Shiobara Onsen: Suspension Bridges, River Walks, and Soothing Footbaths

Tucked away in the mountainous landscapes of Tochigi Prefecture, Shiobara Onsen offers a peaceful retreat shaped by rivers, forests, and quiet valleys. Seeking a slower rhythm away from the city, we planned a day trip from Tokyo to explore its suspension bridges, scenic walks, and warm waters - an experience defined by calm moments rather than crowded sights.

Our journey began at Tokyo Station, where we boarded the Shinkansen bound for Nasushiobara. In just over an hour, the dense urban scenery gave way to open landscapes and distant mountains. From Nasushiobara Station, we transferred to the JR Utsunomiya Line, a short local ride that brought us to Nishi-Nasuno Station. Stepping out from the west exit, we boarded a JR bus to Shiobara Onsen, completing the final leg of our journey into the onsen town.

The gradual transition - from high-speed rail to local train, and finally to a mountain bus route - set the tone for the day ahead, easing us gently from the rush of Tokyo into Shiobara’s quieter pace.

Momijidani Suspension Bridge - a landscape painting brought to life

The Momijidani Suspension Bridge was our first stop in Shiobara Onsen. It was a cold December day, with light rain and mist hanging in the air, and there were very few people around. The quietness of the surroundings made the experience feel unhurried and deeply atmospheric.

Stretching 320 meters in length, the bridge offers the sensation of walking through the air, with a 360‑degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, water, and forested slopes. Despite its reputation as a scenic highlight, the bridge felt almost private that morning, allowing us to take in the views at our own pace.

Near the bridge, we picked up hot dango, and the warmth was instantly comforting in the chilly, misty weather. We chose the soy sauce dango, its lightly grilled exterior and savoury aroma making it the perfect companion for the cold. Standing there with warm hands and drifting fog around us, the simple snack felt especially memorable.

As we walked across the bridge, clouds drifted over the mountains in the background, softening the landscape with layers of grey. In the foreground, the long suspension bridge stretched across the lake formed by Shiobara Dam. The combination of mist, still water, and winter colours made the view feel almost like a painting.

The bridge is also officially certified as a “Lover’s Sanctuary,” recognised across Japan as a romantic spot often chosen for proposals. On this quiet winter day, however, it felt less like a destination for grand gestures and more like a place for quiet reflection.

We took our time crossing, pausing often to take in the scenery. The stillness of that moment, paired with the lingering warmth of the dango, set a gentle and reflective tone for the rest of our day in Shiobara Onsen.

Nanatsuiwa Suspension Bridge

After leaving Momijidani Suspension Bridge, we boarded the bus and continued deeper into Shiobara Onsen. The scenery along the route was inviting, with rivers, trees, snowy landscapes and quiet stretches of road that made us want to get off every few minutes. Instead, we chose to stay on board, soaking in the views as they unfolded outside the window, and eventually got off at the final stop.

From there, we walked a short distance downhill toward the Shiobara Visitor Center, located right beside the Nanatsuiwa Suspension Bridge. By this time, the weather had cleared slightly. Patches of snow rested on the ground, while traces of red autumn foliage lingered along the riverbanks.

Outside the visitor center, decorative Japanese umbrellas were arranged alongside subtle Christmas decorations, which we were told would light up after dark. We spent some time there capturing a few shots, with the bridge and flowing river forming a calm backdrop.

The river moved steadily beneath the bridge, adding a gentle rhythm to the scene. Surrounded by water, seasonal colours, and cool mountain air, the atmosphere felt peaceful and grounding. Nanatsuiwa offered a more intimate glimpse into Shiobara Onsen, one that invited us to pause, observe, and simply be present for a while.

Yuppo no Sato: Warming Up at the Footbath

After a quick vegan lunch, we headed to the highlight of our trip, the footbath at Yuppo no Sato. Unlike some of the free footbaths found in other onsen towns, this one requires a small admission fee, though the experience more than justified it.

Inside, two 30‑meter‑long footbaths encircle a calm viewing pond at the center of the facility. Long benches invite visitors to sit and linger, while the gentle sound of flowing water adds to the sense of calm. As we slowly walked through the warm water, the pebbles embedded in the floor provided a subtle, massaging effect underfoot.

The warmth of the water contrasted perfectly with the cold December air outside. Between the heat, the stillness of the pond, and the quiet atmosphere around us, it became easy to lose track of time.

Wandering Through Shiobara Onsen

Our day did not end at Yuppo no Sato. After soaking our feet in the warm waters, we decided to walk back through Shiobara Onsen, stopping at places that had caught our attention earlier while we were on the bus. Exploring the town on foot felt more immersive and unexpectedly rewarding.

The walk was enjoyable, though at times slightly intimidating, especially when we came across bear warning signs reminding us to stay alert. As we wandered along the river and through quiet streets, we discovered several small bridges that were not marked as attractions anywhere. Whether it was the design of the bridges themselves or the natural surroundings framing them, we were not entirely sure, but each one felt just as beautiful as the more well known spots.

One comforting detail was the number of bus stops scattered along the route. Knowing we could hop on a bus whenever we felt tired made it easy to explore at our own pace.

Eventually, as it was time to head back, we found a cozy café called Shiobara 1200 Year Story / BLESS, conveniently located right across from Yunohara Bus Stop. We rested our feet, enjoyed their cheesecake set, and took in the view of the river flowing just outside before boarding the bus for our return journey. It was a calm and grounding way to bring our time in Shiobara Onsen to a close.

As we prepared to leave Shiobara Onsen, it was clear that the town’s charm lay in its quiet details rather than grand landmarks. Suspension bridges emerging from mist, rivers guiding unhurried walks, warm water easing tired feet, and small pauses for food and coffee all shaped the experience. Shiobara invited us to slow down, to wander without a strict plan, and to enjoy the journey as it unfolded, making it an ideal escape for anyone seeking calm, nature, and gentle exploration.

Getting There

Reaching from Tokyo is straightforward and makes for a comfortable day trip or overnight escape.

From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station. The journey takes approximately 70 to 80 minutes, depending on the train service. From Nasushiobara, transfer to the JR Utsunomiya Line and travel one stop to Nishi-Nasuno Station.

Exit from the west exit of Nishi-Nasuno Station, where JR buses operate regularly to Shiobara Onsen. The bus ride takes around 65 minutes and winds through mountain roads and river valleys before reaching the onsen town.

The JR bus fare is 1,240 yen, and the route is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass, and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. Buses stop at multiple points throughout Shiobara Onsen, making it easy to explore the town on foot and rejoin the route when needed.