SHIOBARA ONSEN－OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE | Healing Mind and Body with 10 Types and 7 Colours Hot Springs, Surrounded by Satoyama

STORY塩原温泉郷の歴史

Embark on a Personal Healing Journey
in the 1200-Year-Old Shiobara Onsen

Seasoned travelers seek experiences that go beyond their expectations. Along the Hokigawa River in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, Shiobara Onsen Village fulfills such desires.

Shiobara Onsen, boasting a history of 1,200 years, is a collection of 11 hot spring resorts featuring six types of spring qualities and seven spring colors surrounded by the rich nature of Nikko National Park. During the Meiji era (1868-1912) ,Emperor Taisho established a villa here as a retreat for the imperial family. Many literary figures also enjoyed the quiet solitude of Shiobara Onsen and created many famous works. It is also known as a place to focus on well-being. In the past, it served as a traditional healing spot where many people stayed for long periods to recover or artists to relax and replenish their creativity. In recent years, it has been chosen by locals and international travelers as a place for spiritual healing, not only for the body but also for the mind.

Along the river flowing through the valley, the Onsen facilities offer six different types of spring qualities and various bathing styles. There are even baths where you can just relax and soak your hands and feet. Throughout the town, you can find 'Tote-yaki' treats with unique toppings ranging from sweet to savory, offering plenty of options for any craving on your food tour. For nature lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to refresh yourself with activities in the mountains and rivers. The seasonal scenery transforms the landscape at least four times a year, ensuring new discoveries each season. Less crowded than neighboring tourist spots, Shiobara allows you to truly relax and unwind.

Surrounded by mountains, the entire town gives you a sense of being embraced by nature. Shiobara offers various attractions that make the most of this environment. On this site, we've compiled recommendations and useful information to ensure that those visiting Shiobara Onsen can fully enjoy their stay. There are plenty of ‘choose-your-own’ tourist resources in Shiobara Onsen. Feel free to create a journey packed with your own favorite activities.

EXPERIENCE塩原の魅力

ONSEN温泉

Discover the Perfect Way to Enjoy 'Onsen' - Your Ideal Onsen Experience Awaits

Shiobara Onsen Village boasts seven Onsen colors and is known for having six of the 10 recognized types of Onsen water, making it a rare Onsen destination. With a history of over 1,200 years, it attracts many visitors seeking the high-quality Onsen amidst the scenic beauty of the Satoyama (mountains and hills surrounding inhabited areas). This area has long been cherished as a Onsen resort, where visitors can enjoy exploring the Onsen according to their individual needs, such as back pain relief or skin beautification. In addition to bathing, you can also enjoy drinking, eating, and immersing yourself in history unique to Shiobara Onsen Village. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the healing power of Onsen in Shiobara.

NATURE自然

Open Your Heart, Relax, and Unwind Amid the Serene Nature of Satoyama

The Shiobara Onsen Village area, tucked within Nikko National Park, is 80% covered in forested land, painting the ideal picture of Japan’s traditional Satoyama scenery. Along the Hokigawa River flowing from east to west, you’ll find a charming blend of houses, fields, and nature that attracts many visitors. Here, people live in harmony with the surroundings and local wildlife. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan and featuring a dynamic climate found in the regions of both Kanto and Tohoku regions, Shiobara is home to a variety of insects, amphibians, trees, and flowers among the mountainous terrain that hikers love to explore. Immerse yourself in this vibrant natural setting and experience precious moments of healing and relaxation.

TASTEグルメ

Savor the Local Delicacies and Indulge in the Healing Flavors of Nature

If you visit Shiobara Onsen, the local delicacies such as ‘Tote-yaki’, named after the horse-drawn carriages that used to circulate around the Onsen village, and soup-filled yakisoba are must-tries. Each shop has its own distinct flavor, so explore and find your favorite taste.
Furthermore, taking advantage of the high altitude and significant temperature differences between day and night, ‘Shiobara Kogen (Highland) Vegetables’ are particularly sweet and juicy, attracting many repeat visitors. Enjoy the fresh, seasonal produce such as turnips, daikon, and spinach while in Shiobara.

Kurenai Suspension Bridge
Ryuka Falls
Shiobara Hachimangu Shrine / Sakasasugi
Emperor’s Room Memorial Park
Historic Limestone Cave Genzankutsu
Kotarogafuchi

Cherry Blossom / Yashio Tsutsuji Mid to late April — Cherry Blossom / Yashio Tsutsuji
Mid to late April

Shiobara Onsen Peony Festival at Myounji Temple Early to late May — Shiobara Onsen Peony Festival
at Myounji Temple
Early to late May

Shiobara Kogen Turnip Mid May to June — Shiobara Kogen Turnip
Mid May to June

Kawasaki-daishi Yakuyoke Fudoson Annual Summer Festival July 28 — Kawasaki-daishi Yakuyoke Fudoson Annual Summer Festival
July 28

Grabbing Rainbow Trout Late July to August — Grabbing Rainbow Trout
Late July to August

Summer Festivals and Fireworks Mid August — Summer Festivals and Fireworks
Mid August

Koshiki Yu Matsuri Late September — Koshiki Yu Matsuri
Late September

Shiobara Kogen Daikon Radish Mid September to November — Shiobara Kogen Daikon Radish
Mid September to November

Autumn Leaves Mid October to November — Autumn Leaves
Mid October to November

Taketori Monogatari, Illuminations by Bamboo lanterns January to March — Taketori Monogatari, Illuminations by Bamboo lanterns
January to March

Ski / Snowboard Hunter Mountain Shiobara December to March — Ski / Snowboard
Hunter Mountain Shiobara
December to March

Shiobara Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) February to March — Shiobara Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival)
February to March

Please check the latest information regarding event dates and details before your visit.

INFORMATIONお役立ち情報

Accommodations
(Traditional Ryokans / Hotels)

Various types of ryokans and hotels are
available. Please choose according to the
purpose of your trip, the quality of the Onsen
water, and your preferred accommodation style.

Tourist Information Center

Shiobara Monogatari-kan

747 Shiobara, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi 3292921
8:30-18:00
Closed: Open all year round
TEL: 0287-32-4000

Machimeguri Information Center

768 Shiobara, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi 3292921 JR Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal
April-November 9:00-16:00, December-March 9:30-15:30
Closed: Open all year round *There may be temporary closures and unstaffed openings

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available at the following locations

Shiobara Monogatari-kan

Shiobara Onsen Free Public Wireless LAN　

BROCHURES

You can download a pamphlet about Shiobara Onsen.

MOVIES

Urban Escape: Easily Accessible Satoyama Retreat

Easily accessible from the city via Shinkansen, it's perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. Alternatively, hop on the Tobu Railway for a scenic train journey from Nikko or Fukushima – another delightful way to enjoy your trip.

By Train
from Tokyo
Approx 140 minutes
- Please use the JR bus from either Nasushiobara Station or Nishi-Nasuno Station.
from the Tohoku
Approx 195 minutes
- Please use the JR bus from either Nasushiobara Station or Nishi-Nasuno Station.
from Asakusa
Approx 189 minutes
- Information on using the YU〜Bus.
By Car

from Tokyo
Approx 113 minutes

from the Tohoku
Approx 240 minutes

STORY塩原温泉郷の歴史

Embark on a Personal Healing Journey
in the 1200-Year-Old Shiobara Onsen