Shimobe Hotel: Onsen Ryokan With 12 Baths in Yamanashi

Shimobe Hotel is an onsen ryokan in the Shimobe Onsen village in Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture, a one-minute walk from Shimobe-Onsen Station on the JR Minobu Line. Three hot spring sources feed its twelve baths, seven of them open-air. Staff perform a taiko drum show and pound mochi with guests every evening, from 8:30 PM on most nights.

Quick facts
Location	1900 Uenotaira, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-2947
Nearest station	Shimobe-Onsen Station (JR Minobu Line), about 1 minute on foot
Hot springs	3 spring sources and 12 baths, 7 of them open-air
Check-in and check-out	Check-in from 3:00 PM, by 6:00 PM on most plans. Check-out 10:00 AM on most plans
Day-use bathing	11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed Tuesdays. Adults 1,500 yen, children 750 yen
Parking	Free, 100 spaces, no reservation needed
Official site	shimobe.co.jp

Checked in October 2026 against shimobe.co.jp, 489pro-x.com.

For travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience, Shimobe Hotel is a hidden gem that offers traditional ryokan accommodations and a serene escape from the typical tourist paths.

The tall multi-story facade of Shimobe Hotel, a riverside onsen ryokan, with rows of balconies, pine trees and a covered stone entrance

Room

During my stay at Shimobe Hotel, I chose the Modern Japanese Twin room. The room featured a simple and calming design with tatami-matted flooring and twin beds, offering a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

A tatami guest room with a wooden low table, legless chairs, sheer-curtained windows and a wall-mounted TV

A small tatami alcove in the guest room with a wooden writing desk, leather stool and a black air purifier beside the bed

The guest room's washroom with a white vanity sink, large mirror, wall-mounted hairdryer and a frosted-glass shower door

A Japanese 'bijin no hoppe' manju sweet in its wrapper on a red lacquer dish printed with a fox illustration

Rejuvenating Hot Springs

Shimobe Hotel boasts a rich history, being part of the Shimobe Onsen village with over 2,000 years of heritage. The hotel features three distinct hot spring sources, including sulfur springs emerging from the garden and high-temperature sources drawn from communal springs. Guests can enjoy these therapeutic waters across twelve different baths, including seven open-air options. I found the hot springs to be exceptional, offering a serene and uncrowded environment that surpassed more famous onsen destinations.

The wooden-roofed open-air rotenburo bath at Shimobe Hotel, steam rising over the rock-lined hot spring pool

The indoor hot spring bath with a large decorative mosaic mural on the wall, bathing stools and rising steam

An open-air rotenburo surrounded by autumn trees and rocks, steam drifting over the hot spring water

Culinary Delights

The hotel’s commitment to local cuisine is evident in its dining options, which showcase Yamanashi’s seasonal produce, river fish from the Togawa Gorge, and freshly harvested vegetables and fruits. Guests can choose from three dinner experiences: the “Sato no Irori” creative kaiseki in the restaurant, the “Yama no Kamado” buffet, or the Yamanashi specialty kaiseki in a private banquet room. I opted for the “Sato no Irori” creative kaiseki, and each dish was a delightful exploration of local flavors, making for a memorable dining experience.

A kaiseki appetizer course — grilled salmon on a square plate with small dishes of simmered and tempura sides on a lacquer tray

An assorted sashimi platter served on a bamboo tray with a cup of soy sauce and salt

Whole yamame river trout salt-grilled on skewers, displayed upright beside a menu

A single salt-grilled yamame river trout on a skewer, plated on a green leaf-shaped dish with a lemon wedge

A dark lacquer bowl of simmered root vegetables — carrot, pumpkin and potato in broth

A black lacquer bowl holding a white steamed dumpling with mushrooms and chrysanthemum petals in clear broth

A grilled cube of beef steak on a decorative plate with carrot, potato and wasabi

Crab-claw rice cooked and served in a small iron kamameshi pot

A dessert bowl of fresh orange, kiwi and grapes in syrup with a fork on a patterned napkin

Cultural Activities and Entertainment

Shimobe Hotel offers engaging cultural activities that enhance the guest experience. Every evening, the staff presents the “Shingen Departure Taiko Drum Show,” a dynamic performance that brings the spirit of the Sengoku era to life. Additionally, the interactive mochi pounding event invites guests to participate in this traditional activity, providing a hands-on cultural immersion. Both events are complimentary and highly recommended for an authentic taste of Japanese culture.

