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

Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu

Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu

5520-3, Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Pref.

A secluded hot spring with cloudy water flowing from the source. "The spiritual water" which is raised by the nature of Yatsugatake and loved by mountaineers

Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu and Shibu Chojuyu
Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu hot water spout Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu Oku-tateshina Onsen Shibu Gotenyu ceiling

The bathtub is full of a unique hot water that is cloudy with Yunohana, and has scent of sulfur and strong sourness. In addition to the historical "Gotenyu", the new "Chojuyu" is springing naturally in bathtub, and it has many bubbles.

A secluded hot spring located at the altitude of 1,880 m (6,168 ft), the mountain climbing entrance of Yatsugatake. It is popular with mountaineers as the starting point for Kuroyuridaira and Tengudake.

It was discovered in 783, and TAKEDA Shingen's hidden onsen in the Warring States period. A historical hot spring that became known as "Gotenyu" that is named after it was familiar with the generations of Suwa feudal lord during the Edo period.

Location

Rating of access

0.0 pt(from Shinjuku)

→ How to rate access train

Area / Railway

Koshinetsu Region
Nagano Pref.

JR Chuo Line

onsen

Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. Keio: 1 hr Keio Line ¥ 370
  • Takao Sta.JR: 2 hrs 50 min Chuo Line ¥ 2,640
  • Chino Sta. (West exit) ALPICO Kotsu Bus: 51 min Oku-tateshina Shibunoyu Line ¥ 1,600
  • Shibunoyu Bus StopWalk: 0 min
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta.JR: 3 hrs 50 min Chuo Line ¥ 3,410
  • Chino Sta. (West exit) ALPICO Kotsu Bus: 44 min Mugikusa Toge Line ¥ 1,300
  • Hiyayama Iriguchi Bus StopWalk: 1 hr 4.1 km (2.5 mi) Max difference in elevation: 242 m (794 ft)
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. JR express: 2 hrs 20 min Azusa etc. Reserved seat ¥ 5,650
  • Chino Sta. (West exit) ALPICO Kotsu Bus: 44 min MARCHEN Kaido Bus ¥ 1,050
  • Yokoya Kannon Iriguchi Bus Stop Walk: 1 hr 20 min (via Shibukawaguchi Bus Stop) 5.5 km (3.4 mi) Max difference in elevation: 324 m (1063 ft)
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate) Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (4th floor) Expressway bus: 2 hrs 10 min Kofu Ryuo Line ¥ 2,200
  • Kofu Sta.JR: 1 hr 05 min Chuo Line ¥ 1,170
  • Chino Sta. (West exit) ALPICO Kotsu Bus: 47 min MARCHEN Kaido Bus ¥ 1,050
  • Yokoya Kannon Bus Stop (incl Mountain path) Walk: 1 hr 40 min (via Yokoya Gorge) 5.6 km (3.5 mi) Max difference in elevation: 410 m (1345 ft)
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate) Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (4th floor) Expressway bus: 3 hrs 20 min Tateshina Line ¥ 3,900
  • Yokoya-kyo Iriguchi Bus Stop (incl. Mountain path) Walk: 2 hrs 25 min (via Yokoya Gorge) 7.4 km (4.6 mi) Max difference in elevation: 637 m (2090 ft)
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Route from Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • Shinjuku Sta. (New South Gate) Walk: 2 min
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (4th floor) Expressway bus: 2 hrs 45 min Suwa Okaya Line ¥ 3,200
  • Chuodo Chino Bus Stop Taxi: 50 minabout ¥ 8,400
    20.7 km (12.9 mi) Difference in elevation: 1068 m (3504 ft)
  • Shibu Gotenyu
Routes from Tokyo
  • Shinjuku
  • Keio
  • Takao
  • JR
  • Chino
  • Bus
  • hot spring
  • 4 hrs 41 min ¥ 4,610

  • Shinjuku
  • JR
  • Chino
  • Bus
  • Hiyayama Iriguchi
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 5 hrs 34 min ¥ 4,710

  • Shinjuku
  • JR express
  • Chino
  • Bus
  • Yokoya Kannon Iriguchi
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 4 hrs 24 min ¥ 6,700

