Day trip bathing travel journals to hot springs where we visited by train and bus

Shimobe Onsen Daiichikan Yukiya

Shimobe Onsen Daiichikan Yukiya

48, Shimobe, Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Pref.

A different world hidden under the registered tangible cultural property. Shingen's hidden onsen that springs from the bottom of the bath in a dark cave

Shimobe Onsen Oichikan Yukiya exterior
Shimobe Onsen Daiichikan Yukiya Cave bath Shimobe Onsen Daiichikan Yukiya Cave bath Shinmei Fireworks Festival

The cave bath is a rare bathtub whose source springs from the bottom of the bathtub. the water temperature is about 32 ℃ (89.6 ℉), but it is a mysterious hot spring that gradually warms up as soaking in. Coupled with the dim cave, it has an atmosphere of the different world.

The three-storey wooden building built by Shrine Carpenters is a registered tangible cultural property. The hall exudes a folk art-like taste.

It is said that the opening of Shimobe Onsen was 1300 years ago. In 2006, a new source "Shimobe-okunoyu High temperature source" was excavated, so two kind of source can be enjoyed.

  • Click to the description page

About the spring qualities, the old spring (Cave bath) is a simple hot spring, and the new spring (Shimobe-okunoyu High temperature source) is a sulfur spring.

Daiichikan Yukiya was closed in 2022.

Location

Rating of access

1.0 pt(from Shinjuku)

2.5 pt(from Shizuoka)

→ How to rate access

Area / Railway

Ko-shin-etsu Region
Yamanashi Pref.

JR Minobu Line

onsen

Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta.JR: 2 hrs 45 min Chuo Line ¥3,080
  •  (Transfer at Kofu Sta.)JR: 1 hr 15 min Minobu Line ¥ -
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.Walk: 16 min 1.3 km (0.8 mi) Difference in elevation: 40 m (131 ft)
  • Daiichikan Yukiya
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta.JR express: 1 hr 40 min Kaiji etc. Reserved seat¥4,660
  •  (Transfer at Kofu Sta.)JR express: 45 min Fujikawa Non-reserved seat¥660
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.Taxi: 5 min ¥730
  • Daiichikan Yukiya
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate)Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
    (4th floor) Expressway bus: 3 hrs 02 min Minobu Line ¥3,000
  • Iitomi Bus StopWalk: 1 hr 20 min 6.2 km (3.9 mi) Difference in elevation: 68 m (223 ft)
  • Daiichikan Yukiya
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate)Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
    (4th floor) Expressway bus: 3 hrs 40 min Minobu Line ¥3,200
  • Minobu Sta.JR: 12 min Minobu Line ¥ 210
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Route from Tokyo (Shinagawa)
  • Shinagawa Sta.JR: 2 hrs 45 min Tokaido Line ¥3,740
  •  (Transfer at Fuji Sta.)JR: 1 hr 40 min Minobu Line ¥ -
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Route from Tokyo (Shinagawa)
  • Shinagawa Sta.Shinkansen: 50 min Kodama Non-reserved seat¥5,500
  • Mishima Sta.JR: 30 min Tokaido Line ¥ -
  •  (Transfer at Fuji Sta.)JR express: 1 hr 05 min Fujikawa Non-reserved seat¥1,200
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Route from Shizuoka
  • Shizuoka Sta.JR: 35 min Tokaido Line ¥1,690
  •  (Transfer at Fuji Sta.)JR: 1 hr 40 min Minobu Line ¥ -
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Route from Shizuoka
  • Shizuoka Sta.JR express: 1 hr 30 min Fujikawa Non-reserved seat¥2,890
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Route from Shizuoka
  • Shizuoka Sta.Walk: 2 min
  • In front of Shizuoka Sta. (No.17 Bus Stop in front of Matsuzakaya) Expressway bus: 56 min Shizuoka - Kofu Line ¥1,800
  • Minobu Sta.JR: 12 min Minobu Line ¥210
  • Shimobe Onsen Sta.(The rest is the same as above)
Routes from Tokyo
  • Shinjuku
  • JR (via Kofu)
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 4 hrs 16 min ¥3,080

  • Shinjuku
  • JR express
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • Taxi
  • hot spring
  • 2 hrs 30 min ¥5,320

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Iitomi
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 4 hrs 24 min ¥3,000

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Minobu
  • JR
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 3 hrs 54 min+ ¥3,410+

  • Shinagawa
  • JR (via Fuji)
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 4 hrs 25 min+ ¥3,740+

  • Shinagawa
  • Shinkansen
  • Mishima
  • JR - JR express
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 2 hrs 25 min+ ¥6,700+

Routes from Shizuoka
  • Shizuoka
  • JR
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 2 hrs 15 min+ ¥1,690+

  • Shizuoka
  • JR express
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 1 hrs 30 min+ ¥2,890+

  • Shizuoka
  • Expressway bus
  • Minobu
  • JR
  • Shimobe Onsen
  • (The rest is the same as above)
  • 1 hr 13 min+ ¥2,160+

