Shiobara Onsen is a picturesque hot spring village around 80km / 70 minutes drive from the famous shrines and temples of Nikko. Sitting within Nikko National Park, Shiobara Onsen is a great option for anyone wanting to explore that area while in Nikko, while enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a hot spring hotel or guesthouse.

For more than one thousand years, the healing waters of the town’s natural hot springs have been sought-out with Shiobara long-known as a place of refuge and relaxation. It features multiple large hotels along with small guesthouses from where you can easily access walking trails that lead you along the Hoki River and to numerous suspension bridges and waterfalls – of which there are said to be one hundred. Worth visiting any time of year, Shiboara Onsen is a its best in October and November when the autumn colours put on a spectacular show.

Though located a little further away from the Nikko shrine and temple complex, Shiobara can easily be incorporated into a multi-day stay in the area. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, see our ’20 Things to Do Around Nikko & Where to Stay’ page.