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 method that suits your travel style!

Where is Shima Onsen? Introducing its attractions

Shima Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the northwest of Gunma, 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 water has been gushing out for over 1,000 years.

The name Shima Onsen comes from the legend that the hot springs were bestowed upon the area by a divine oracle that said, "I will bestow 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 a hit among anime fans

Within the hot spring town, there are hot spring inns and scenery reminiscent of Aburaya from 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 shooting galleries. The hot spring town stretches for about 4 km along the valley of the Shima River, 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 during your stroll.

Shima Hot Spring Sekizenkan

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

Beautiful rivers and lakes known as "Shima Blue"

The Shima River that runs 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 amount of light. The waterside environment around Shima Onsen town is called "Shima Blue" in reference to its beautiful blue color. It is a spectacular view that you definitely want to see when you visit 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...

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 transportation to be one of the joys of traveling.

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

If you use the Shinkansen, the travel time is almost the same as the limited express train. If you are traveling by train, we recommend the limited 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 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 there is no need 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 Express" from Ueno Station, you can access Nakanojo Station, the closest station to Shima Onsen, without changing trains. It takes about 2 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 and Shima" are reserved seats, so you will need to purchase a reserved seat limited express ticket in addition to your regular ticket before boarding. Also, there are few trains running, so you should pay attention to the operating hours.

[Route] Ueno Station → Nakanojo Station → Shima Onsen

[Time required] Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes

[Fee] Limited express reserved seat + regular fare 4,530 yen + bus fare 1,050 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 head to Nakanojo Station. From Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for Shima Onsen for about 40 minutes.

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

[Time required] Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

[Fee] Shinkansen unreserved seat + regular fare 5,150 yen + bus fare 1,050 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 don't want to bother with transferring trains.

The highway bus will take you directly from the boarding point to Shima Onsen. You can board from Tokyo Station and Kawagoe Station. There are few buses running, but once you're on board, all you have to do is get off at the last stop, Shima Onsen, so it's easy to understand and convenient.

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

[Fee] From Tokyo Station to Shima Onsen: 3,500 yen (one way) From Kawagoe Station to Shima Onsen: 3,100 yen (one way)

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

Book tickets to Shima Onsen from Tokyo Station or Kawagoe Station

Find the transportation method that suits your travel style!

As mentioned above, there are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Shima Onsen, including trains and express buses.

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 a comfortable journey and the scenery from the window, we recommend the train.

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

*Prices are current as of December 2024 and are subject to change.

For more information about Shima Onsen, click here