INTRODUCTION
The historic Kanaguya, located in Shibu Onsen, Nagano Prefecture, is a hot springs inn with a wide range of attractions. Famous for being the model for the setting of the movie “Spirited Away,” the inn is a place where one can experience the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and rich hot spring culture. Kanaguya has been a hot spring resort since the Edo period (1603-1868), and its history and culture provide a relaxing environment for visitors.
The inn features wooden architecture and beautiful gardens that offer tranquility and healing to visitors. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the four seasons, especially in winter, when the combination of snowy scenery and hot springs is exceptional. At Kanaguya, you can stay in a traditional Japanese-style room while also enjoying delicious cuisine prepared with local ingredients.
Furthermore, the entire hot spring resort of Shibu Onsen is surrounded by a charming atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a tour of the nine out-spa baths while strolling along the stone-paved paths. Each of the out-spa baths has different benefits, and are believed to be effective in improving health and beauty. Kanaguya is the perfect base for this tour of out-spa baths.
This article details some of the things to do at Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen. It will serve as a guide to make your trip more fulfilling by providing useful information to know before you visit and suggesting ways to enjoy the area. We promise that your stay at the hardware store will make your trip to Japan even more special.
History and culture of the tourist destination
The Kanaguya of Shibu Onsen attracts visitors with its long history and rich culture. This onsen inn was founded in the Edo period (1603-1868) and has been family owned and operated for several generations. It has maintained the beauty of traditional Japanese wooden architecture while continuing to convey its charm through the ages.
The buildings of the hardware store feature beautiful designs in a purely Japanese style, and its wooden architecture in particular is considered to be of great historical value. Known as the inspiration for the movie “Spirited Away,” it attracts many fans. Inside the building, Japanese-style rooms with an old-fashioned atmosphere and a beautiful garden provide visitors with a tranquil setting.
Shibu Onsen itself is also known as a hot spring resort with a long history. The origin of Shibu Onsen is said to date back to the Heian period (794-1192), and the nine out-spa baths are famous for their different effects, which are believed to be good for one’s health and beauty. The entire hot spring resort is surrounded by elegant cobblestone streets, which give visitors a sense of good old-fashioned Japanese hot spring culture.
In addition, Kanaguya values its connection with the community and continues to operate while respecting local culture and customs. They use local ingredients in their cooking and participate in traditional festivals and events to show visitors what the area has to offer.
A visit to Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen is not only a chance to enjoy the hot springs, but also a valuable experience that brings one deeply into contact with Japanese history and culture. A stay in this special place will provide unforgettable memories for all who visit.
Places to visit
Suggested times to visit
The best times to visit Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen are spring and fall. In spring (March to May), the hot spring resort is decorated with beautiful cherry blossoms. In fall (September to November), the autumn leaves are magnificent, and you can enjoy the view of the changing leaves while soaking in the hot springs. And in winter (December through February), the combination of snowy scenery and hot springs offers a special experience. Soaking in hot springs in the cold of winter is an exceptional healing experience.
Major tourist attractions and popular places to visit
The Kanaguya and Shibu Onsen area offers many attractions.
- Inside the Kanaguya Museum: With its old-fashioned wooden architecture and beautiful garden, you will want to take pictures everywhere you look. In particular, the garden is lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Touring the 9 out-spa baths: A tour of Shibu Onsen’s famous out-spa baths is a must for any hot spring lover. 9 out-spa baths, each with different benefits, are effective for health and beauty. While touring each out-spa, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the hot spring town.
- Cobblestone streets of Shibu Onsen Street: Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional onsen town. Small souvenir stores and cafes are scattered throughout the area, making it a fun place to stop by during your stroll.
- Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen-kyo: Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen-kyo spreads out around Shibu Onsen, with many hot spring inns and tourist attractions. The Jigokudani Yaen-koen is especially popular as a unique place to observe Japanese monkeys soaking in the hot springs.
Points to note at tourist attractions
When visiting the hardware store and Shibu Onsen area, the following points should be noted.
- Avoid crowds: The area is crowded with tourists, especially on weekends, consecutive holidays, and during the season of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or in the evening on weekdays.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes for visiting the area, as many of the paths are cobblestone paved. Wearing comfortable shoes is also recommended when touring the out-spa baths.
- Onsen etiquette: It is important to observe Japanese onsen etiquette, such as washing up in the shower before entering the onsen and not putting towels in the bathtub.
The Kanaguya of Shibu Onsen and the surrounding area is a special place that combines traditional Japanese onsen culture with the beauty of nature. When you visit, please take these pointers into consideration and enjoy the wonderful experience.
