Kanaguya Onsen: a historic ryokan in the heart of Shibu Onsen Village

Kanaguya Onsen, la source chaude qui inspira les décors du Voyage de Chihiro

Kanaguya Onsen, the hot spring that inspired the sets for Chihiro's Journey

Kanaguya.com

Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Kanaguya Onsen is an architectural gem over 250 years old. This traditional ryokan, located in the heart of the picturesque Shibu Onsen Village, offers a unique experience combining history, culture and relaxation. Renowned for its enchanting ambience, said to have inspired the sets of the famous animated film "Chihiro's Journey", Kanaguya Onsen attracts many visitors in search of authenticity every year. With its baths fed by four different springs and its preserved architecture, this establishment offers total immersion in traditional Japan. Let's discover together this emblematic place where time seems to stand still, offering an extraordinary interlude in the heart of the Japanese Alps.

Le onsen du Voyage de Chihiro

Chihiro's Journey onsen

Wikimedia

Shibu Onsen Village, home to Kanaguya, is a spa complex over 400 years old. This picturesque village, located in the borough of Yamanouchi, has long served as a stopover for pilgrims, poets and samurai on their way to Zenko-ji temple. With its cobbled streets lined with wooden buildings dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), Shibu Onsen offers a journey back in time.

The village is renowned for its nine outdoor public baths, called soto-yu, each reputed to have specific therapeutic virtues. Local tradition has it that bathing in the nine springs brings good luck. This belief attracts many visitors who wander through the village's narrow streets, dressed in yukata and geta, in search of well-being and fortune.

Le Shibu Onsen Village

Shibu Onsen Village

shibuonsen.net

For a more intimate experience, private baths offer a moment of relaxation in complete tranquillity. These facilities are particularly appreciated by couples, families or tattooed people who might find traditional public baths difficult.

Beyond the baths, Kanaguya offers a complete immersion in Japanese culture. Guests are encouraged to wear the traditional yukata when walking around the facility and the village, thus participating fully in the unique atmosphere of the premises.

Un des bains privés du ryokan

One of the ryokan's private baths

TsunaguJapan


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Timetable

    check-in 3pm, check-out 10am
  • Price

    the night starts at 20,520 yen per person (165 euros), breakfast and dinner included.
  • Access

    20-minute walk from Yudanaka station (Nagano Dentetsu-Nagano line)
  • Website

    http://www.kanaguya.com/english.html

Our tours in Nagano

  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima
See all our other Tours (2)

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