Journey to Shima, Hidden Gem in Gunma

Surrounded by Nature

Nestled in the Joshin'etsu National Park, Shima Onsen is surrounded by natural beauty, including the mystical Oku-Shima Lake, Shima River, and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy activities like canoeing on Oku-Shima Lake and canyoning in the Shima River. The area also boasts new cafes and bakeries featuring local ingredients.

Shima Onsen is recognized as the first "National Health Resort" in Japan, renowned for its healing waters that are said to cure 40,000 ailments. Known as a rejuvenating retreat, Shima Onsen offers a perfect escape to soothe your daily fatigue. Shima is an oasis in the heart of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This serene hot spring area is filled with the sounds of nature and tranquility.

Shima Onsen and surrounding areas provide abundant hiking opportunities; from easy walking trails all the way to proper multi hour itineraries. See our Sightseeing Spots and Activities section for more.

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History

Shima’s hot springs began in the 700s and are among the most esteemed in Japan. The name "Shima" (and its kanji) is thought to derive from its ability to heal 40,000 ailments. With 42 sources, the springs are known for their sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate waters, recognized as one of Japan’s top three hot springs for digestive health.

Historically loved as a hot spring resort, Shima is steeped in legend dating back to the era of Emperor Kanmu, with stories of General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro bathing here during his conquests. In modern times, literary figures like Yukichi Fukuzawa, Akiko Yosano, and Osamu Dazai frequently visited, cementing Shima's status as a beloved hot spring destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Hot Springs

Hot spring qualities

The springs of Shima Onsen are particularly beneficial for cuts, neuralgia, and recovery from fatigue. The water is classified as "sodium-calcium chloride sulfate springs (low tonic neutral high-temperature springs)." Drinking the water is also believed to aid in digestive issues, with public drinking spots and several inns providing their own sources.

Key Hot Springs for Day Use:

  1. Kawara no Yu: A communal bath available for day use.
  2. Kamino Yu: Another communal bath open for day visitors.
  3. Town-operated Shima Seiryu no Yu: A public bathhouse accessible for day use.
  4. Sekizenkan Main Building: Offers day-use hot springs and private baths.
  5. Shima Yamaguchi-kan: Features day-use hot springs, private baths, and rooms with open-air baths.
  6. Yunoyado Yamabato: Available for day use with private baths and in-room dining.
  7. Nakamise-kan: Provides day-use hot springs and accommodations for solo travelers.
  8. Kanazuki Kiseki no Yu Tsuruya: Offers day-use hot springs, private baths, and open-air baths.
  9. Onsen Sanmai no Yado Shima Tamura: Known for day-use hot springs and private baths.
  10. Shima Grand Hotel: Features day-use hot springs and rooms with open-air baths.
  11. Ayameya Ryokan: Day-use hot springs, private baths, and in-room dining.
  12. Hatsushiro Ryokan: Available for day use with private baths and accommodations for solo travelers.
  13. Mikiya Ryokan: Offers day-use hot springs and private baths.
  14. National Lodge Shima Yuzurihaso: Provides day-use hot springs.
  15. Minshuku Yama no Ryokan: Offers day-use hot springs and accommodations for solo travelers.
  16. Karasawaya Ryokan: Day-use hot springs, private baths, and in-room dining.

Enjoy Hot Springs and Dining

Shima Onsen boasts numerous inns offering high-quality hot springs, including open-air baths, private open-air baths, and rooms with hot springs. These inns also offer day-use plans that include meals, allowing visitors to enjoy a delightful combination of hot springs and local cuisine. Reservations are recommended to confirm availability and specific offerings.

Tsuruya: A secluded inn with private hot springs in every room, offering a range of baths including open-air and family baths.

Shimablue: Japan's first glamping spot with hot springs, featuring private BBQ terraces and optional private saunas.

Kashiwaya Ryokan: A retro, modern inn popular with women, offering private open-air baths and flexible breakfast options.

Izumiya: An adult hideaway with only five rooms, known for its private hot springs and locally sourced cuisine.

Shima-Onsen Toshimaya: Historic inn with three private hot spring sources, offering 100% natural spring water baths.

Shima Tamura: Established in 1563, this inn features seven hot spring sources and a variety of bath experiences.

