Who it’s for: Families planning a cozy onsen stay in Shibu Onsen, Nagano.
What you’ll get: A practical guide to Shibu Onsen Sakaeya Ryokan—rooms, private baths, kid-friendly tips, and how to enjoy the Nine Baths and town strolls.
Why Shibu Onsen for a “Hidden Onsen” Experience
Shibu Onsen is a hidden-gem hot-spring town in Nagano where you can walk in yukata and bath-hop like a local. It’s quieter than famous spots like Kinosaki—perfect for families.
How “soto-yu” works:
If you stay at a ryokan in Shibu Onsen, you can use the town’s public baths free during your stay. Slip on a yukata, carry a small towel, and enjoy short, relaxing soaks from bath to bath.
I’ve visited three times and never found the baths crowded—likely because the water is hot, so people don’t linger. With kids, adjust the temperature before getting in.
Classic Streets & Old-Town Vibes
After dinner, we joined a summer-only tour to see fireflies in nearby Shiga Kogen. Countless fireflies lit up the night, creating a magical and dreamlike scene.
On the way back from the bus stop to the ryokan, we passed the famous Kanaguya, a historic inn said to have inspired scenes from the film Spirited Away. Its atmosphere truly looked like something out of the movie.
Back in town, we discovered a shooting game stall. Our daughter tried her best, but it was her grandfather who surprised us all by winning prize after prize — an unexpected talent that added lots of laughter to the evening!
7 Reasons to Choose Sakaeya
We always stay at Sakaeya Ryokan when we visit Shibu Onsen. Here are 7 reasons we keep coming back—especially great for families with young kids and travelers who love local food.
Reason 1 – Private/Family Baths
The highlight right after our arrival was the private löyly sauna. This reserved space included not only the sauna itself but also an onsen bath, a cold-water bath, daybeds, bathing chairs, and two washing stations with showers. The entire area is completely private and requires a reservation, making it ideal for families who want to enjoy both sauna and hot spring together without worry.
There are even special accommodation plans that include access to this sauna-equipped private bath at a great value, so we recommend checking the official website for details. We will share a more detailed sauna experience report in a separate article.
Reason 2 – Family-Friendly Tatami Rooms
We were traveling as a group of five, so we reserved two Japanese-style rooms. The photos here show the room we stayed in, with a window view of the surrounding mountains. Sitting on the soft zabuton cushions, we enjoyed green tea and a sweet treat — apple wafers sold in the ryokan’s shop. Our daughter was so happy she claimed her father’s portion too.
In the closet, there were onsen bags prepared for each guest. These were extremely handy for visiting the public baths or the ryokan’s large indoor bath. We packed them with the provided towels, bath towels, and amenities, then changed into our yukata before heading out for a bathhouse tour.
The room was also well equipped. The wide sink allowed our family to brush our teeth side by side, and the toilet came with a heated seat and bidet, ensuring comfort even in winter. A small kitchenette area included dishes, a sink, and an electric kettle, perfect for making green tea or coffee.
There was also a family-sized bathtub in the room. Since it was not supplied with hot spring water, we chose to use the larger communal baths instead. In one corner, a vanity table provided a space for getting ready, and a hanger for bath towels was especially useful. We recommend hanging used towels there if you plan to bathe again the next morning, as having a dry towel makes a big difference.
Reason 3 – Yukata Rental Service
In one corner of the lobby, there is a space where guests can select colorful rental yukata. Staying guests can borrow them free of charge, and the designs range from cute patterns to retro styles — much more stylish than the standard yukata offered at typical hot spring inns. Our 10-year-old daughter, who had just begun to enjoy fashion, was delighted to choose her favorite. Wearing a cute yukata while strolling through the hot spring town made the whole onsen-hopping experience even more exciting.
Reason 4 – Indoor Bath Experience
Although we could not take photos out of respect for other guests, you can get a clear idea of the baths by visiting the ryokan’s official website. Compared to the extremely hot soto-yu baths, the indoor baths at Sakaeya were set at a comfortable temperature. The carbonated spring in particular was gentle enough that even children could enjoy a long soak. Some of the washing stations had been updated with Refa microbubble shower heads, a well-known Japanese beauty brand. With carbonated water, microbubbles, and natural hot spring water, the baths offered plenty of skin-friendly benefits — especially appreciated by women travelers.
