Shibu Onsen that is located near this park in Nagano Prefecture is a 100% naturally flowing hot spring town that has many natural spring sources.
There are nine public baths that use these springs that have different qualities which are available for use by local residents and people staying overnight in Shibu Onsen.
All you have to do is borrow a key from your ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and start your tour of the nine baths.
The public baths are located along cobblestone streets that echo with the clip-clop sound of geta (Japanese wooden clogs).
One of the joys of touring the public baths is enjoying detours should you feel tempted by the fragrance of onsen manju (hot spring dumplings) and other things.
The town is lit-up in a light orange hue at night.
The traditional hot spring town atmosphere is also very appealing.
The public baths are numbered one through nine.
Number one is called Hatsuyu and is said to be effective for the digestive system.
The second bath called Sasa-No-Yu is said to be effective for eczema, while the third bath called Wata-No-Yu is said to be effective for cuts and fertility.
In this manner, each of the nine baths has a different effect.
People without much time could look at the different effects of the baths and select the one they want to use depending on their purpose.
The bath tour is highly recommended for people that have the time to enjoy all the baths.
These public baths are also believed to ward off bad fortune.
People say that they have the benefit of washing away hardship and preventing bad luck (pronunciation of the words meaning “nine” and “hardship” is just the same (“ku”) in Japanese language).
The special tenugui for taking the public bath tour is available for sale at each ryokan.
It is believed that your wishes will come true if you get the tenugui stamped at each public bath and visit the Shibutaka Yakushi Temple in the end.
A tenugui with all the stamps on it makes for a perfect souvenir.
The ninth bath can also be used for people who do not stay overnight for 500 yen.
Foot baths can also be used free of charge.
Information
Shinshu Shibu Onsen
Tour of the public bath: 6:00~22:00
http://www.shibuonsen.net/english/accommodations.html
Map
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