Written by Jane Pipkin
Shima Onsen is renowned as one of Gunma’s most famous hot-spring destinations, along with Kusatsu and Ikaho.
The village is nestled along the upper reaches of the Shima River and surrounded by mountains. With its traditional town charm and rejuvenating hot-spring waters, Shima Onsen offers the perfect weekend getaway. If you love nature, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, from exploring beautiful waterfalls to going on canoeing adventures.
You can choose from 35 Japanese-style inns, and travelers most often pick Sekizenkan Ryokan, which many say inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Jōetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen for a 50-minute ride to Takasaki Station. At Takasaki, transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line for a 60-minute train ride to Nakanojo Station. Finally, from Nakanojo Station, take a 40-minute bus to the Shima Onsen Bus Stop.
