One of the great joys of visiting any ‘onsen’ (hot spring) town in Japan is the feeling that you are stepping back in time. With their mix of tradition and (often) fading architecture, many onsen towns seem stuck in time – little pockets of old Japan in a rapidly changing world.

A mix of the Meiji and Showa Period service, tradition and entertainment, visitors to Shibu Onsen will find quaint shops including shooting galleries and other traditional games. Lay down your money, pick-up your cork-firing rifle and snag that prized snack, soft toy or odd memento of your visit.

In doing so, visitors relax and rediscover the child-like joy of simply having fun. As you wander the streets in your ‘yukata’ (light kimono) between the public baths of Shibu, make sure to stop and have a game… you might just be surprised how much you enjoy it!