snacks, info, and winter jacket/boot rentals.
- Enza Café: Located just down the trail, Enza serves Japanese and Western dishes, coffee, and craft beer. Its large outdoor terrace is especially beautiful during autumn foliage.
- Hotarutei: A fine-dining restaurant housed in a converted 160-year-old mansion, serving wagyu beef, hot pot, and sushi near the bus stops.
- Hotarutei Villas: Two luxury self-contained villas featuring private onsen baths, located right near the trail.
- Japanese Dining GOEN: Located directly across from Yudanaka Station, serving sushi, sashimi, yakitori, tempura, wagyu, soba, and craft beverages in a welcoming, English-friendly setting.
5 / CARVE UP JAPAN’S HIGHEST SLOPES IN SHIGA KOGEN & KITA-SHIGA / December to May
Located roughly 30 minutes from Yudanaka Station, the surrounding mountains offer world-class winter sports:
- Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Japan’s largest and highest ski resort features over 600 hectares of interconnected terrain and 50+ lifts covered by a single pass. Due to its high altitude, Shiga boasts one of Japan's longest seasons—opening in late November and offering top-tier spring skiing through April and May.
- Kita-Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts: Home to Ryuoo Ski Park, featuring 1,080 meters of vertical drop, deep powder, a lively snowboarding culture, and the Skyland Express Ropeway ascending to the Sora Terrace Café at 1,770 meters.
If you would like us to plan a ski vacation for your party that is all-inclusive in either of these areas, please let us know in an inquiry and we would love to help you plan!
6 / HIKE & RIDE SUMMER ROPEWAYS IN JOSHINETSU KOGEN NATIONAL PARK / June to November
Just 30 minutes by car or bus from Yudanaka, Joshinetsu Kogen National Park is Japan’s fourth-largest national park. The high-altitude Shiga Kogen Highlands area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve crisscrossed with scenic alpine hiking trails through woodlands, high moors, marshes, and mountain ponds.
During the green season, several mountain lifts and ropeways provide access to scenic panoramas and walking paths:
- Higashidateyama Ropeway: Ascends to 2,008 meters, featuring a summit café and alpine botanical garden.
- Yokoteyama Chairlift: Reaches 2,307 meters, offering panoramic views stretching toward the Japan Alps.
- Skyland Express Ropeway: Carries passengers up to the Sora Terrace observation deck and café in Kita-Shiga Kogen.
If you want to create a custom ropeway or hiking experience, please contact us so we can help you set one up!
Tour Option: Explore the wider national park on the [START FROM NAGANO / KARUIZAWA] Private - Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen tour, visiting volcano landscapes at Onioshidashien and historic Kusatsu Onsen.
Recommended
[START FROM NAGANO / KARUIZAWA ] Private - Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
- Spots:
- NaganoKaruizawaKusatsu
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
7 / CHASE SEASONAL SCENERY: SPRING BLOSSOMS & AUTUMN LEAVES / April; October to November
Yamanouchi’s varied topography creates stunning seasonal backdrops throughout the year:
- Spring Cherry Blossoms (April to June): Higher elevations mean Yamanouchi’s sakura bloom later than surrounding areas, typically starting mid-April. Highlights include the 850-year-old 'Kodaizakura' tree in Uki Ward, the World Peace Kannon, and the banks of the Yomase River. This period also coincides with newborn baby monkeys being born at Jigokudani from mid-April to mid-June.
- Autumn Leaves (Mid-September to November): Known as koyo, fall foliage begins high in Shiga Kogen in mid-September before moving down into Yudanaka and Shibu through October and November. For detailed viewing locations, explore our 'Autumn Leaves' main page.
Popular
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
8 / JOIN LOCAL SUMMER FESTIVALS (MATSURI) & NIGHTLIFE / July to August
Summer brings vibrant community celebrations to the region:
- Yudanaka Summer Festival (Late July – Mid-August): Nightly community events around Yudanaka Station featuring taiko drum performances, outdoor karaoke, school bands, and local food stalls.