  • The price of JR Express is "Base fare" plus "Express charge". (These are determined according to the distance.) In case of JR Express on Chuo Line, "Express charge" has two types: "Reserved seat" and "Undecided seat". Both have the same charge, which do not change depending on the season. However, the price will vary depending on where you buy. (Internet < Station < Inside the car). If you have an "Undecided seat" ticket, you can sit in any vacant seat, but you have no priority. So, if someone comes who has a "Reserved seat" ticket for the seat you are sitting, you have to give up the seat to him / her.
  • Other JR Express than the above, "Express charge" has two types: Reserved seat and Non-reserved seat. Reserved seat charge adds ¥930 (during the busiest season), ¥730 (during the busy season), ¥530 (during the normal season) or ¥330 (during the off season) to Non-reserved seat charge. (For details, please refer to JR East_Ticketing and Busiest / Busy / Normal / Off season calendar.)
    However, for certain sections of the Minobu Line, Reserved seat charge may be higher than this calculation result. (Because Non-reserved seat charge is set lower than usual.)
  • On the JR Minobu Line, you cannot use the IC card tickets such as Suica, PASMO and so on.
  • The above fares are based on cash. When using an IC card, the fares may differ slightly.
  • The above times and distances are approximate. Does not include transfering or waiting times.

How to get to Shimobe Onsen Daiichikan Yukiya

(Directions from Shimobe Onsen Sta.)
  1. Go along the road towards Shimobe Onsen town about 1.3 km (0.8 mi)
  2. The building behind of the bridge
Map of Shimobe Onsen in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

Click the map to open Google Map

Travel journal of day trip bathing to hot spring

Characters

Nishi-san
Nishi-san
He is an orthodox hot springs lover and particular about quality of springs. He loves the hot springs flowing from the source, the hot water with a presence, and the rustic atmosphere.
Kita-san
Kita-san
He doesn't care much about quality of hot springs. He loves the open-air bath, and prefers hot springs that have visible features such as good views.

By the way, today's hot spring is Shimobe Onsen where hot spring inns line along Shimobe River flowing through the west foot of Mt. Fuji. About an hour after taking the JR Minobu Line from Kofu, then Nishi-san and Kita-san have arrived at Shimobe Onsen Station at around 10:30 am. For the time being, they decide to head to one hot spring inn close to the station for taking a day trip bathing.

JR Shimobe Onsen Station

JR Shimobe Onsen Station

The two who have arrived at the hot spring inn. While Nishi-san takes photos of the building, Kita-san goes into the entrance. But he has come out immediately after talking with the stuff of the hot spring inn.

They say it's being cleaned, so the day trip bathing starts at 11 o'clock.

Is that so? On the web, I think it was 10 o'clock.

They say it's always a cleaning time now, so wait until 11 o'clock. What should we do?

It's more than 20 minutes until 11 o'clock ... Waiting here, or walking to the hot spring town of Shimobe Onsen?

Is there a hot spring town?

I can't say ... Well, rather than do nothing for 20 minutes, let's go for the time being.

So Nishi-san and Kita-san have started walking toward the central area of Shimobe Onsen. They are walking along the mountain road, while looking around the "hot spring town" that extends along Shimobe River.

There are some shops here and there, but it's subtle whether it can be said a hot spring town ... Oh, there's a fine building.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya exterior

Exterior

Wow, it's quite a classy ryokan. ... Ah, this is Yukiya. Speaking of which, I've heard Yukiya has a good reputation.

Is that so? Then it's just right. Do they have a day trip bathing service?

I think Yukiya doesn't have it ... but we have nothing to lose by asking them.

However, it was surprisingly replied that a day trip bathing was OK. Needless to say, when Nishi-san and Kita-san heard that, they were happy to decide to take a bath here. The two pays a day trip bathing charge, and go to Yukiya's famous "Cave bath".

As you walk down the corridor of Yukiya, you will find narrow and steep steps.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya stairs

Stairs

Oh, go under here ... It's a strange building.

Exactly ...

Down the stairs you will find a dim, low ceiling tunnel.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya tunnel

Tunnel

Hmm, what is this .... Is it ahead? That's too suspicious ...

What is there, I'm excited.

After passing through the tunnel, there is a stone pavement passage with stone wall displaying koto (Japanese harp), calligraphy, kimono, etc. At the deepest part of the narrow passage, you can see the entrance to the undressing room of the Cave bath.

And finally open the door to the Cave bath ...

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya Cave bath

Cave bath

Wow! What a hell ...

Incredible. Exactly it's a cave.

It's so dark and cramped, and a kind of uncomfortable ... It smells like mineral oil ... Does this hot spring have a good reputation?

Good point is the bottom of the bathtub. For the time being, let's get in.

Nishi-san and Kita-san get in the tub.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya Cave bath

Cave bath

Oh! It's cold! It's just barely cold.

