Shirahone Onsen Open

November 2, 2025: I stopped by on my way back from Kamikochi. Finally, my long-cherished wish came true: a soak at Shirahone Onsen. I arrived around 9:45 AM, and the parking lot was full. However, I passed it and returned, and it opened up just in time. I parked and headed down the hill to the hot springs. The sulfur smell was already in the air, building my anticipation. I bought a 700 yen bath ticket from the ticket machine and headed in. The water wasn't particularly hot, but felt a little firm. It wasn't particularly thick. There's only one open-air bath, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were dead leaves and insects floating in the water, but the staff came over to scoop them up for me. If you're concerned, there are nets available for you to use. I thought there weren't any washrooms, but there were two, and body soap and shampoo were provided. There were also two showers with hot water, and they served free porridge. I arrived empty-handed, carrying only a bath towel, so I couldn't collect water, but I did have a cup. It was delicious. It was a hot spring I would like to visit again.

I searched for a place to visit this summer for the first time in a while, but it was closed. ＿|￣|○ I visited this place a few summers ago. I found it by chance while searching for nearby hot springs, and it was my first time experiencing an open-air bath. I was excited to descend the stairs along the valley and find myself in a bath of milky white water! There were a lot of visitors that day, so there was a limit on the number of people allowed in, but I was able to enter after a few minutes' wait. There weren't many washing areas, so waiting naked for a few minutes felt long, but once I was in the tub, it was heavenly. Also, bathing in a hot spring surrounded by lush greenery is exceptional! I'd become a fan of open-air baths, but with recent bear sightings, I haven't had many opportunities to experience them, and this is my only experience to date.

I think it would be nice to go in the summer. You descend from the road down a steep staircase. It cannot accommodate large groups, so there is a limit on the number of people allowed in when it is crowded. There is a large parking lot opposite the stairs and a little further away. There is a toilet in the far parking lot, but the inside was cleaner than the outside. The men's bath can be seen from the side of the road, so be careful if that bothers you. The women's bath seems fine.

I went there first thing in the morning. It's located down a flight of stairs. The hot spring water is milky white and has a strong hydrogen sulfide scent. There is only one open-air bath, but it's great for relaxing. There is also a rest area in front of the entrance where you can get free hot spring rice porridge. I ordered a hot spring egg and had it with a non-alcoholic beer.

We were so happy to see autumn here. We stayed at Awanoyu for one night and spent the next morning exploring the area. This open-air onsen is public at 520 yen per adult. Having enjoyed onsen at Awanoyu already, we went for this public bath, which is another gem with the view of the river. After this, we walked and drove around Shirahone Onsen for autumn leaves.