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Kofu
  • JR
  • Chino
  • Bus
  • Yokoya Kannon
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 5 hrs 44 min ¥ 4,420

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Yokoya-kyo Iriguchi
  • Walk
  • hot spring
  • 5 hrs 47 min ¥ 3,900

  • Shinjuku
  • Expressway bus
  • Chuodo Chino
  • Taxi
  • hot spring
  • 3 hrs 37 min ¥ 11,600

  • 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.
  • ALPICO Kotsu route buses often operate only during certain seasons or on specific days.
    bus route Summer timetable [PDF] Winter timetable [PDF]
    Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Line Apr. 29, 2023 - Oct. 30, 2023 -
    Oku-tateshina Shibunoyu Line Apr. 29, 2023 - Oct. 30, 2023 -
    Mugikusa Toge Line Jul. 15 - Oct. 15, 2023 No service
    MARCHEN Kaido Bus Apr. 29, 2023 - Nov. 6, 2023 -
    Tateshina Kogen Round Bus will not operate in 2023 No service
  • If you would like to take a short walk through the Yokoya Gorge, get off at Yokoya Kannon Bus Stop (or Yokoya Kannon Iriguchi Bus Stop). Also, if you would like to take a walk through the whole of Yokoya Gorge, get off at Yokoyakyo Iriguchi Bus Stop and go up from there. However, you cannot walk with sandals or high heels in Yokoya Gorge, and it is dangerous to walk in bad weather or after evening. In addition, there is a river between Yokoya Gorge and Meiji-onsen, and there is a board to cross. But when the water increases, you may be difficult to cross it.
  • Chino City operates the AI Shared On-demand Bus called "NORAZA". Travelers who are not Chino citizens can also use it. The fare is 700 yen for more than 5 km (3.1 mi). First, you register as a user by phone or app, and then you make a reservation. (Tel: 0266-78-6318)
  • The Chuodo Chino Bus Stop on the Chuo Expressway is about 1.2 km (0.7 mi) from JR Chino Station. The Expressway Bus Suwa Okaya Line has some buses to Chino Station, and they will arrive there at night.
  • 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 Shibu Gotenyu

(Directions from Hiyayama Iriguchi Bus Stop)
  1. A little back on the road you came by bus, enter the side street with the sign of "Oku-tateshina Onsen-kyo"
  2. Turn left at the crossroads
  3. Turn left the prefectural road #191 (bus road). Go along the road 2 km (1.2 mi) from there

bus stop: bus stop

Click the map to open Google Map

How to get to Shibu Gotenyu

(Directions from Yokoya Kannon Bus Stop via Yokoya Gorge)
  1. Go to Yokoya Kannon Observatory, go down the path beside the observatory, and head to Oshidori-gakushi Falls
  2. Cross the river at Oshidori-gakushi Falls and go up the hill through the Meiji-onsen
  3. Turn left the prefectural road #191 (bus road). Go along the road 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from there

bus stop: bus stop

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.

Nishi-san and Kita-san who are being in Oku-tateshina today. Shibu Gotenyu, which they could not visit in time when they came to Meiji-onsen before, is their destination today. Get on the bus of Oku-tateshina Shibunoyu Line from Chino Station on the JR Chuo Line, and head to Shibunoyu Bus Stop, the last stop.

I'm sure there should be Mishaka Pond around here ... Oh! Look!

Oh, Mishaka Pond! It's beautiful!

Mishaka Pond

Mishaka Pond

But it's a lot of clouds today. I guess it was better when we came last time.

Okay, if you say so. Anyway, we can't get off the bus here. For now, it's decided to get to Shibu Gotenyu first in this morning.

After passing through Mishaka Pond, 10 minutes by bus. In front of the last stop is Shibu Gotenyu. All passengers in the bus except Nishi-san and Kita-san are fully equipped for climbing.

Shibu Gotenyu exterior, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Exterior

Wow! I imagined a mountain hut like a log cabin, but it's pretty big.

That's right. But everyone who comes to here are like mountaineers.

