Shibata Travel Guide | 9 Must-Visit Spots Easily Reached by Taxi

Shibata is a charming destination filled with historic landmarks and beautiful natural scenery.
For travelers who want to explore efficiently and comfortably, getting around by taxi is a great option. In this guide, we introduce nine carefully selected spots in Shibata that are easy to reach by taxi.

From local gourmet food and historic sites to scenic landscapes, you can enjoy the highlights of Shibata without the stress of complicated transportation. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another trip, use this guide to plan a memorable journey through Shibata.

Ultimate Relaxation | 3 Sauna & Hot Spring Experiences

If you’re looking for a deeply relaxing experience in Shibata, a taxi-based sauna and hot spring tour is highly recommended. These spots offer the perfect escape from city life, allowing both body and mind to fully unwind.

Highlights include sui, known for its popular barrel sauna, the atmospheric Tsukioka Onsen, and Shiun no Sato, which is perfect for a casual day trip. Enjoy some of the finest relaxation experiences Shibata has to offer.

sui | Refresh in a Premium Barrel Sauna

Surrounded by nature in Shibata, sui is a hidden sauna retreat nestled in a quiet forest. Inside the authentic barrel sauna, the warmth slowly seeps into your body as the gentle aroma of burning wood fills the air, helping both body and mind unwind.

The outdoor relaxation area offers beautiful seasonal views of Shibata, creating a feeling of complete harmony with nature. Private reservations are also available, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious and peaceful sauna experience in their own space. With cold showers on site, you can fully enjoy the classic sauna cycle—sauna, cold water, and outdoor rest—for a truly refreshing reset.

Easily accessible by taxi, this is the perfect spot for anyone seeking a special way to relieve everyday stress.

Tsukioka Onsen | Enjoy Hot Springs with Seasonal Scenery

Famous nationwide for its skin-beautifying waters, Tsukioka Onsen is one of Shibata’s most iconic hot spring destinations. Its emerald-green sulfur-rich water is known to leave skin soft and smooth, making it especially popular among female visitors.

Soaking in the steam while admiring the changing seasons is a highlight—cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and a unique charm in every season. With plenty of day-use bath facilities, it’s easy to stop by even without staying overnight.

Taxi access is convenient, making Tsukioka Onsen an ideal place to relax between sightseeing stops. Experience a soothing moment that refreshes both body and mind at this beloved hot spring town.

Shiun no Sato | Relax with a Deep Underground Hot Spring

Loved by locals, Shiun no Sato is a day-use hot spring facility featuring natural onsen water drawn from 1,500 meters underground. The gentle, mineral-rich water warms the body from the core, offering a deeply soothing and relaxing experience.

From the spacious open-air baths, you can enjoy peaceful satoyama countryside views, making it easy to slow down and unwind. Inside the facility, you’ll also find a restaurant using local ingredients and comfortable resting areas, allowing you to relax for hours if you wish.

Conveniently accessible by taxi from the city center, Shiun no Sato is ideal for travelers as well as hot spring enthusiasts. It’s also a perfect stop for refreshing yourself during a day of sightseeing.

Share-Worthy Spots | 3 Photogenic Places in Shibata

Shibata is home to many photogenic spots that make you want to snap a picture the moment you arrive. All are easy to reach by taxi, making them ideal for girls’ trips or family travel.

In this section, we introduce three must-see spots in Shibata—from幻想的 gardens and relaxing footbaths to roadside stations filled with local charm—perfect for sharing your travel memories.

Tsukiakari no Niwa | A Dreamlike Garden Bathed in Moonlight

Located in Shibata, Tsukiakari no Niwa is a soothing spot known for its magical atmosphere—just as if moonlight had gently descended onto the earth.

After sunset, soft lighting illuminates the entire garden, bringing the elegant Japanese-style landscape to life. Seasonal plants, stone lanterns, and the gentle sound of flowing water blend beautifully, creating a scene reminiscent of a traditional picture scroll. The garden is especially photogenic at night, offering a completely different charm from daytime. It’s an ideal place to visit with a partner or friends.

Easy to reach by taxi, it’s a wonderful stop toward the end of your trip to soak in a dreamy afterglow. Share your photos on social media, and they’re sure to catch attention.

Michi-no-Eki Kajikawa | A Roadside Station Full of Local Charm

Surrounded by lush natural scenery, Michi-no-Eki Kajikawa is a must-stop spot while sightseeing in Shibata. Its market features seasonal farm produce, handmade processed foods, and local specialties you can only find here—truly a place where the blessings of Shibata come together.

