Shibahara Onsen Kayanoya

Shibahara Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Arakawa Kamitano in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the celebrated Chichibu Seven Hot Springs with approximately 400 years of history. This ancient spring has been used as a therapeutic bathing retreat since the early Edo period, with its source reportedly flowing from a well dug during the Kamakura period. Kayanoya is a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns, known as a solitary inn enveloped in the tranquility of deep Chichibu.

The spring quality is an alkaline simple sulfur cold mineral spring with a source temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius and a mildly alkaline pH of 8.4. It contains hydrogen sulfide, giving off a faint sulfurous aroma reminiscent of boiled eggs. As a cold mineral spring, the water is heated before use and employs a circulation filtration system. The waters are said to be effective for neuralgia, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, and stroke prevention.

All bathing facilities are crafted from kaya (Japanese nutmeg-yew) wood, featuring one indoor bath and one open-air bath each for men and women. The baths switch between genders at 22:00, allowing guests to enjoy two distinctly different bathing areas. With only 10 guest rooms, this intimate inn takes pride in its mountain cuisine prepared from seasonal Chichibu ingredients. Day-trip bathing is not available; Kayanoya is exclusively for overnight guests.