Access
Access to Shibu Onsen no Kanaguya is very convenient and there are many transportation options. Below is information on the major modes of transportation and how to use them.
Access by train
Access from Tokyo
- Shinkansen and local trains: Take the Nagano Shinkansen (Hokuriku Shinkansen) from Tokyo Station and get off at Nagano Station. The trip takes about 1.5 hours. From Nagano Station, transfer to Nagano Electric Railway and get off at Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka Station, take a cab or bus to Kanaguya in about 10 minutes.
Access from Osaka
- Shinkansen and local trains: From Osaka Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen and get off at Nagoya Station. From Nagoya Station, transfer to the Nagano Shinkansen (Hokuriku Shinkansen) and get off at Nagano Station. From there, as with access from Tokyo, transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway, get off at Yudanaka Station, and take a cab or bus to Kanagaya.
Access by bus
Direct bus from Tokyo.
- Bus from Nagano Station: There is a direct bus service from Nagano Station to Shibu Onsen. The trip takes about 1 hour. The bus departs from the bus stop in front of Nagano Station, get off at the Shibu Onsen bus stop, and you will reach Kanaguya in a few minutes on foot.
Access by car
Driving from Tokyo
- Expressway access: From Tokyo, take the Kan-Etsu Expressway and then the Joshin-etsu Expressway. Exit at the Shinshu-Nakano IC and drive to Shibu Onsen via Route 292. The trip takes about 3 hours. The hardware store has its own parking lot for easy access by car.
Drive from Nagoya.
- Expressway access: From Nagoya, take the Chuo Expressway to the Joshinetsu Expressway. Exit at the Shinshu-Nakano IC and drive to Shibu Onsen via Route 292. The trip takes about 4 hours.
Access from Airports
From Narita Airport
- Train and Shinkansen: From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, follow the directions from Tokyo mentioned above.
From Haneda Airport
- Train and Shinkansen: Take Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport and get off at Hamamatsucho Station. From Hamamatsucho Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station. From Tokyo Station, follow the aforementioned directions from Tokyo.
The Kanaguya of Shibu Onsen is accessible by a wide variety of modes of transportation, making it an easy destination to visit from any part of Japan. Plan a comfortable trip and enjoy a special stay in this historic hot spring resort.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
Information about opening hours and entrance fees for tourist attractions.
The Kanaguya of Shibu Onsen is a lodging facility famous for its historic buildings and hot springs. Below you will find information about opening hours and admission fees at Kanaguya.
Hours of Operation
The hours of operation for the facilities at Kanaguya are as follows:
- Check-in: from 15:00
- Check-out: until 10:00
Onsen hours may vary depending on the day and plan of your stay. For more detailed information, it is recommended to check the official website of the metal fittings shop or contact them directly.
Admission Fees
Since the hardware store is an accommodation facility, there is no general admission fee. However, the following are included in the accommodation fee:
- The accommodation fee includes access to the hot springs.
- Rates vary depending on the type of room and season. Off-season and weekday reservations are relatively inexpensive, while rates tend to be higher on weekends, holidays, and during peak season.
Special plans and packages are sometimes offered, so check the official website for details.
Kanaguya at Shibu Onsen is popular with many travelers because it offers a traditional Japanese hot spring experience. When visiting, please check the opening hours and rates in advance to ensure a pleasant stay.
Summary
Kanaguya at Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring inn located in Nagano Prefecture. The inn is known for its traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful hot springs. Its charm as a tourist destination lies in its history and culture. The wooden structure of the Kanaguya building dates back to the early Showa period and has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV dramas.
The highlight of Kanaguya is the wide variety of hot springs available to guests. The entire hot spring resort is like a single theme park, and visitors can enjoy touring the outside hot springs. Recommended times to visit are spring and fall, when you can enjoy the seasonal scenery. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are especially beautiful and attract many tourists, especially during the foliage season.
Access is convenient from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train and local trains. From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station, and then take a cab or bus. Access by car is also possible, and a private parking lot is available.
As for hours of operation and admission fees, check-in at Kanaguya starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Hot spring bath hours vary depending on the plan of stay, so please check in advance. Onsen fees are included in the room rate, and rates vary depending on the type of room and the season.
Kanaguya at Shibu Onsen is a special place to relax and enjoy the history and culture of the area. Please check the information before you visit to ensure a pleasant stay.
Enjoy a special Japanese hot spring experience at Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen.
