Discover Japan's Oldest Onsen Village: A Diverse, Personalized Tour of Shiobara Onsen’s Eleven Hot Springs

【OUTLINE】

Shiobara Onsen Village, with its 1,200-year history as a healing retreat, offers a unique local hot spring culture that can't be found anywhere else.
This tour allows foreign travelers to experience the "cultural and extraordinary" allure of Japanese hot springs.
Through a guided tour of the hot spring town, shrine visits, and more, participants can immerse themselves in the cherished hot spring culture of the locals.
Even if you're not ready for a full-body soak, you can still enjoy various hot spring encounters like foot baths, hand baths, and hot spring drinking spots scattered throughout the town.
Taste the culinary delights unique to Shiobara, including onsen porridge, onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), and onsen manju (sweet buns).
For those interested in soaking in the hot springs, personalized recommendations can be provided.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Experience six different types of hot spring qualities and seven different colors, a rarity in Japan.

• Enjoy hot spring cuisine, such as porridge cooked with hot spring water.

• A 2-hour program including a tour of the original hot springs, a stroll through the hot spring town, a mini-lecture on the benefits of the six types and seven colors of hot springs, and a relaxing foot bath to end the tour.

【DETAILS】

Shiobara Onsen Village consists of eleven hot spring areas connected along the Houki River valley, boasting over 150 hot spring sources and a water flow rate of 10,000 liters per minute.
It offers a concentration of six out of the ten types of hot spring qualities found in Japan, making it a unique hot spring destination in the Kanto region where you can enjoy multiple types of hot springs in one day.
The rich natural environment surrounding the hot springs has captivated many, including Emperor Taisho and numerous literary figures, making it a historical healing retreat.

【SCHEDULE】

[13:20] Meet at Shiobara Monogatari-kan

[13:30] Introduction: Overview and features of Shiobara Onsen Village

[13:40] Original hot springs tour (including hot spring shrines)

[14:00] Stroll through the hot spring town (visit Hachiman Shrine, enjoy hot spring cuisine, drink hot spring water)

[14:30] Mini-lecture on the benefits of the six types and seven colors of hot springs, followed by a relaxing foot bath to end the tour

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Shiobara Monogatari-kan　[MAP]
  Shiobara 747, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2921
• Access：
  ■By Public Transportation:
  ・Get off at JR East Nasushiobara Station. Take the Toya Kotsu Bus (to Shiobara Onsen Terminal) for about 40 minutes, get off at Shiobara Monogatari-kan Mae, and walk 1 minute.
  ・Get off at JR Nishi-Nasuno Station. Take the Toya Kotsu Bus (to Shiobara Onsen Terminal) for about 35 minutes, get off at Shiobara Monogatari-kan Mae, and walk 1 minute.
  ■By Car:
  Use the Tohoku Expressway, get off at Nishi-Nasuno Shiobara Interchange (IC), and drive about 20 minutes towards Shiobara Onsen on Route 400.
• Shuttle Service：For guests staying within Shiobara Onsen Village (including accommodations or Kamiyashiori-Shiobara Onsen-guchi Station), please fill in your desired pick-up location in the reservation form. Limited seats available.
• Minimum number of participants：2 people
• Language support：Japanese, English
  
• Included：
  ・Transportation fees
  ・Admission fees

• Excluded：
  ・Light meal costs
• Items to bring：A towel to dry your feet after the foot bath is recommended.
• Clothes：Please wear socks.
  
• Participation requirements：
  ・Free for children under 3 years old.
  ・Infants can participate on their parent's lap.
  ・Not recommended for participants with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant women.
  ・Not recommended for participants with serious heart conditions.
• Free Wi-Fi：No
  
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%