Well, because it's just right in front of Yatsugatake. It would be a minority to get in only a hot spring like ours.

Exactly. You can say that again.

Shibu Gotenyu is located at an altitude of 1,880 m (6,168 ft).

The two have choiced the "Room break". ("Day trip bathing" is a service that only the West Bath can be used (¥ 1,000). For "Room break" (¥ 2,000), both the West Bath and the East Bath are available.) At first, Nishi-san and Kita-san have decided to conquer the West Bath in the west building.

Shibu Gotenyu Large bathtub in the West Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Large bathtub in the West Bath

Oh, it has a pretty atmosphere.

That's true. The photos I saw on the net were new, but it's quite tasteful.

At first, they get in the larger bathtub. It has full of hot water with just the right temperature being heated.

Phew, good hot water! The morning bath is still good!

Right ... but, I want to check the bathtub there ... The water obviously looks different.

The water in the smaller bathtub is white and cloudy. Nishi-san finishes off the large heated bathtub, and tries to get in the small bathtub.

There are two baths (West Bath and East Bath) on the west and east sides of the building. The West Bath has two bathtubs and the East Bath has three bathtubs.

Shibu Gotenyu Gotenyu bathtub in the West Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Gotenyu bathtub in the West Bath

It's cold. Looks like it's the source. Cloudy with yunohana ... What an amazing water, this is.

Gee, it's cold ...

It also smells of sulfur, the tastes are ... oh, sour. In short, it's acidic. So great this water is.

Well, I'll give it a try ... Hmm, it's a little cold ... It's true that yunohana are amazing, but After all, the warmer the bath is, the better.

In this way, Nishi-san and Kita-san spent in the West Bath for a while. After leaving the West Bath, head to the East Bath. Return to the entrance hall, and walk further along the East Building corridor that leads to the East Bath.

Well, it was a nice hot water. But you, the East Bath is not like this. The brand new hot spring bath called "Chojuyu" in the East Bath seems to be amazing.

Is that so? I'm pretty satisfied with this just now.

The temperatures of each bathtub in the West Bath are:
Large bathtub: 42 ℃ (107.6 ℉)
Small bathtub (Gotenyu): 26 ℃ (78.8 ℉)

What are you saying? Listen, we're paying an extra 1,000 yen to get in the Chojuyu in the East Bath.

Oh, that's right! I forgot! Then ... Let's just see. Let's test the reaction time of their brand new hot spring.

Nishi-san and Kita-san have arrived at the East Bath while talking about whether Kita-san's lines are sound similar or not. Heated Gotenyu, Chojuyu, Non-heated Gotenyu are lined up in the bathing room. Each of the three bathtubs is so small that is almost full with only one person.

Shibu Gotenyu Non-heated Gotenyu in the East Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Non-heated Gotenyu in the East Bath

Oh, the bathtub is bluish ...

True. Is the water different from the one just before?

The Gotenyu should be the same ... Well, in the middle is Chojuyu. First of all I'll take this one ...

Hmm, there's only one good temperature tub .... Then, I'll get into the heated one and warm up here.

About Kita-san's line "Let's just see ...", see "GUNDAM 0079 Episode 2".

The temperatures of each bathtub in the East Bath are:
Heated Gotenyu: 42 ℃ (107.6 ℉)
Chojuyu: 31 ℃ (87.8 ℉)
Non-heated Gotenyu: 26 ℃ (78.8 ℉)

Nishi-san gets into Chojuyu, and Kita-san gets into Heated Gotenyu.

Shibu Gotenyu Chojuyu in the East Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Chojuyu in the East Bath

Wow, the yunohana makes it look like Cloudy Sake! It's amazing! And bubbles are coming out from under my feet!

Boy ...

Hot water is springing out of the gap in the bottom. The water freshness is excellent!

Boy ... Then ...

Oh! Sour! The water is acidic as I expected. It's so refreshing!

Shibu Gotenyu Heated Gotenyu in the East Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Heated Gotenyu in the East Bath

Boy ... Then ... Let me get in there soon.

Well, wait a minute. A little more ...

