One of the most famous hot springs in Japan, the Shirahone Hot Spring is a hot spring resort located in a gorge at the base of the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains) in Nagano prefecture.

The Shirahone onsens have a long history and was already open in the Kamakura period (12th-14th century). The onsen is said to have many positive effects, especially for gastrointestinal disorders and the water is actually drinkable.

In Japanese, Shirahone means white bone and the water changes when elements of hydrogen sulfied and calcium contained in the water cause the water to change colour after being exposed to air. When it first leaves the earth the colour is clear.

Many of the buildings at Shirahone are old fashioned, mainly black in colour and wooden. But, there is an efficient piping system which brings hot water from various springs to the onsens.

If you go to Shirahone, you should also visit the beautiful Kami-kochi area, a famous hiking area in the Japanese alps which has breathtaking views and crystal clear streams flowing down from the surrounding mountains. Other famous spots around the area are Norikura-kogen (ski fields) and Hirayu (onsen village).

The Shirahone onsen also had some negative press around 2003 when village leaders admitted that they added artificial white dyes to baths after several of the springs mysteriously began losing their natural creamy colour during the 1990s.