Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen

Shiba Onsen is famed for its hit springs, and this traditional ryokan is in the middle of them all.

The simple but clean rooms come with the classic tatami mat floors and traditional futon bedding, but also some mod-cons: TVs, minibars and tea/coffee makers.

There are two restaurants on-site serving locally-inspired cuisine, but no kaiseki-ryori dinners.

The hotel has its own spa and hot-spring baths, but staying here, or at any of Shibu Onsen’s inns, also gives access to the nine public baths scattered around town – guests get a master key that unlocks them all. A free shuttle from Yudanaka Station is available upon request. Just ask the kimono-clad staff.

The inn is also close to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home of the world-famous, onsen-bathing red-faced snow monkeys, so you can tick off two bucket list experiences in one.