Shibu Onsen Kanaguya

Kanaguya is a historic ryokan (Japanese inn) founded in 1758, with over 260 years of tradition. Located in the heart of Shibu Onsen, a cobblestone hot spring town at the foot of Shiga Kogen in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. The inn features two registered tangible cultural properties: the four-story wooden Saigetsuro building and the 167-tatami Grand Hall. The Saigetsuro was built using 13 cedar pillars, each about 15 meters long, assembled with traditional joinery and almost no nails. Following the belief that identical rooms are a sign of cheap construction, all 29 guest rooms have unique layouts and craftsmanship. The inn has 4 private hot spring sources and draws from shared sources, with 200 liters per minute flowing through 8 different baths (3 public baths and 5 private baths). Three distinct water qualities are available: chloride springs, sulfate springs, and sulfur springs, ranging from mildly alkaline to neutral to mildly acidic. Day-trip bathing is not available - overnight guests only. The inn is said to have inspired the bathhouse in the animated film Spirited Away, and attracts visitors from around the world seeking an authentic cultural heritage experience.