A taiko drum performance in the ryokan hall, three costumed performers striking drums before guests

Fishing Experience

For those interested in fishing, the hotel provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity. In the hotel garden is a well-stocked pond where guests can try their hand at catching fish. The staff is on hand to assist, and up to three of the fish caught can be prepared and served during dinner, offering a fresh and rewarding addition to your meal. This experience reflects the Japanese tradition of catching and savoring fresh fish, adding a unique touch to your stay.

A man in a red coat fishing with a long rod in the stone-walled fishing pond in the hotel garden

A person in a red coat lifting a caught fish on the line above the fishing pond in the hotel garden

Year-Round Activities

Shimobe Hotel provides a variety of activities throughout the year, ensuring a fulfilling stay regardless of the season. From nature walks in the surrounding forests to seasonal festivals and workshops, there’s always something to engage in, making each visit unique and memorable.

Access

Shimobe Hotel is conveniently accessible by both public transportation and car:

By Train:

From Tokyo: Take the JR Limited Express “Azusa” or “Kaiji” from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station (approximately 1.5 hours). Transfer to the Limited Express “Fujikawa” on the JR Minobu Line and continue to Shimobe-Onsen Station (about 40 minutes). The hotel is a 1-minute walk from the station.
From Nagoya: Board the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station (around 1 hour). Transfer to the JR Limited Express “Fujikawa” bound for Kofu and alight at Shimobe-Onsen Station (approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes). The hotel is just a short walk from the station.

By Bus:

From Busta Shinjuku (South Exit), take the “Shinjuku-Minobu Line” highway bus and disembark at the “Iitomi” bus stop. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service from the bus stop, which takes about 5 minutes.

By Car:

From Tokyo: Use the Chuo Expressway, exit at Kofu-Minami Interchange (about 90 minutes from Shinjuku), and follow Route 140 towards Minobu (approximately 50 minutes from the interchange).
From Nagoya: Take the Shin-Tomei Expressway and then the Chubu-Odan Expressway, exit at Shimobe-Onsen-Hayakawa Interchange, and follow Route 300 to the hotel (about 5 minutes from the interchange).

The hotel offers complimentary parking for guests.

Conclusion

My stay at Shimobe Hotel was a delightful blend of relaxation, cultural enrichment, and culinary pleasure. The combination of serene hot springs, exquisite local cuisine, and engaging activities makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience away from the usual tourist crowds. I highly recommend considering Shimobe Hotel for your next getaway.

If you are interested in this hotel, see the official website (in Japanese, with an English option in its Language menu).

River fish grilling on skewers arranged around an open wood-fire hearth

Colorful koi carp swimming in a pond scattered with fallen autumn maple leaves

A bamboo grove reflected in a still stone water channel running alongside the ryokan

Koi carp swimming in a garden pond beside a stone water channel next to the ryokan

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hot spring baths does Shimobe Hotel have?

Shimobe Hotel has twelve baths, seven of them open-air, fed by three hot spring sources. Two sources are alkaline simple springs. The third rises in the hotel garden and is a simple sulfur spring. The baths in the Matsubokkuri no Yu and Hotaru no Yu areas are open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Can you use the baths at Shimobe Hotel without staying overnight?

Shimobe Hotel accepts day visitors for bathing from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except on Tuesdays. Since April 1, 2026 the fee is 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children of elementary school age or younger. Yukata and bath towels can be rented for 330 yen and 300 yen. Hours can change, so check the hotel’s news page or call ahead.

What time is the taiko drum show at Shimobe Hotel?

The Shingen Departure Taiko Drum Show at Shimobe Hotel starts at 8:30 PM every evening, or at 8:45 PM on Saturdays and consecutive holidays. Hotel staff play the drums in the first-floor Water Lounge and guests join in pounding mochi. The event is free, needs no reservation and lasts about 30 minutes. The mochi guests pound is served in ozoni soup at the breakfast buffet.

What is Shimobe Onsen known for?

Shimobe Onsen is a hot spring village in Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture, known as a hidden hot spring of the Sengoku-era warlord Takeda Shingen. Shimobe Hotel describes the village as having 2,000 years of history. In 1961 the actor Yujiro Ishihara came to the hotel with a broken right ankle and spent about a month and a half there on hot spring treatment.