Shirahone Onsen
Nagano, Japan • INR 27744 - INR 52530 approx.• 
Underrated
UnderratedNagano, Japan
• INR 27744 - INR 52530Underrated
Best months to visit
Aug, Oct
18°C – 27°C, warmest month, with occasional rain and thunderstorms, high crowds, peak season
18°C – 27°C, warmest month, with occasional rain and thunderstorms, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Mountain location; paths and ryokan may involve stairs, slopes, and uneven ground.
Mountain location; paths and ryokan may involve stairs, slopes, and uneven ground.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey but the unique experience justifies the cost.
Pricey but the unique experience justifies the cost.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Escape
Couples found the setting perfect for a peaceful, intimate getaway. Highly recommended!
Healing Waters
Travelers raved about the milky waters and the relaxing, rejuvenating experience. Blissful!
Scenic Beauty
The natural surroundings and mountain views were stunning. A truly memorable experience.
Remote Location
Accessibility proved difficult for some. The journey was long and required multiple transfers.
Cash Only
Many places only accept cash, which was inconvenient for some visitors. Be prepared!
Limited Amenities
Couples noted the lack of shops and cafes. Bring everything you need with you.
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A traveler unveils Nagano's secret treasures and immerses in the serene Shirahone Onsen experience.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
-9-1°C
Persistently cold with regular snowfall and icy conditions.
Persistently cold with regular snowfall and icy conditions.
Open
Snow may limit access to some outdoor baths; transportation delays possible.
Snow may limit access to some outdoor baths; transportation delays possible.
Recommended
The hot springs are especially atmospheric surrounded by snow. Some baths may have restrictions due to weather.
The hot springs are especially atmospheric surrounded by snow. Some baths may have restrictions due to weather.
March
LOW
-5-5°C
Cold slowly easing; occasional snow or rain. Early spring chill persists.
Cold slowly easing; occasional snow or rain. Early spring chill persists.
Open
Most facilities are open, but snow may linger and affect some transport or outdoor baths.
Most facilities are open, but snow may linger and affect some transport or outdoor baths.
Recommended
A good time to visit for those seeking solitude, with melting snow and crisp air.
A good time to visit for those seeking solitude, with melting snow and crisp air.
April
MEDIUM
0-10°C
Cool but milder; snow mostly gone except for high elevations. Occasional rain showers.
Cool but milder; snow mostly gone except for high elevations. Occasional rain showers.
Open
No major restrictions; all facilities typically operate as usual.
No major restrictions; all facilities typically operate as usual.
Recommended
Spring brings easier access and scenic mountain views. Good for hiking and an onsen experience.
Spring brings easier access and scenic mountain views. Good for hiking and an onsen experience.
May
MEDIUM
7-19°C
Mild and fresh, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Some rainfall, but generally pleasant for outdoor activities and hot spring bathing.
Mild and fresh, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Some rainfall, but generally pleasant for outdoor activities and hot spring bathing.
Open
No significant restrictions, though some accommodations may book up around national holidays (Golden Week).
No significant restrictions, though some accommodations may book up around national holidays (Golden Week).
Recommended
A good time to visit Shirahone Onsen for comfortable temperatures and lush greenery. Some increased crowds during Golden Week, but otherwise tranquil.
A good time to visit Shirahone Onsen for comfortable temperatures and lush greenery. Some increased crowds during Golden Week, but otherwise tranquil.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Take the Alpico Kotsu bus from Shin-Shimashima Station (reached by train from Matsumoto) to Shirahone Onsen. The bus ride takes approximately 70 minutes.
Car
Recommended
Drive via National Route 158 or the Kamikochi Norikura Super Rindo. Parking is available at ryokans.
Shuttle
Some ryokans offer shuttle services, often from JR Matsumoto Station. Reservations are required.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Shin-Shimashima Station. The taxi ride to Shirahone Onsen typically takes between 50 and 60 minutes.
Walking
Walking is possible within the onsen village itself.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
