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1Momijidani Suspension Bridge
A 320-metre footbridge across the lake behind Shiobara Dam — one of the longest of its kind in Honshu — with forested slopes on every side. “Momiji-dani” means maple valley, and in early November it lives up to the name.
ℹ️ About 8:30–18:00 (to 16:00 in winter); toll around ¥300. JR bus stop: Momijidani Otsuribashi. Allow 30–40 minutes.
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2Shiobara Gorge Trail and Ryuka Falls
The riverside promenade runs for several kilometres past rock pools, small suspension bridges and side waterfalls. The best short section goes from Fukuwata to the town centre; a branch path climbs a ravine to Ryuka Falls, whose three tiers total about 60 metres and are said to look like a rising dragon.
ℹ️ Free, always open; closed in snow. Allow 2–3 hours for Fukuwata to the bus terminal, or 40 minutes return for Ryuka Falls from its roadside car park.
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3The Onsen Town
Around the bus terminal, old inns line the river and narrow lanes. Seek out the Nanatsuiwa suspension bridge with its free foot bath, the Shiobara Monogatari-kan museum of the writers who stayed here, and Myoun-ji temple with its peony garden in May.
ℹ️ Free to wander. Many ryokan offer day bathing (around ¥500–1,500); a bath-hopping pass is sold locally.
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4Yuppo-no-Sato
One of Japan’s largest foot-bath facilities: a 60-metre covered corridor of warm spring water around a pond, floored with different stones to massage the feet, plus a jet of water that shoots up at intervals.
ℹ️ About 9:00–18:00 (to 17:00 in winter), closed Thursdays; around ¥200. 5 minutes’ walk from the bus terminal.
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5Moto-yu and Shin-yu
High in the hills south of the main valley, Moto-yu is the original Shiobara spring, with a few rustic inns and baths in white, green and black-tinged water. Nearby Shin-yu steams from a hillside of fumaroles and has simple public bathhouses.
ℹ️ Reached by car (about 20 minutes from the centre); no regular bus. Day bathing around ¥500–1,000.
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6Hunter Mountain Shiobara
A ski resort in winter that opens its gondola for a lily park in summer and for autumn-leaf viewing in October, with wide views from 1,600 metres.
ℹ️ Seasonal; gondola around ¥2,000 return. About 30 minutes by car from the onsen town.
Things to See in Shiobara Onsen — Bridges, Gorge Trail & Waterfalls
Most sights lie along the river and Route 400, between the Momijidani bridge and the town centre.
Best tours & tickets: Shiobara Onsen
Real GetYourGuide products that cover Shiobara Onsen, checked against the live catalogue.
Private tour from US$443 per group From Tokyo: Shiobara Gorge & Suspension Bridges Private Day
Cross the suspension bridges of Shiobara gorge and finish in an outdoor hot-spring bath.
Day trip from US$158 From Tokyo: Tochigi Autumn Foliage & Onsen Foot Bath Tour
A seasonal coach tour to the Momijidani suspension bridge, Nasu’s Sessho-seki and a Shiobara foot bath.
Multi-day from US$632 Tokyo: Nasu Highlands & Shiobara Onsen 2-Day Tour
Two days with the Nasu Ropeway, Shiobara’s valleys and bridges, and a night in an onsen hotel.
Combine Shiobara Onsen with
Nasu Highlands
An active volcano with a ropeway, ancient sulphur baths, forest walks and family attractions in the imperial family’s summer retreat.
Kinugawa & Kawaji Onsen
Riverside hot-spring hotels, a samurai-era theme park, miniature world wonders and a steam train in the valley next to Nikko.
See Shiobara Onsen the easy way
See live prices and availability for Shiobara Onsen tours, tickets and day trips from Tokyo on GetYourGuide.