Shiobara Onsen

Shiobara Onsen (塩原温泉) is a hot spring resort town located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its diverse hot springs, beautiful scenery, and tranquil atmosphere.

The town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests, providing a serene and rejuvenating environment for visitors. Shiobara Onsen is home to eleven different types of hot springs, each with unique mineral compositions and therapeutic benefits. This variety allows visitors to experience the “Shiobara Eleven Hot Springs” (塩原十一湯) and find the perfect spring for their individual needs.

In addition to the hot springs, Shiobara Onsen offers a range of activities and attractions. The area boasts beautiful hiking trails that wind through the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Several picturesque waterfalls, such as Odakura Waterfall and Fukiware Waterfall, are also popular destinations. The Momiji-dani Suspension Bridge is a highlight, offering spectacular views of the valley and surrounding nature.

The town itself exudes a traditional Japanese ambiance, with narrow streets lined with charming old-fashioned buildings and shops selling local products and souvenirs. Many literary figures, such as Natsume Soseki and Ozaki Koyo, have visited and been inspired by Shiobara Onsen, and their literary monuments can be found throughout the town.

Visitors can savor traditional Japanese cuisine, including local specialties such as soba noodles, grilled river fish, and wild boar dishes. For those seeking outdoor adventure, Hunter Mountain Shiobara offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and a ropeway with breathtaking summit views and zip-lining during the green season.

Getting there

By Train and Bus from Tokyo

1. Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nasu Shiobara Station (75 minutes, about 5500 yen)
2. Transfer to a JR bus bound for Shiobara Onsen (65 minutes, 1190 yen)

Total journey time: About 2 hours 20 minutes

By Local Train and Bus from Tokyo

1. Take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Tokyo to Nishi Nasuno Station (about 3 hours, 3000 yen)
2. Transfer to a JR bus for Shiobara Onsen (45 minutes, 940 yen)

Total journey time: About 3 hours 45 minutes

By Highway Bus from Tokyo

1. Take a Kanto Bus from Busta Shinjuku to Aguriparu Shiobara bus stop (2.5 hours, 3400 yen)
2. Transfer to a local bus to the center of Shiobara Onsen (20 minutes, 420 yen)

Total journey time: About 3 hours

From Nikko

1. Take a train from Tobu-Nikko Station to Kamimiyori Shiobaraonsenguchi Station (100 minutes, 1220 yen)
2. Transfer to a bus to Shiobara Onsen (25 minutes, 200 yen)

Total journey time: About 2 hours 5 minutes