Reason 5 – Seasonal Dinner Experience
Dinner at Sakaeya Ryokan was truly memorable, especially for the quality of the meat and the thoughtful service. I mentioned that I do not eat pork, and the staff kindly replaced the pork in the hot pot with tofu — an impressive level of care. The beef, on the other hand, was incredibly tender and delicious.
Even beyond the main dishes, the highlight was the rice. In summer, a refreshing hiyajiru (cold broth poured over rice) was served, but the best choice was still the warm white rice. My husband, who has a big appetite, asked for extra servings — and it was no wonder. The rice served at Sakaeya is a premium variety known as koshitsu kenjo mai, a special grade once presented to the Imperial family. Each grain was perfectly shaped and full of flavor, so good that everyone went back for seconds.
Reason 6–Warm Service
The meal ended with a heartwarming surprise: my husband had secretly arranged a birthday cake for our daughter. To our amazement, it wasn’t just any cake — it was a full-sized whole cake, complete with sparkling firework-style candles. Everyone was thrilled, and the room filled with laughter and excitement. This thoughtful gesture perfectly showcased the warmth of Sakaeya’s hospitality. Their attention to detail and generosity are exactly why we find ourselves returning again and again — the omotenashi here is truly exceptional.
Reason 7 – Local Breakfast (Shinshu Style)
The next morning, breakfast was another highlight of our stay. We enjoyed bowls of the same premium rice served at dinner — koshitsu kenjo mai, once presented to the Imperial family — accompanied by a wide variety of side dishes. To our surprise, there was even oyaki, a Nagano specialty, which we didn’t expect to see at breakfast. It was filling and delicious, and we left the table completely satisfied.
Afterwards, we headed to the morning bath to refresh ourselves and burn off some of those calories. Starting the day with a soak in Shibu Onsen truly made us feel both energized and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a mix of traditional atmosphere, comfort, and family-friendly service, Shibu Onsen’s Sakaeya Ryokan is an excellent choice. With warm hospitality, delicious meals, and authentic Japanese rooms, it stands out as one of the best ryokan in Japan for families.
Official Website – Sakaeya Ryokan
Related Links
- ✨ Looking for more hot spring inspiration? Check our Onsen Travel Guide for the best ryokan experiences across the region.
- 🏯 Before heading to Shibu Onsen, consider a stop at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano — a cultural highlight that pairs perfectly with your ryokan stay.
FQA
Q1. Is Shibu Onsen Sakaeya Ryokan good for families with kids?
A. Yes. Tatami rooms are spacious for families, and the ryokan offers private/family baths so you can bathe together. The yukata stroll around Shibu Onsen is easy and fun for kids.
Q2. Do they have private/family baths and how do I book them?
A. Yes. Private baths are available; booking is usually at check-in (some dates allow advance request). Time slots are limited, so ask early and bring your room towels. You can buy a stamp towel (tenugui) at your ryokan before you start bath-hopping.
Q3. How do we enjoy the Nine Baths in Shibu Onsen with kids?
A. Aim for 2–3 baths instead of all nine. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, wear easy-on sandals, carry a small towel, and collect ink stamps on a tenugui (stamp towel) at each bath.
Q4. What’s the best season to visit Shibu Onsen with kids?
A. Winter has magical snowy streets; spring & autumn are mild for walking; summer is easiest for light packing. Pack layers and non-slip shoes in colder months.
Q5. How do we access nearby snow parks from Shibu Onsen?
A. Although Shiga Kogen is “nearby,” hauling skis on buses or taxis can be tiring with kids and gear. For a smoother trip, base yourself 2–3 nights in Shiga Kogen (on-site at a snow park) for ski-in/ski-out or quick shuttle access, then end with 1 relaxing night in Shibu Onsen to soak and stroll before heading home.
