A charming retro hot spring town! How to get to Shima Onsen from Tokyo

• Table of Contents
• Where is Shima Onsen? Introducing its attractions
• How to get to Shima Onsen from Tokyo by train
• How to get from Tokyo to Shima Onsen by highway bus
• Find the transportation that suits your travel style!

Where is Shima Onsen? Introducing its attractions

Shima Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. It is popular for its retro hot spring town and activities that allow you to enjoy the beautiful nature. It is known that hot springs have been gushing out for over 1,000 years.

The name Shima Onsen comes from the legend that the hot springs were bestowed upon the people by a divine oracle that said, "I will bestow upon you a sacred spring that will heal 40,000 illnesses."

It has long been said that drinking it is good for the stomach and intestines, and bathing in it is good for the skin.

A retro hot spring town that's popular with anime fans

Within the hot spring town, there are hot spring inns and scenery reminiscent of the bathhouse in the Ghibli film "Spirited Away," making it a popular photo spot. There are also shops where you can enjoy traditional hot spring town games such as smart ball and target practice. The hot spring town stretches for about 4km along the Shima River valley, so you can enjoy exploring on foot or renting a bicycle to get around.

Of course, there are also restaurants in the hot spring town where you can enjoy local gourmet food, so you can fill your stomach while you're strolling around.

Shima Hot Spring Sekizenkan

Sekizen Onsen, Nakanojo Town, Kamitsuma District, Gunma Prefecture 377...

Beautiful rivers and lakes known as "Shiman Blue"

The Shima River that flows along the hot spring town is clear and beautiful, and Lake Okushima, located at the very back of the hot spring town, is a fascinating lake whose surface changes color depending on the light. The waterside environment around Shima Hot Springs town has been nicknamed "Shima Blue" in reference to its beautiful blue color. It is a spectacular view that you definitely want to see when visiting Shima Onsen.

Lake Okushima

3770601 Shima, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Located at the very back of Shima Onsen, Lake Okushima is a dam lake created by the Shima River Dam, with a circumference of 4km. The water here has a mysterious and mysterious blue color. Recently, it has been attracting attention as "Shima Blue." It is said that the clearer the water, the more it reflects the blue color, which is proof that the water is transparent. In addition to the beauty of this water, it is said that it looks blue because of the mixture of minerals and other components. This Shima Blue shows various expressions depending on the location, season, weather, and time of day. The blue is especially beautiful from April to May when meltwater flows into the lake, and you can see an even more beautiful color. It is also recommended to visit in the morning on a sunny day when the sun is shining on the lake surface. You can also enjoy canoeing on the lake surface. The autumn leaves at Lake Okushima are from mid-October to early November.

How to get to Shima Onsen from Tokyo by train

"I want to enjoy the scenery from the train window!" This is recommended for those who consider travel to be one of the joys of traveling.

There are two ways to get from Tokyo to Shima Onsen by train: by Shinkansen and conventional trains, or by express train.

If you use the Shinkansen, the journey time is almost the same as the express train. If you are traveling by train, we recommend taking the express train to the nearest station, Nakanojo Station, without changing trains. The local bus from Nakanojo Station to Shima Onsen runs according to the train's arrival time. Nakanojo Station has only one exit, and as soon as you leave the exit, there is a roundabout where the bus stops, so you don't have to worry about getting lost.

Tickets can be purchased at the Midori no Madoguchi (Green Window) or vending machines inside the station, or in advance online.

Purchase JR tickets here

If you take the express train from Ueno Station

If you take the "Kusatsu-Shima Limited Express" from Ueno Station, you can get to Nakanojo Station, the nearest station to Shima Onsen, without changing trains. It takes about two hours from Ueno Station to Nakanojo Station. From Nakanojo Station to Shima Onsen, it takes about 40 minutes by bus bound for Shima Onsen.

Please note that all seats on the "Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima" are reserved seats, so you will need to purchase a reserved seat express ticket in addition to your regular ticket before boarding. Also, there are few trains running, so you should pay attention to the operating times.

[Route] Ueno Station → Nakanojo Station → Shima Onsen

[Time required] Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes

[Fare] Limited express reserved seat + regular fare 4,530 yen + bus fare 1,150 yen (reserved seat fare is for regular season)

*Reserved seat prices vary depending on the season.

For more information about the Kusatsu-Shima Express, click here

From Tokyo Station by Shinkansen and conventional trains

From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station. From Takasaki Station, transfer to the Agatsuma Line and get off at Nakanojo Station. From Nakanojo Station, take a bus bound for Shima Onsen. It takes about 40 minutes.

[Route] Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station → Nakanojo Station → Shima Onsen

[Time required] Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

[Fare] Shinkansen unreserved seat + regular fare 5,260 yen + bus fare 1,150 yen

How to get from Tokyo to Shima Onsen by highway bus

This is recommended for those who are visiting Shima Onsen for the first time or who find it troublesome to transfer.

The express bus will take you directly to Shima Onsen from the boarding point. You can board from Tokyo Station. There are not many buses running, but once you're on board, all you have to do is get off at the last stop, Shima Onsen, making it easy to understand and convenient.

[Travel time] Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Shima Onsen

[Fare] One way from Tokyo Station to Shima Onsen: 3,500 yen

Advance ticket purchase is required. Please purchase your ticket from one month prior to your planned travel date by 4:00 PM on the day before.

Book tickets to Shima Onsen from Tokyo Station

Find the transportation that suits your travel style!

As mentioned above, there are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Shima Onsen, including by train or express bus.

Although it will take a little longer, if you prefer an easy way to travel without having to transfer, we recommend the express bus. If you want to enjoy the comfort of your journey and the scenery from the window, we recommend the train.

Find a mode of transportation that suits your itinerary, budget, and travel style, and have fun.

*Prices are current as of December 2025 and are subject to change.

For more information about Shima Onsen, click here