Shiratori Onsen Shitayu: Private Baths for Care and Accessibility Needs
Shiratori Onsen Shitayu has two reservable private baths, including a care-use session. Check the 60- or 90-minute slot, total fees and access fit.
Checked: September 28, 2026
Shitayu is the more useful Shiratori bath to investigate when someone in your party needs help changing, transferring or getting into the water. The city says it has two private rooms intended to make bathing possible for people who need care, and that general visitors may also use them. That does not mean every guest can automatically book the longer care-use slot: ask the facility which session fits your party.
Two private-bath sessions, with different amounts of time
Ebino City’s current facility page says reservations are available, subject to the day’s schedule. The city ordinance lists these private-bath rates:
| Session listed by the city | Time | Basic room fee | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard private bath | 60 minutes | ¥1,520 | ¥760 per 30 minutes |
| Welfare/care bath | 90 minutes | ¥1,520 | ¥500 per 30 minutes |
That extra half-hour can matter when bathing involves a transfer, dressing or assistance from a family member. But the city does not say that a visitor can choose the 90-minute category simply to get a longer soak. Explain the care situation when you call and confirm the appropriate slot and current total.
The ordinance separately lists admission to the public bath at ¥500 for an adult visitor from outside Ebino and ¥250 for an elementary-school child. Since the private-room fee and bath admission appear as separate items in the city’s schedule, ask whether admission is added for everyone in your group. The city also offers half-price public bathing and rest fees to holders of specified disability certificates, but explicitly excludes private-bath and accommodation charges from that reduction.
What the accessibility information does—and does not—confirm
The city’s current page shows handrails beside the private bath and says the facility has an accessible route at the entrance. It identifies the rooms as care-oriented, but it does not publish doorway widths, transfer-space measurements, tub-edge height or details for every mobility aid. A photo or the phrase “accessible bath” is not enough to establish that a particular wheelchair or transfer method will work.
When booking, describe the actual requirement: wheelchair type, whether the user can stand or transfer, how many people need to assist, and whether a shower chair or particular support is needed. Ask which room is suitable and whether it can be held for your time. If the answer is unclear, arrange a visit only after speaking with the facility directly at 0984-33-3611.
The city says the public baths are open 7 am–8 pm and the private baths 9 am–8 pm. Shitayu closes on the third Tuesday of each month; a holiday can shift the closure, and the city warns that schedules may change. Reservations are possible but not guaranteed for the requested slot.
The water is heated by natural steam
Shitayu has an indoor bath, a garden-style outdoor bath, a steam bath and the two private rooms. Ebino City classifies the spring as a simple hot spring and explains that cold spring water is heated by natural steam, which dissolves the mineral components. The steam bath is therefore a distinct facility feature, not a conventional electric dry sauna.
The location is on the descent from Ebino Kogen along Prefectural Route 30, a little below Shiratori Onsen Kamiyu. It works well as a stop after a highland outing if you have arranged transport; it is not a station-side bath to add casually to a rail itinerary. For the broader choice between the two Shiratori facilities, see the Kamiyu vs Shitayu comparison. The Ebino Kogen bath guide covers the post-sightseeing decision.
If the care-oriented private bath is the reason for going, make the call before setting off. Confirm the room, session length, admission charges and access details together; the published information is useful, but it does not answer those individual-fit questions.