- Shibu Onsen Summer Festival (Early – Mid-August): Traditional street games, nostalgic stalls, and nightly Bon Odori dances where visitors in yukata are welcomed to join in.
- Daija Festival (Third week of August): Held in Shiga Kogen, this three-day festival commemorates the local legend of a giant serpent living in Onuma Pond with traditional performances and fireworks.
9 / TAKE A DAY TRIP TO HISTORIC OBUSE & HOKUSAI’S ART STUDIO / all year round
Located just a short train ride from Yudanaka Station, Obuse is a historic town famous for chestnut sweets, sake and miso breweries, and woodblock print master Katsushika Hokusai. Key art and cultural sites include the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum, the Takai Kozan Memorial Museum (preserving Hokusai's studio), and Ganshoin Temple with its masterwork ceiling painting. For more local tips, read our ’15 Things To Do Around Obuse & Where To Stay’ page.
Tour Option: Join our guided 1-Day Historic Obuse & Hokusai: Japan's 'Mad Man of Art' Tour.
Small Group
1-Day Historic Obuse & Hokusai: Japan's 'Mad Man of Art' Tour
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityObuse
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityObuse
10 / DISCOVER MERCHANT HERITAGE IN SUZAKA & SPIRITUAL NAGANO AT ZENKO-JI / all year round
Located along the transit route between Nagano Station and Yamanouchi:
- Suzaka City: A former Edo-period merchant town famous for its well-preserved kura (plastered storehouses), Meiji-era residences, fruit orchards, miso shops, and silk heritage.
Special Offer
Explore Suzaka’s Historic Warehouse District: 1-Day Cultural Walk with Kimono, Miso & Local Cuisine
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Special Offer
Start from Nagano: Explore Japan’s Historic ‘Shortcut’ Mountain Trail – 2-Day Private Tour
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
- Zenko-ji Temple: Located in Nagano City, this 1,400-year-old temple complex is one of Japan's oldest and most important Buddhist sites, housing the country's oldest Buddhist statue and welcoming visitors to daily morning ceremonies.
Recommended
Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour with 'Shukubo' Temple Lodging Stay
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Where to Stay in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen?
Yudanaka Onsen and Shibu Onsen offer an abundance of hot spring accommodation options, with most hotels and guesthouses featuring their own private thermal baths fed directly by local springs. While situated only 15 to 20 minutes apart on foot, each town offers a distinct atmosphere. Yudanaka Onsen spans outward from Yudanaka Station—making it the most convenient base for travelers relying on train arrivals, local buses, or winter shuttles to Ryuoo Ski Resort and Shiga Kogen. Shibu Onsen, located a 2-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the station, offers a more traditional experience, defined by narrow cobblestone lanes, historic timber architecture, and access to Shibu Onsen's 9 Healing Onsen public bathhouse tour.
YUDANAKA ONSEN AREA / immediately accessible from Yudanaka Station
Spanning-out from Yudanaka Station – the nearest train station to the monkey park – Yudanaka Onsen offers a variety of accommodation ranging from high-end to budget. Local bus services run to the park along with Shiga Kogen Ski Resort and the smaller resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen from the station. Many hotels and guesthouses have their own ‘onsen’ (natural hot springs) and serve traditional ‘kaiseki’ (multi-course) dinners allowing guests to completely unwind at the end of each day. Yudanaka doesn’t have the charm of Shibu Onsen and the town is showing its age but if that doesn’t bother you, its a good option for visitors prioritising ease of access via the train station and lots of accommodation options. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Yudanaka Onsen Area’ hotel page. Here are some options:
HOTEL HOUSEI, YUDANAKA
Best known for its large and indulgent hot springs, Hotel Housei offers guests total relaxation in their indoor and outdoor baths. Japanese-style rooms include ‘tatami’ matting, on-floor ‘futon’ bedding, and traditional features including low tables and amenities such as ‘yukata’ (light kimono).
