Shirakone Onsen - A hot spring in Shinshu that changes color in search of healing.
- Nagano
- Stay
What is Shirakone Onsen?
Shirakone Onsen's hot water is milky white and has the natural aroma of hot spring water, which is recognizable as sulfur. Normally, milky white water is highly acidic, which can cause skin tingling and irritation, but the water at Shirakotsu Onsen is mildly acidic and very gentle on the skin. In addition, the high sulfur and carbonic acid content dilates blood vessels and warms the body. It is expected to be effective for a wide range of ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, internal organ diseases, nervous stress, and beautiful skin.
Does the water change color?
Here are some of the recommended accommodations in Shirakone Onsen. Even if you have already visited once, why not come again to see the changing faces of Shirakone Onsen?
Shirakone or Shirafune? ＜Shirafune Grand Hotel
The first is <Shirafune Grand Hotel>. Why is it called "Shirafune" instead of "Shirakone"? The reason is that the hot spring was once called "Shirafune Onsen" (white ship hot spring) because the ingredients of the hot spring adhered to the bathtub and turned white. In the Taisho era (1912-1926), Nakazato Keizan wrote a novel titled "Daibosatsu Touge" (The Great Bodhisattva Pass), in which he described a "white bone scroll," and it is said that the name "Hakubone" became firmly established.
＜The best thing about Hakubune Grand Hotel is its open-air baths, which are full of natural beauty. Surrounded by deep mountains at an altitude of 1,400 meters, the temperature difference from the outside air warms the body from the core. In addition, there is a drinking fountain, a large bath with a large window, and a family bath (extra charge, reservation required).
The meals are based on the famous "Shirofune-nabe," a soybean milk-based hot pot, and you can feel the four seasons in both sight and taste. The menu also focuses on local products, such as Shinshu beef, Shinshu salmon, and Azumino hydroponically grown vegetables. (Meals may vary depending on availability and plans.)
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Location
4203 Azumishirakone Onsen, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access
Approximately 80 minutes by car from JR Matsumoto Station.
From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line and get off at Niijima Station (about 30 minutes). Transfer to a local bus on the Shirakone Onsen Line for approximately 100 minutes. After getting off at the Shirakone Onsen bus stop, walk about 10 minutes.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Shirakone Onsen Yumoto Saito Ryokan - A hotel where you can feel the atmosphere and history of Shinshu.
Meals are prepared using seasonal ingredients from Shinshu. You can enjoy the delicacies of the mountains and rivers of each season. You can also enjoy meals unique to Shinshu, such as premium wagyu steaks and sukiyaki using Nagano Prefecture's Shinshu Premium Beef, and salt-baked rockfish, the king of river fish, and sashimi. (Meals may vary depending on availability and plans.)
The baths are directly drawn from our own hot spring and run on our own hot spring water. The four types of baths, including private baths, allow you to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons and heal your body and soul. The spring water is also drinkable and tastes almost tasteless, but you can taste some acidity. The aroma and flavor are strong, but the effects are very promising.
＜Shirakone Onsen Yumoto Saito Ryokan is proud of its hospitality, which has continued since the Edo period. They welcome their guests with the best hospitality they can offer at the moment, making every moment count. This spirit can be felt in the food, hot spring baths, and the seasonal beauty of the area, and will be engraved on the pages of your healing journey.
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Location
4195 Azumishirakone Onsen, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access
Approximately 80 minutes by car from JR Matsumoto Station.
From JR Matsumoto Station, take the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line, get off at Shinshimazuka Station (approx. 30 min.). Change to a local bus on the Shirakone Onsen Line for approximately 100 minutes. After getting off at the Shirakone Onsen bus stop, walk about 10 minutes.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Shirakone Onsen is recommended in any season!
Shirakone Onsen is a hot spring resort where you can fully enjoy the four seasons of Japan. It is a perfect destination to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax after a hard day's work. Whether it is your first time or you have been to Shirakone Onsen before, why not visit?