Kamishiobara Onsen

Overview

Kamishiobara Onsen is a hot spring in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, and it forms part of the celebrated Shiobara Onsen resort area. Shiobara is a cluster of springs known collectively as the Shiobara Jūichi-yu, the eleven waters of Shiobara, and Kamishiobara is one of them. Sitting on the upstream side of a resort that strings along a scenic gorge, it has a calm, tucked-away character. Surrounded by rich nature, it is an ideal soaking spot for travelers who want quiet hours deep in the mountains.

Highlights

• ●One of the eleven waters of the famed Shiobara Onsen area
• ●A calmer, upstream setting and a comparatively newer spring
• ●A nature-rich bathing environment ringed by gorge and mountains
• ●A base for the spring-hopping unique to Shiobara

History

Kamishiobara Onsen is one of the Shiobara Jūichi-yu that make up the Shiobara Onsen area, but within that group it is regarded as a comparatively newer spring. Among the long-established baths of Shiobara, it arrived later and has followed its own course since. The land corresponds to the old province of Shimotsuke, and this spring takes its place within the broader bathing culture of Shiobara. For the detailed story of when its waters were first opened, it is best to check official information.

Map

36.9825, 139.7778 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Get off at Nasushiobara or Nishinasuno Station and board a Shiobara-bound bus
2. 2Head upstream through the Shiobara area to reach Kamishiobara Onsen
3. 3Soak at an inn or day-use bath while enjoying the gorge scenery
4. 4Tour the surrounding eleven waters to savor the charm of Shiobara

Did you know?

💡 The Shiobara Onsen area is collectively called the Shiobara Jūichi-yu, an assembly of several springs each with its own character. Kamishiobara is counted among the newer waters, and this coexistence of old and new springs is one of the things that makes Shiobara so intriguing.

Nearby spots