Hey everyone,
I am going to Japan in February and am working on the itinerary but feel a bit overwhelmed with all the infos and places I’d like to visit. I first came up with a super busy schedule but then realized I didn’t want to rush things too much.
I have 2,5 weeks and my goal is to see Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and add some quiet traditional Japanese villages, Onsen town.
Basically the plan is
– Tokyo for 7 nights
– Shibu Onsen for 2 nights
– Kyoto with day trips to Osaka for 5 nights
– back to Tokyo
I’ve been reading on this sub that it’s complicated to get to Shibu Onsen. My questions is do you know another Onsen cute village such as this one easier to access? I feel Hakone is another vibe but maybe I’m wrong, I’d appreciate your feedback for those who’ve been there 😊.
Also wanted to know if there are must-see cities in February? Am I missing out by not going to Hiroshima?
Finally, I was thinking of spending a night or 2 in Yokohama or Odawara? What are your thoughts?
Thank you for your help!
3 comments
Shibu onsen is in fact relatively easy to get to. Hop on the Shinkansen to Nagano, then take the snow monkey express to Yudanaka. From there on you can either walk around 15 minutes or take a taxi. Some ryokan will offer a ride from and to the station if you give them your arrival time. I enjoyed Shibu a lot and it‘s the best place to see the snow monkeys from there.
Another easy option would be Kinosaki onsen from Kyoto. It‘s a 2h train ride on a limited express train. It‘s definitely one of the most beautiful onsen towns in Japan, Shibu onsen is more rustic.
We are headed to Shibu Onsen for a night this coming December. You can take the shinaknsen to Nagano, then another train to Yudanaka. We are stopping at Obuse(second train ride) to try chestnut products which the town is famous for. Hokusai museum is also here.
We are booked at Suminoyu. This ryokan offer pick up from Yudanaka and drop off to the Snow Monkey Park if you arrange with them. Shibu onsen has 9 baths called soto-yu, which can be accessed only if you are booked in one of the Ryokan at Shibu onsen. I’m very much looking forward to experiencing Shibu Onsen.
Shibu onsen is pretty neat and there are a few things to check out in the area (snow monkeys) and on the way (Matsumoto, Nagano). For 2 nights I think its worth the trip especially with the snow.