Shirahone Onsen
Nagano, Japan • INR 27744 - INR 52530 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
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.
How to book
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
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USD 120
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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
December
MEDIUM
-4-3°C
Cold winter conditions with possible snowfall. The mountain scenery is serene and picturesque.
Cold winter conditions with possible snowfall. The mountain scenery is serene and picturesque.
Open
No major restrictions, but some transport may be affected by snow. Ryokan and baths remain open.
No major restrictions, but some transport may be affected by snow. Ryokan and baths remain open.
Recommended
December is a tranquil time to visit Shirahone Onsen. The snowy landscape enhances the hot spring experience, though access may be occasionally impacted by winter weather.
December is a tranquil time to visit Shirahone Onsen. The snowy landscape enhances the hot spring experience, though access may be occasionally impacted by winter weather.
January
LOW
-10-0°C
Very cold with frequent snow; heavy snowfall is possible and roads may be icy.
Very cold with frequent snow; heavy snowfall is possible and roads may be icy.
Open
Some outdoor baths or ryokan facilities may be closed or have limited hours due to snow.
Some outdoor baths or ryokan facilities may be closed or have limited hours due to snow.
Recommended
Shirahone Onsen offers a tranquil winter experience with beautiful snow-covered scenery. Some facilities close for winter, so check in advance.
Shirahone Onsen offers a tranquil winter experience with beautiful snow-covered scenery. Some facilities close for winter, so check in advance.
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.
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