Shima Grand Hotel: The largest inn in Shima Onsen, ideal for families and groups, with a popular buffet and various room types.

Yoshimoto: A quiet retreat with exquisite local cuisine, located in the serene Yuzuriha district.

L’ATELIER-BLEU: A lakeside café offering home-roasted coffee, blue herbal tea, and a footbath with stunning views of Oku-Shima Lake.

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Sightseeing spots & Activities

Natural Beauty

Oku-Shima Lake

Located at the far end of Shima Onsen, Oku-Shima Lake is a 4 km circumference dam lake created by the Shima River Dam. The water here is mysteriously blue, known as "Shima Blue." The clear blue water reflects its purity, enhanced by minerals. The best time to see this beautiful blue is from April to May when the snow melts. You can drive around the lake and enjoy canoeing, as showcased by actress Sayuri Yoshinaga in a JR East commercial. The autumn leaves are best viewed from mid-October to early November.

Maya Falls

At the far end of Shima Onsen, Maya Falls drops about 20 meters. It is a legendary spot known as a place where a beautiful maiden, Maya Hime, met a noble young man, making it a love power spot. A 1.8 km walking trail from the entrance to the falls has remnants of an old logging trolley rail.

Koizumi Falls and Oizumi Falls

These two waterfalls, located about 100 meters apart, are beautiful spots, especially in autumn. Koizumi Falls once had a teahouse where travelers were served tea. Oizumi Falls is now accessible via a well-maintained walking path, offering a serene spot for relaxation.

Ogura Falls

A beautiful waterfall known for its multiple streams and cool water sounds. It’s a 2.5 km hike, recommended with sturdy shoes due to steep slopes.

Crystal Mountain

At 900 meters, Crystal Mountain is known for its crystal-containing rocks that glitter in the sunlight. It offers a two-hour round-trip hike with views of Shima Onsen’s new hot spring area.

Yamaguchi River Sound Foot Bath

Located in the Yamaguchi area, this foot bath along the river is a relaxing spot with a scenic view. It was once an open-air bath and is now a foot bath accessible from 9:00 to 17:00, closed in winter.

Potholes

Natural formations in the riverbed, these giant holes were created over thousands of years by the movement of stones and water. The largest reaches 8 meters in diameter and 3.2 meters in depth.

Momotaro Falls and Kamamga-fuchi

Momotaro Falls is named for its peach-like shape. Downstream, Kamamga-fuchi used to be a popular scenic spot but has seen fewer visitors due to reduced water flow from a nearby power station.

Shakunage Falls

Located near the Oku-Shima Lake loop road and the Inakuri Mountain hiking trail entrance, Shakunage Falls is surrounded by rhododendrons, offering a picturesque spot for viewing the falls.

Historical Places of Interest

Hyugami Yakushido

Built in 989, this shrine was erected by Usui Sadamitsu, a retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, who received a divine message in a dream about the hot springs curing diseases. The current building, established in 1598, is an Important Cultural Property, featuring a dragon with multiple small legs painted on the ceiling, symbolizing military success.

Sekizenkan

Dating back to 1694, Sekizenkan is the oldest existing hot spring inn in Japan, designated an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture. It is said to be one of the models for the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki's film "Spirited Away."

Inakuri Shrine

At the summit of Inakuri Mountain (1,597 meters), this shrine is revered for its connection to water sources and features a tradition of a mountain-opening ceremony involving local children.

Miyuji-an Marutaka

Once a stationery and fishing tackle shop, this building has been converted into a free town museum showcasing the history of Shima Onsen and nostalgic items from the Showa era.

Access

To get to Shima Onsen from Tokyo, follow these steps:

  1. Train to Takasaki:

    • Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

  2. Train to Nakanojo:

    • From Takasaki Station, transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line and take a local train to Nakanojo Station. This leg of the trip takes approximately 1 hour.

  3. Bus to Shima Onsen:

    • From Nakanojo Station, take a bus to Shima Onsen. The bus ride is about 40 minutes. Buses are operated by Kan-etsu Kotsu and run several times a day.

Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Tokyo to Shima Onsen, which may be more convenient, but please check our app for the schedule.

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