Hot springs in Shimobe

Shimobe Onsen sits along the Shimobe River in Yamanashi Prefecture, tucked against the base of the Minobu mountains and backed by more than 1,200 years of documented history, making it among the oldest hot spring destinations in Japan. The site is closely linked to the warlord Takeda Shingen, who reportedly sent soldiers here to heal their wounds following the battles of Kawanakajima. The waters are strongly alkaline, registering pH 10.