Shibu Onsen

The Shibu Onsen was discovered in the Nara period (710-794), and is part of the Yudanaka-Shibu Hot Spring Village.
There are 35 ryokans and 9 out-spa bathhouses, and as many as 37 sources.

All of the springs are hot, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90°C, and each source has different qualities and benefits.

The wooden buildings along the river and the cobblestone streets of the hot spring resort are well suited to yukata and geta (wooden clogs).

According to the legend of the opening of the hot spring, Gyoki, a Buddhist monk, is said to have discovered the hot spring 1,300 years ago.

During the Warring States Period, it was one of the many hidden hot springs of Takeda Shingen.
Takeda Shingen donated the hot spring to open the Onsenji Temple, and during the Battle of Kawanakajima, wounded soldiers were given medical treatment at the temple.

During the Edo period, literary figures such as Sakuma Shozan, Kobayashi Issa, and Katsushika Hokusai visited this area.

Tour of the Nine Hot Springs
Visitors to Shibu Onsen can enjoy nine public bathhouses that are used by the locals on the “Nine Hot Springs Tour” (yakuyaku tours), which is available only for guests staying at Shibu Onsen.

Visitors can visit the out-spa baths, each of which has a different source and efficacy, while stamping their prayers on a tenugui (hand towel).

At the end of the tour, visitors are required to pay a visit to Shibutaka Yakushi, a Buddhist priest overlooking the hot spring resort, and receive a seal of approval to fulfill their wishes.
It is said to be beneficial to those who wish to shed nine labors, ward off bad luck, have safe childbirth, and live a long and fruitful life.

Shibu Oyu
This is the ninth of the nine public bathhouses (out-spa), and is the final hot spring on the wish-fulfilling tour of the nine bathhouses.

The large wooden bathtub is partitioned into two parts, one hot and one warm, and is said to be effective against all illnesses.