Top 5 SHIBU ONSEN Hotels and Ryokans for 2024 and Beyond [LUXURY/BUDGET]

PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING:
Shibu Onsen is a 13-century-old onsen town located in Nagano Prefecture, not far from Shiga Kogen, the largest ski resort in Japan. Shibu boasts high-quality hot springs with various benefits, a historic onsen town with traditional charm, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for stress relief.
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BOOK NOW with:
Expedia: (expedia.com/affiliates/touris...)
Agoda: agoda.tp.st/K9Sx1SEe
HOTELS & RYOKANS FEATURED:
1. SHIBU ONSEN KOKUYA:
agoda.tp.st/Ag2OjdXC
2. KANBAYASHI HOTEL SENJUKAKU
agoda.tp.st/kIquJZYg
3. SHIBU HOTEL
agoda.tp.st/R5CTTi4a
4. ICHINOYU KATEI
agoda.tp.st/B3UxJTto
5. SHIBU ONSEN SAKAEYA
agoda.tp.st/8AY8kanS
FURTHER TIPS:
1. Like in other onsen towns, booking a room with breakfast is highly recommended. Although Shibu Onsen has several restaurants, most are not open in the morning, leaving you with very few options. These options are certainly far worse than the exquisite ryokan breakfast.
2. If you want an authentic ryokan experience, always book a dinner with your accommodation. Dinner is a highlight of every stay in a ryokan, and the chef will always use the best local ingredients. Some ryokans may even offer a meal upgrade for guests to try top-tier delicacies made from rare, expensive ingredients.
It is crucial to arrive at your ryokan shortly before the scheduled dinner time. If you are too late, the staff may not serve you the meal, even if you have already paid for it.
3. Based on my experience, rooms with futons are not recommended for the elderly or people with mobility issues. Always book rooms with western beds for them.
HOW TO GET TO SHIBU ONSEN:
Getting to Shibu Onsen from Tokyo is straightforward. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano City, then change to Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) train to Yudanaka Station. Most ryokans would offer free transfers from this station. However, you need to inform them 3-5 days in advance.
Our Criteria for the list:
- Located in Shibu Onsen, Nagano, Japan
- Receive excellent review scores (at least 80%) on all booking platforms
- Sufficiently spacious for 2 guests.
- All rooms must be air-conditioned.
- Facilities must be sufficient for guests to stay with comfort.
- No cleanliness or service issues
- My personal experience with the accommodation (if any) must be positive.