HOTEL TSUBAKINO
Located only a short walk from Yudanaka Station, Hotel Tsubakino is a modern ‘ryokan’ that offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms, each with its own private bathroom including shower. All guests also have access to Tsubakino’s natural ‘onsen’, including rooftop and private baths. Boasting some of the best views of any guesthouse in the area, unwinding in the onsen is the perfect way to relax at the end of a day on the mountain.
HOTEL YUDANAKA
Boasting the largest ‘onsen’ in Yudanaka, Hotel Yudanaka is well-suited to guests looking for reasonably priced accommodation nearby the station. All rooms include on-floor ‘futon’-bedding, ‘tatami’-matting along with the option of dinner and breakfast meal service and guests have access to the hotel’s hot springs – including five different baths – with some rooms also including a private bath and shower.
MARUKA RYOKAN
Located at the top-end of Yudanaka Onsen, Maruka Ryokan offers Japanese-style accommodation within easy reach of the Jigokudani Monkey Park and ski resorts of Shiga Kogen and Kita-Shiga Kogen. As an older guesthouse, Maruka has lots of charm which appeals to guests looking for an authentic yet simple ‘ryokan’ experience while in Nagano.
MASUYA YUDANAKA
Located under 5-minutes drive from Yudanaka Station, Masuya Yudanaka is a traditional guesthouse offering spacious and comfortable rooms, relaxing hot springs and acclaimed meal service. Masuya prides itself on creating a traditional atmosphere and excellent service in order that their guests can relax and unwind.
RYOKAN BIYUNOYADO
Ryokan Biyunoyado is known for its spacious and indulgent ‘onsen’ including indoor, outdoor, rooftop and private baths. With a range of baths to choose from including rooftop and private onsen, Biyunoyado is a great option for visitors wanting to enjoy the relaxation of a traditional hot spring guesthouse with comfort of Western amenities.
RYOKAN HAKURA
With only nine rooms in the guesthouse, Ryokan Hakura has a welcoming and intimate atmosphere with facilities well-suited to disabled guests. The guesthouse offers both Japanese and mixed Western-Japanese style rooms with Western-bedding and private toilet and shower.
YAMAZAKIYA RYOKAN
Located within easy walking distance of Shibu Onsen, Yamazakiya is a homely ‘ryokan’ known for its warm welcome and particularly friendly owners. The small two-storey guesthouse has only eight Japanese-style rooms, each with its own private toilet and bath. While the guesthouse and meals may not be luxurious, the owners pride themselves on creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere – a good option for guests looking for cheaper accommodation close to historic Shibu Onsen.
YUDANAKA SEIFUSO RYOKAN
Yudanaka Seifuso Ryokan is a popular, family-run guesthouse offering all the comforts of a traditional Japanese inn. Boasting three ‘onsen’, one of which can be booked for private use, Seifuso is known for its comfort and traditional service including Japanese-style rooms and ‘kaiseki’ dining.
YUDANAKA YUMOTO
Yudanaka Yumoto is a traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ located approximately 10-minutes walk from Yudanaka Station. Dating back to Japan’s Edo Period, Yumoto is Yudanaka’s oldest guesthouse – known for its welcoming atmosphere, homely comforts and relaxing hot springs.
SHIBU ONSEN AREA / <5-minutes drive from or 25-minute walk from Yudanaka Station
Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town blessed with numerous water sources feeding the many hotels and guesthouses concentrated within a small area. Most guesthouses have their own hot springs with town also boasting nine ‘public’ onsen that can be used free of charge by anyone staying overnight in Shibu. A quaint town with some good dining options and a couple of bars, Shibu Onsen has retained more of its hisotric character and charm then Yudanaka Onsen and has a lot more going on than Kanbayashi Onsen. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Shibu Onsen Area’ hotel page.