OK, Ok, don't say that ...

Oh! Don't come in! It's small!

Wow, from the bottom of the bathtub! It's interesting!

It can't be helped ... I'll move to Non-heated Gotenyu ...

The heated is warm and good temperature.

Well, it later ... Look, this hot water spout is the artistic work. It has whitened by the ingredients of the hot spring.

Shibu Gotenyu Hot water spout of Non-heated Gotenyu in the East Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Hot water spout of Non-heated Gotenyu in the East Bath

The ceiling is nice too. The timbers have become white.

Shibu Gotenyu ceiling of bathing room in the East Bath, Oku-tateshina Onsen

Ceiling of bathing room in the East Bath

Wow, exactly. It's well-seasoned.

In this way, Nishi-san and Kita-san have enjoyed taking turns the three baths. After taking a bath and break, they will head to Karasawa-kosen in the afternoon. (→ Continue to Yatsugatake-meito Karasawa-kosen)

(September 2017)

In the corridor in front of the bathing room, there is a notice on how to take a bath. It says, "Do not look down while bathing in Chojuyu".
It is because the hydrogen sulfide is dangerous when it is high concentration. But conversely, it can be said that the component of hydrogen sulfide is rich.

Impression & rating

A unique hot spring that the smell of sulfur, sourness, countless yunohana, and springing naturally in the bathtub. The truly impressive onsen.

3.5 pt

Impression & rating

It is a demerit that there are few bathtubs with good temperature, and only small bathtubs. Still, the water has a great presence.

2.0 pt

→ How to rate

The Onsen facility

Address
5520-3, Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Pref.
Phone
domestic: 0266-67-2733
international: +81-266-67-2733
Web Site
Shibu Gotenyu
Day trip bathing hours
10:00 - 15:00(Last entry at 14:30)
Regular holiday
?
Charge
[West Bath only]
Adults: ¥ 1,000 / Elementary school students: ¥ 800 / Under elementary school: ¥ 500
[Both West Bath and East Bath]
Adults: ¥ 2,000
Baths
Gender-separated indoor bath
Equipments
[West Bath] No shampoo etc.
[East Bath] No shower, soap, shampoo etc.

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

(Survey date: Oct. 29, 2007)
(※ Welling and perception are data from Mar. 4, 1992)

Shibu Gotenyu source

Spring quality
Simple Acid / Sulfur spring [Hydrogen sulfide type] (Hypotonic Acidic Low temperature spring)
Source
5520-8, Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Pref.
Temperature
27.0 ℃ (80.6 ℉)
[air temperature: 13 ℃ (55.4 ℉)]
Volume
? L / min (Natural spring)
pH value
2.72
Total ingredients
1.741 g / kg
Perception
It is almost colorless and clear, has a sour and strong hydrogen sulfide odor.

Shibu Chojuyu source

Spring quality
Simple Acid / Sulfur spring [Hydrogen sulfide type] (Hypotonic Acidic Low temperature spring)
Source
5520-9, Kitayama, Chino City, Nagano Pref.
Temperature
31.0 ℃ (87.8 ℉)
[air temperature: 13 ℃ (55.4 ℉)]
Volume
? L / min (Natural spring)
pH value
2.71
Total ingredients
1.614 g / kg
Perception
It is almost colorless and clear, has a sour and strong hydrogen sulfide odor.

Today's Ekiben

Meal in a mountain
The appearance of Meal in a mountain The whole of Meal in a mountain

Meal in a mountain

(Purchased at Chino Station)

It is a Bento for hiking and mountain climbing. It has three types of rice balls and wild plants in a basket made by a bamboo. It'll make you to increase the mountaineering mood. The taste was no flashy, but conservatively delicious. If you eat it at the top of the mountain, it will be especially delicious. Probably.

« contents »
Umeboshi rice ball, Baked rice ball with walnuts, Chestnuts rice ball, Grilled trout with salt, Chicken meatball, Simmered down butterbur sprouts, Candied sweet potatoes, Pickled radish, Bamboo shoot, Shimeji mushrooms (¥ 1,080)
(→ 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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