Peaceful rural landscapes stretch out around the station, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. On a sunny day, enjoy a light meal on an outdoor bench and take photos that capture the warmth of nature and local life. More than just a tourist stop, it’s also a welcoming place that connects travelers with the local community. With easy taxi access, it’s perfect for a relaxing break during your journey.

Ashiyu Yutabi | Refresh at a Footbath with Scenic Views

Perfect for easing travel fatigue, Ashiyu Yutabi is a relaxing footbath spot where you can soak your feet while enjoying beautiful views. Set in an open and airy location, the footbath offers seasonal scenery of Shibata, giving visitors a different atmosphere each time they visit. Soaking your feet in the warm water helps both body and mind unwind, and it’s easy to stop by with just a towel in hand.

This peaceful spot is especially popular with photography lovers. Capture the moment when the sky and surrounding mountains reflect on the water’s surface for a truly photogenic shot. Easily accessible by taxi, it’s an ideal place to visit between sightseeing stops.

Step Back in Time | 3 Historic Landmarks in Shibata

Shibata is home to many fascinating sites where you can feel the presence of history. Here, we introduce three especially recommended historic landmarks that are easy to reach by taxi.

From the Edo-period atmosphere of the Ashigaru Nagaya, to the seasonal beauty of Shimizu-en Garden, and the samurai-era charm of Shibata Castle, enjoy a journey that takes you back through time.

Ashigaru Nagaya | Edo-Era Townhouses with Living History

If you want to truly experience Shibata’s historical atmosphere, Ashigaru Nagaya is the perfect place to start. These preserved townhouses were once home to foot soldiers during the Edo period, offering a realistic glimpse into daily life centuries ago.

The contrast of white walls and black roof tiles, along with the simple yet elegant design, feels like stepping into a scene from a historical drama. Inside, you’ll find displays of household tools and decorations from the era, making it well worth a visit.

Conveniently located for taxi access, it’s also an excellent first stop on your journey. Take a quiet walk through the surrounding streets and imagine the lives of people who lived here over 400 years ago.

Shimizu-en Garden | A Tranquil Moment in a Beautiful Japanese Garden

Built as a former villa of the Shibata domain’s ruling family, Shimizu-en Garden is an elegant Japanese garden designated as a scenic spot by Niigata Prefecture. This traditional strolling pond garden is beautifully landscaped with seasonal flowers and trees, gently calming the hearts of all who visit.

Reflections of pine trees and stone lanterns on the pond create picture-perfect scenes, making it an excellent spot for photography. Inside the garden, a teahouse offers the chance to enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while spending a peaceful, unhurried moment. Step away from the bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a soothing space where nature and history come together.

Conveniently located just a short taxi ride from the city center, Shimizu-en Garden is easy to visit between sightseeing stops.

Shibata Castle | A Historic Castle That Echoes the Samurai Era

Shibata Castle is a symbolic landmark of the Shibata domain, active from the Sengoku period through the Edo era. One of its most distinctive features is the rare design of three shachihoko (mythical dolphin-like roof ornaments) placed atop a three-story turret—an unusual sight even among Japanese castles.

The stone walls, moats, and reconstructed turrets convey the dignity of the castle’s past, captivating not only history enthusiasts but casual visitors as well. Inside the grounds, exhibitions introduce the history of Shibata and the ruling Mizoguchi clan, offering insights that spark curiosity. The surrounding area is lined with cherry trees, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

Easily accessible by taxi from the city center, Shibata Castle is an ideal place to experience a touch of samurai-era romance without hassle.

Summary | 9 Must-Visit Spots in Shibata

Located in Niigata Prefecture, Shibata is a hidden gem where hot springs, history, and photogenic scenery come together. Using taxis makes it easy to explore the city’s scattered attractions efficiently, greatly enhancing the overall travel experience.

Start your journey with ultimate relaxation at standout spots such as sui, famous for its barrel sauna, the atmospheric Tsukioka Onsen, and Shiun no Sato, perfect for a casual soak. Shibata also offers plenty of photogenic locations that invite you to snap and share photos along the way.

Relax amid dreamlike scenery at Tsukiakari no Niwa or enjoy local flavors and countryside views at Michi-no-Eki Kajikawa. History lovers will be drawn to Ashigaru Nagaya, Shibata Castle, and the elegant Japanese garden Shimizu-en Garden, where the past feels vividly alive.

From relaxation and inspiration to discovery, Shibata offers a well-rounded travel experience. Consider it for your next trip and enjoy uncovering the many charms of this inviting city.