How to Get to Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen
The Nagano Dentetsu Railway line runs from Nagano Station to Yudanaka Station, with express services making the journey in 45-minutes. As such, both Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are easy to reach using pubic transport. Our ‘How to Get to Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen’ page has detailed information about how to get there from Nagano, Tokyo and beyond.
Tours/Charters Around Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen
We are proud to offer a number of tours and private charter services granting easy access to the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen area. Whether you want to take a group tour and make some new friends, book a private tour for a more personalized experience, or just need transport for your group, we are ready to help.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Our most popular tour (for good reason!), this group tour of Nagano City and the Snow Monkey Park is a great way to experience the best of what both of these great destinations have to offer. With pickup from Nagano Station, and also Hakuba in winter, this tour is also a great way to travel to the Yudanaka Onsen area - simply let your guide know that you will be leaving the tour at the Snow Monkey Park area. Including Sake tasting and a visit to the magnificent Zenkoji Temple before an afternoon at the Snow Monkey Park, this is our top recommendation for seeing the area.
Recommended
1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station
- Spots:
- NaganoShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
From transport to the ski resort, rental equipment, lift passes, and even optional lessons, this package is perfect for those who wish to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time, or experienced riders who want to challenge Japan's slopes themselves without the hassle of carrying all of their equipment!
Popular
[START FROM NAGANO CITY] Private Snow Monkey Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakubaNozawa OnsenShiga KogenMadaraoMyoko
We can also offer a private tour with the same stops as the above group tour, perfect for groups looking for more personalization and freedom. Including an extra stop in at the quaint town of Obuse, once home to famous artist Katsushika Hokusai, you can't go wrong with this option if you want to see the monkeys of Jigokudani and enjoy a pleasant day with a friendly guide.
If you are not in need of a guide and would like to make your own schedule, we also offer private charter services. With well trained and safe drivers, we are ready to bring you to and from the Yudanaka/Shibu area from any point of your choice, including places as far away as Tokyo. You can even hire a guide to come along and make it your own private, personalized tour! Please contact us HERE for more information on pricing and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yudanaka & Shibu Onsen
Shibu Onsen is located approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) from Yudanaka Station. It takes about 2 minutes by car or taxi or a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk along the river road. Local buses running from Yudanaka Station toward the Snow Monkey Park also stop at Shibu Onsen.
While adjacent to one another, the two towns offer different atmospheres:
Yudanaka Onsen centers around Yudanaka Station, offering greater transport convenience, modern amenities, and a wider range of hotel styles.
Shibu Onsen is a preserved 1,300-year-old hot spring village featuring historic wooden architecture, stone-paved alleyways, traditional ryokan, and the famous 9 public bathhouses (kyu-to-meguri).
Eight of the nine public baths (kyu-to-meguri) are strictly reserved for overnight guests staying at a Shibu Onsen guesthouse. However, day visitors can enter the 9th and largest bath, the 'O-yu', by purchasing an entry ticket at the Shibu Onsen Tourist Information Office. Day visitors can also use the free outdoor foot baths (ashi-yu) located throughout town.
From Yudanaka Station, you can reach the trailhead in under 10 minutes by local Nagaden bus or taxi (stopping at Kanbayashi Onsen / Snow Monkey Park bus stop). From the trailhead, it is an easy 30-minute flat walk (1.6 km) through the forest to the park entrance.
The region is a year-round destination depending on your interests:
Winter (Dec–Mar): Snow monkey bathing, deep powder skiing at Shiga Kogen, and cozy hot springs.
Spring (Apr–May): Newborn baby monkeys at Jigokudani, late-blooming cherry blossoms, and spring skiing.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Alpine hiking, cooler mountain weather, night markets, and local matsuri street festivals.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Vibrant fall foliage (koyo) moving down from the highlands into the hot spring villages.