Direct from Tokyo Station by Highway Bus! 3 Must-Visit Hot Springs in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture
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Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is one of Japan's proud hot springs and was designated as the first national hot spring resort. The biggest attraction is the high-quality spring water, which is said to be a spiritual spring that heals 40,000 illnesses. We would like to introduce you to the charm of ...
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National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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Table of Contents
- The charm of Shima Onsen with its nostalgic atmosphere
- The quality of the spring water is said to be ``a spiritual spring that heals 40,000 illnesses.''
- [One-day hot spring] “Gomusou no Yu”, the birthplace of Shima Onsen
- [One-day hot spring] Enjoy the high-quality architecture and hot springs at the long-established “Sekizenkan”
- [Accommodation] Enjoy 3 private open-air baths! "Kashiwaya Ryokan"
- Points to enjoy Shima Onsen
- How to access Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture
Please also check out this article for information on recommended gourmet food and tourist spots in Shima Onsen.
The charm of Shima Onsen with its nostalgic atmosphere
Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring country with many hot spring areas such as Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen. Among these, Shima Onsen, which is located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and spreads along the clear Shima River, is attractive for its Showa-era retro townscape and the high quality of its spring water, which is not often seen as a tourist destination.
The quality of the spring water is said to be ``a spiritual spring that heals 40,000 illnesses.''
Due to its excellent spring quality, Shima Onsen has been designated as a national recreational hot spring area . The quality of the spring water is ``sodium/calcium-chloride/sulfate spring (weak saline spring)'', and you will feel a slight salty taste when you drink it. It is said to be effective for gastrointestinal diseases, neuralgia, and rheumatism, and is also known as a hot spring that does not easily cool you down due to the heat-retaining effect of the salt.
Shima Onsen is also characterized by the fact that most of its sources are natural. Although there are various theories, one theory is that Sakanoue Tamuramaro, a general of the Conquerors during the era of Emperor Kanmu (737-806), took a bath in this area, which indicates that there was an abundance of hot springs gushing out from ancient times. . From here, we will introduce recommended spots you should visit at Shima Onsen.
[One-day hot spring] “Gomusou no Yu”, the birthplace of Shima Onsen
A communal hot spring located in the Hinatami district, a little further inside Shima Onsen. It is also a place where there is a legend that a long time ago, a mountain god who had a dream come true and said, ``I will give you a spiritual spring that will heal 40,000 illnesses,'' and when you woke up, the hot spring was gushing out from under your pillow.
The wooden and bathhouse-style buildings also have a nice atmosphere! This is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the view from the large windows of the indoor bath, which has a bathtub carved out of stone.
“Hinatami Yakushi Footbath” is right in front of your eyes.
Hinatami Yakushido and footbath are right next to Gomuso no Yu. The temple was built to commemorate the birth of the hot springs, and is said to be where Yakushi Nyorai, who is said to be able to cure all ailments, is enshrined as the hot springs healed injuries and illnesses. It might be a good idea to visit the hot springs after visiting Yakushido.
[One-day hot spring] Enjoy the high-quality architecture and hot springs at the long-established “Sekizenkan”
Sekizenkan, located in the Shinyu district, is a long-established inn founded in 1694 (Genroku 7). As Japan's oldest and rare hot spring inn building, it has also been designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture. In addition to staying overnight, we also offer day-trip bathing, so be sure to give it a visit.
On the red bridge leading to the inn, there is a stately building... Expectations are high for the exterior, which is reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's ``Spirited Away.'' Call the receptionist, pay the 1500 yen day trip bathing fee (face towel and toothbrush included), and head to the hot spring!
Genroku no Yu (Important Cultural Property) was built in 1930. Five stone bathtubs are lined up in the hall-style bathroom, which lets in plenty of light from outside, and hot water gushes out from the bottom of the bathtubs. (Because large bathtubs were not common at that time)
Another attraction is that you can enjoy hot spring architecture from the early Showa period, such as the ``steam bath'' which is said to be the origin of baths, and the architecture where the dressing room and bathroom were integrated. After bathing, it might be a good idea to relax in the footbath or after-bath area.
[Accommodation] Enjoy 3 private open-air baths! "Kashiwaya Ryokan"
Kashiwaya Ryokan , which has a modern Japanese atmosphere, is a place where you can enjoy hot springs while staying overnight. There are three private open-air baths that guests can use free of charge, so you can enjoy bathing in a private space without worrying about anyone seeing you.
The large public bath with beautiful light shining through the stained glass has an open and attractive feel. There are so many baths that you might want to take a bath in, so it can be confusing.
Points to enjoy Shima Onsen
Shima Onsen is said to be good for your stomach if you drink it, and good for your skin if you bathe in it. Along with bathing, we also recommend enjoying drinking hot springs and footbaths. Let's enjoy the splendor of the spring quality with all five senses!
Yuzuri is a drinking fountain
The octagonal building in front of the former Kokuminshuku Yuzuriha-sho is a landmark! The inside is spacious, and you can enjoy drinking the hot spring water while relaxing on the bench.
Shionoyu drinking spring
A drinking fountain located in the Kirinokihira shopping street. As the name suggests, the spring water has a slightly salty taste.
How to access Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture
To get to Shima Onsen from Tokyo, you can take a direct bus or use a combination of several transportation methods. Choose the route that fits your budget and schedule.
① If you go by express bus from Tokyo
If you want to go to Shima Onsen directly from Tokyo, we recommend the express bus. The Shima Onsen train from Tokyo Station costs 3,350 yen one way (6,000 yen for a round trip) and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours to go directly to Shima Onsen. The inside of the train is equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB ports, so you can spend your time comfortably.
② If you go from Tokyo by Shinkansen, train, or bus
If you want to get there in the shortest possible time, we recommend a combination of Shinkansen, train, or bus. From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, transfer to the Azuma Line, get off at Nakanojo Station, and take the Kanetsu Kotsu bus bound for Shima Onsen from bus stop 1 in front of the station, which will take 2 hours and 30 minutes. It will arrive in about an hour. (The price is about 7,000 yen)
Shima Onsen can be enjoyed even for one night or two days in combination with other hot springs in Gunma Prefecture. Please come and visit us!
National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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