About Shirahone Onsen
Shirahone Onsen (白骨温泉), translated in Japanese as ‘white-boned hot spring’, is a well-known hot spring resort near Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture. In the mountains of the northern Japanese Alps, the hot springs are said to have a history of over 600 years and are some of the most famous in Japan. The reason for the fame of the resort is the milky white hot spring water and the beautiful natural surroundings.
The hot spring water of Shirahone is said to prevent and heal many illnesses. A Japanese saying goes ‘bathe in Shirahone’s onsen for 3 days, and you won’t be sick for three years.’ The water is said to heal chronic fatigue, stomach aches, stress, and gynecological problems. When drinking the water (not at all places but from designated faucets), this is said to be a relieve of constipation and help with digestion.
The onsen resorts is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters, and has 13 ryokan, of which most will accept day-trippers to their hot springs (usually up until 15:00). There is one public bath in Shirahone Onsen, currently closed due to constructions. One interesting feature about the onsen in Shirahone is that some facilities do coed bathing. Besides the ryokan, Shirahone has a few gift shops, a Tourism Center, a rest house, a temple, and walking trails through the village and valley.
See below onsen are just some of the area’s hot springs. There are many more to discover.
Particularly the hot springs of ryokan Awa-no-yu are popular for those coming to the white-bone hot spring resort. They are often featured in commercials for Japanese onsen. The outdoor hot spring (10:30-16:00, ¥800) is a gender-mixed one, which is rare but sometimes still seen in Japan’s countryside. The outdoor onsen is very spacious and its water is chalk white. Especially beloved in autumn, the trees around the pool turn in bright red colors. Awa-no-yu has a private hot spring for those wanting exclusivity (40 min., ¥2,160).
The Shirafune-so Shintaku ryokan (12:00-14:00, ¥700) has an onsen with a spectacularly beautiful view over the Northern Alps. Indoor baths are available with one bath completely made of wood, and one in the rocks. The spacious outdoor bath is surrounded by trees and looking out over the mountains. Please note, this ryokan is closed for the winter season.
Shirahone Onsen’s Baikouan (9:00-17:00, ¥700) is a ryokan open to day-trippers for unusually long. Most onsen facilities are only open from 11:00 to 14:00 but Baikouan’s outdoor hot spring, even though not as scenic as some other options, can be entered for most of the day.
If you’ve soaked in the onsen for long enough, take a walk through the village. The gorge in which Shirahone is located is beautiful, with a clear river running through the village, trees, moss, and a stray monkey or deer. Walk the walking trails running through and from the village and go past waterfalls and rock formations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Boja_mbAKqm/?hl=ja&taken-at=136271197098489
Being deep in the mountains, Shirahone Onsen is cool at any time of year, so those wanting to escape the heat of summer can find refuge at this onsen resort.
Please note, the valley of Shirahone might be closed due to heavy snow or harsh weather.
General Information about Shirahone Onsen
Telephone Number:
+81-263-93-3251
Address:
4197-16 Azumino, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano Prefecture 390-1515
Travel Tips
How to get to Shirahone Onsen
Option 1: Tokyo → Nagano → Matsumoto → Shinshimashima → Shirahone Onsen
1. From Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (1.5 hours):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station.
2. From Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station (1 hour):
From Nagano Station, take the Shinano Express to Matsumoto Station.
3. From Matsumoto Station to Shinshimashima Station (20 minutes):
Transfer to the Kamikochi Line bound for Shinshimashima.
4. From Shinshimashima Station to Shirahone Onsen (1 hour 10 minutes):
From Shinshimashima, take either the taxi or the local bus bound for Shirahone Onsen.
Option 2: Tokyo → Nagano → Matsumoto Station → Shirahone Onsen:
1. From Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (1.5 hours):
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station.
2. From Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station (1 hour):
From Nagano Station, take the Shinano Express to Matsumoto Station.
3. From Matsumoto Station to Shirahone Onsen bus stop (1 hour 40 minutes):
Transfer to the bus bound for Shirahone Onsen.
