Japan is known as a “hot spring paradise,” boasting one of the largest numbers of hot spring sources in the world.
Among them, Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture stands out as a destination where tranquility, pristine water, and deep history come together.
With over a thousand years of history, this renowned hot spring has long been said to “heal forty thousand ailments.”
The beautiful Shima Blue rivers and lakes, the nostalgic charm of wooden ryokan, and the gentle sound of flowing hot spring water…
Here, you can feel the true essence of healing that Japan—the great hot spring nation—has cultivated over centuries.
This article introduces the highlights of Shima Onsen.
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- What Is Shima Onsen?A Healing Hot Spring Nurtured by Japan, the Land of Onsen
- How to Access Shima Onsen from Tokyo
- Popular Sightseeing Spots in Shima Onsen
- Nature Spots in Shima Onsen
- Exploring Historic Temples and Shrines
- Free Hot Springs, Footbaths, and Drinking Springs | Enjoying Traditional Onsen Culture
- Onsen Town Gourmet
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Shima Onsen
- Summary
What Is Shima Onsen?
A Healing Hot Spring Nurtured by Japan, the Land of Onsen
Shima Onsen, located in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture, is a historic hot spring area that has long flourished as a healing retreat.
It is especially famous for its highly transparent, vividly blue water known as “Shima Blue,” a breathtaking sight that captivates every visitor.
The hot spring town stretches through the mountains, offering a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place for those who want to unwind from their travels and relax while being surrounded by nature.
How to Access Shima Onsen from Tokyo
① Limited Express Train + Local Bus
Tokyo Station → (Limited Express Kusatsu/Shima) → Nakanojo Station → Bus → Shima Onsen
Travel time: approx. 2 hrs 30 min
Approx. 40 min by bus from Nakanojo Station
② Highway Bus (Direct from Tokyo Station) — Recommended
Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit → Shima Onsen
Travel time: approx. 3 hrs 30 min
No transfers — easy and affordable
Popular Sightseeing Spots in Shima Onsen
• Sekizenkan (Main Building)
A historic wooden ryokan that serves as the symbol of Shima Onsen. It is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn architecture in Japan. The atmosphere feels as if you’ve stepped into a Studio Ghibli world, and both the exterior and interior hold remarkable historical value.
The red bridge and the traditional building look completely different by day and night, making it a highly popular photo spot.
• Strolling Through the Onsen Town
Small shops, cafés, and ryokan line the streets, creating a nostalgic, retro Japanese atmosphere.
Most places close in the evening, so it’s best to enjoy dinner at your ryokan and spend a relaxing night there.
Nature Spots in Shima Onsen
• Shimagawa Dam (Oku-Shima Lake)
The clear, vibrant blue water is created by sunlight reflecting off the minerals from the hot springs.
The color of the water changes depending on the weather, so you can enjoy a different view every time you visit.
• Oizumi Falls
A quietly hidden waterfall nestled in the forest.
The sound of the falling water and the refreshing negative ions help clear your mind and body.
• Riverside Area Near the Bus Stop
The difference in the blue color of the water is striking between sunny and cloudy moments.
Exploring Historic Temples and Shrines
• Hyugami Yakushidō (National Important Cultural Property)
A Yakushi Hall said to have been founded in the Heian period.
It is considered the spiritual birthplace of Shima Onsen.
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• Yakuōji Temple
A calm and peaceful temple located within the hot spring town, perfect for a quick stop during a stroll.
The temple itself is small, but it has a charming atmosphere and offers a sense of Japan’s history.
• Inatsutsumi Shrine
A hidden spiritual spot surrounded by nature, known for its serene and solemn atmosphere.
Cute Japanese shrine figurines
Free Hot Springs, Footbaths, and Drinking Springs | Enjoying Traditional Onsen Culture
• Free Public Hot Springs (Kawara no Yu, Kami no Yu, Yunokoshio, etc.)
These are communal baths unique to Shima Onsen, available for free or on a donation basis.
I visited Yunokoshio, said to be the birthplace of Shima Onsen, but the water was so hot that I couldn’t get in.
Give it a try yourself—you might have better luck! (lol)
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• Footbaths
Footbaths can be found throughout the hot spring town and are easy to enjoy while taking a walk.
At Mori no Ashiyu, free towels are provided, so you can stop by even without bringing anything.
It also serves as a drinking spring, where you can taste the hot spring water.
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• Drinking Spring (Drinkable Onsen Water)
You can experience drinking hot spring water, which is said to be beneficial for the digestive system.
It had a warm, gentle taste.
It’s a perfect little memory to take from your trip.
Onsen Town Gourmet
Shima Onsen is not a flashy tourist destination; instead, it features many calm, traditional-style eateries—old-fashioned diners, soba shops, set-meal restaurants, cafés, Western-style restaurants, and manju sweets shops.
Soba is a food that reflects the quality of the water directly. Since the water in Shima Onsen is incredibly pure, the aroma of the soba stands out, the texture is smooth, and the flavor of the broth comes through cleanly.
I had soba during my visit, and the gentle broth and fragrant noodles were absolutely exceptional.
I also found a shop selling yaki-manjū during my walk, and it was absolutely delicious.
The buns were fluffy and moist, coated with the shop’s secret sweet miso sauce, then grilled over charcoal until perfectly fragrant.
Be sure to stop by and try them if you visit.
Click here if you want to eat Japanese soba noodles
There are also restaurants that serve river fish and eel, offering many dishes that make the most of the area’s delicious, high-quality water.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Shima Onsen
・Since you’ll be walking most of the time in the hot spring town, wear comfortable shoes.
・The blue color of Oku-Shima Lake is deeper in the morning.
・It’s an ideal summer retreat, but in winter snow and ice are common, so warm clothing is essential.
・There are few restaurants in the town, so breakfast and dinner are typically provided at your ryokan.
Summary
Shima Onsen is a hot spring destination that offers it all:
the stunning Shima Blue scenery, traditional onsen culture such as free public baths and drinkable springs, the nostalgic charm of wooden ryokan like Sekizenkan, and the tranquility of forests and clear waters.
It is truly a hot spring town dedicated to healing.
For anyone wanting to escape the noise of the city and restore themselves in Japan’s deep natural quiet,
Shima Onsen is an unbeatable travel destination.
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