Okususohana Shizen-en Hiking　　奥裾花自然園

Oct. 30th. 2025

Michi no eki Kita Shinshu Yama no Uchi is a reasonable and popular place to stay. There were quite a number of shachuhaku vehicles sharing the parking lot with us. The facilities are good but a little overwhelmed in the morning rush hour. There is a vegetable market that is very busy with farmers delivering produce and customers waiting for the shop to open at 8.30am.

Shibu Onsen – Ryokan Kanaguya　渋温泉 金具屋

We depart, later than most, and take the short drive to Shibu Onsen. Here we want to take a look at Kanaguya. This ryokan, built in the 1930’s is the model for the onsen in Miyazaki Hayao’s Sen to Chihiro no Kami Kushi or Spirited Away.

The building itself is rather hidden, tucked behind other buildings and foliage so not easy to photograph. The ryokan appeared to be very popular with overseas visitors. The small town has very narrow streets with tight right angle corners. It is best not to drive through it. There is a car park for 450 yen, park there and walk. It also has 9 public baths and devotees can purchase a book to fill with the stamps from each bath.

Wandering around it becomes clear that some establishments are thriving but others have fallen into disrepair.

Okususohana Shizen-en at Kinasa Hiking　鬼無里 奥裾花自然園

Our next objective is Okususohana Shizen-en at Kinasa. This takes us along national road 406 and then take the local road called “Buna to Mizubasho Line” which is a beautiful road in this autumn season. As we approach the nature park we pass through a dramatic gorge splashed with autumn colours, just breathtaking.

Arriving at Okususohana Nature Park, we find a large car park with scant cars. We pay the 200 yen entrance fee and discover that the cost, in spring, is 450 yen which includes the shuttle bus to the park proper. We have to walk the 2.2 kilometres along the tarmac road winding up to the park itself. Too few visitors in this season to warrant running the bus.

This is a lonely walk, quite steep and twisting, adorned with bear warning signs. The gentleman at the ticket office assured us there were no bears but then he is selling the tickets.

Our initial trepidation is soon overcome by the beauty of our surroundings. On reaching the park itself we lose the tarmac road and are in deep woodland with marshy areas, ponds and running streams. The place is famous for Skunk Cabbage.  (No, I don’t know why either.) Hence the spring shuttle bus. This autumn season must surpass anything spring has to offer.

The walk to get here is well rewarded by the stunning display all around. We meet a handful of other intrepid walkers, mostly camera buffs.

We returned to the car park, well satisfied, and set off for Hakuba. Here, we shop but rather than stay in michi no eki Hakuba, which tends to be busy, we drive to Otari.

Michi no eki Otari　道の駅小谷

Michi no eki Otari has a restaurant, onsen and parking near the facilities but sadly, like Hakuba, on the main road. The onsen is functional, but well equipped. The outside bath is rather small and marred by piped muzak and piped bird song. The half moon hanging overhead helped to redeem the situation.  

＊Miyama no yu ; 800 yen / adult