I agree. But this is a so pleasant hot water. It's not hot, though.

Is the bottom of this good? Just boards, you know.

The source water is coming out of the gap on the boards. Look! Here! Bubbles are coming out.

 

Wow! True! They made a bathtub where the source water came out. Oh, I see. That's the same one as Yatsugatake Shibunoyu.

You're right. It's a natural spring in bathtub.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya Cave bath

Cave bath

That means, the freshness is the best. Oh, this black ones are Yunohana!?

Oh, that's right. Looking closely, there are many Yunohana. It looks like my eyes are getting used to the darkness.

I'm getting used to also the coldness. I feel not too cold. Indeed, it's a good hot water. It's not hot, though.

There is also a bathtub in the back, which is heated and just right temperature. Nishi-san and Kita-san fully enjoyed the Cave bath. After they have finished the Yukiya's proud bath, they go to the indoor bath in the main building.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya indoor bath

Indoor bath

It looks like this is a new source that is developed recently.

Oh, yeah? The bathtub looks like normal. But it feels good to have a lot of hot water coming out from ... Huh? There are two hot water spouts, you know.

Shimobe Onsen Yukiya hot water spouts in indoor bath

Hot water spouts

That's true. A lot from the left, and a little from the right. Let's see ... Oh, the smell of sulfur is clear on the right. On the left ... nothing in particular ...

Ah, that means ...

In short, the left is water for circulation. On the right is a new source water? It's just my guess.

That makes sense.

I have taken the new source lightly, but it has such a sulfur smell. It might be good.

"Yatsugatake Shibunoyu" is " Shibu Gotenyu".

Nishi-san and Kita-san who were lucky to soak in the hot water of Yukiya unexpectedly, they fully enjoyed Shimobe Onsen. Just this day was the day of "Shinmei Fireworks Festival". When they got off the train at Ichikawa Daimon Station, the full blooming fireworks were vividly coloring the summer night sky.

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

(August 2019)

"Shinmei Fireworks Festival" is the largest fireworks festival in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is held every year on August 7 (but another day in 2020) in Ichikawamisato Town. The number of fireworks is about 20,000 and the average crowd is about 200,000.

Impression & rating

The Cave bath has the high quality of the hot water itself and a unique atmosphere. It's a special experience.

3.5 pt

Impression & rating

The natural spring in bathtub is certainly interesting. But because I don't really like being small and dark ...

1.5 pt

→ How to rate

The Onsen facility

Address
48, Shimobe, Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Phone
domestic: 0556-20-3130
international: +81-556-20-3130
Website
none
Day trip bathing hours
11:00 - 14:00
Business days
Open everyday
Charge
Adults (Upper grade students in elementary school and older): ¥ 1,200 /
Lower grade students in elementary school and younger: free of charge
Baths
Gender-separated indoor bath, Gender-separated Cave bath
Facilities
There are no lockers in the undressing room.
Equipments
No shower, soap, shampoo, etc. in the Cave bath
(Soap, shampoo, etc. are not allowed in the Cave bath)

The hot spring data
(According to hot spring analysis report etc.)

Yukiya Cave bath

(Survey date: Aug. 2, 2012)

Spring quality
Alkaline Simple hot spring (Hypotonic Alkaline Low temperature spring)
Gushing place
41-2, Aza-Omura, Shimobe, Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Temperature
30.8 ℃ (87.4 ℉)
[air temperature: 29.0 ℃ (84.2 ℉)]
Water volume
11.1 L / min (Natural spring)
pH value
8.5
Total ingredients
0.419 g / kg
Perception
Colorless, clear, tasteless, slight sulfur odor

Shimobe-okunoyu High temperature source

(Survey date: Jun. 2, 2016)

Spring quality
Alkaline Simple Sulfur spring (Hypotonic Alkaline High temperature spring)
Gushing place
202, Aza-Minoki, Shimobe, Minobu Town, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Pref.
Temperature
49.4 ℃ (120.9 ℉)
[air temperature: 27.5 ℃ (81.5 ℉)]
Water volume
200 L / min (Pumping)
pH value
9.4
Total ingredients
0.9026 g / kg
Perception
Colorless, clear, weak hydrogen sulfide taste, weak hydrogen sulfide smell

Today's Ekiben

Shrimp tempura rice balls of the soba restaurant
The appearance of Shrimp tempura rice balls of the soba restaurant The whole of Shrimp tempura rice balls of the soba restaurant

Shrimp tempura rice balls of the soba restaurant

As you can see, its appearance is unspectacular that like mixed rice wrapped in seaweed. However, I was surprised to eat it! The shrimps were popping in my mouth and it was delicious! The taste was not too strong nor too plain, and it was really good. I ate it all in no time. This is recommended. (¥ 750)
(→ Marumasa website)

  • The descriptions on this page contain personal opinions and are not necessarily objective facts.
  • The information may have changed at present. In particular, the charge and price etc. has often not updated from the time of travel, so check the latest information on the official website.

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