Nagano · Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen
Yudanaka Onsen Shimaya Ryokan
湯田中温泉 島屋旅館
A long-established inn in the heart of the Yudanaka Onsen district, Yamanouchi, Nagano. Just a 6-minute walk from the Yudanaka Station-front bath Kaede-no-Yu, it is a popular base for visiting the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani. The inn's bath is open to day bathers too: reception 10:00-17:00 at 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children - as affordable as the station-front bath. Its appeal is soaking in softly flowing spring water in a quiet inn bathroom, away from the crowds of the station facility. Day bathing may be unavailable with groups or on occasion, so calling ahead (0269-33-2151) is recommended. Combine it with the Shibu Onsen outer-bath tour (Kuban-yu, Oyu and more) for a full day of hopping around the Yudanaka-Shibu spa area.
- Price (adult)
- ¥500
- Hours
- 10:00-17:00
- Closed
- Irregular closing (call ahead before visiting)
- Access
- 3075-I Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano (postal code 381-0401). About 6 minutes on foot from Yudanaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway). About 20 minutes by car from Shinshu-Nakano IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. Tel 0269-33-2151.
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Phone
- 0269-33-2151
- Open in Google Maps
- Google Maps ↗
Essentials
Stay in this onsen town
Compare and book stays in Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen. Day bathing itself needs no booking.
Opens partner booking site (affiliate)
Why go
- A historic inn in Yudanaka's spa district; 6 minutes from Kaede-no-Yu, handy for the Snow Monkeys
- Day bathing 10:00-17:00: 500 yen adults / 250 yen children; free-flowing spring in a quiet inn bath
- May close for groups - call ahead; pair with Shibu's outer-bath tour for a full spa-day
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- Ryokan day-use hours are limited and may be suspended in peak season — phone the same morning.
- Payment is usually by ticket machine in cash — bring coins.
- Last entry is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Features
Mood & scenery
Who with
Amenities
✔ Verified operating: 2026-10 Operating status and rates cross-checked against the official site and onsen guides (full source notes in Japanese on the JA page)
Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.
More in this area
Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan
A Meiji-era inn at the entrance to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous worldwide for wild macaques that climb into its rotenburo in winter. Day bathing is only 12:00–15:00, so most visitors combine it with the monkey park. It's a 30-minute mountain trail from Shibu Onsen — wear grippy shoes in winter.
O-yu (Nozawa outer bath)
The centerpiece of Nozawa's 13 public baths, a traditional bathhouse in the middle of the village. Local 'yunakama' associations have cleaned it daily since the Edo period; payment is a donation in the box at the door. Two pools, hot and 'mild' — though even the mild one exceeds 42°C. Adding cold water is bad manners: rinse first, then keep soaks short. No soap or shampoo.
Shirahone Onsen Awanoyu
The signature inn of Shirahone, famous for milky-white water. Its highlight is a large mixed-gender open-air bath — the water is so opaque that women find it comfortable. Day use at midday only.
