Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is a famous hot spring resort about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Tokyo. Surrounded by lush natural landscapes, it features nice traditional Ryokan inns that showcase the beautiful rural Japanese countryside.

The name “Shima,” meaning “forty thousand,” comes from the legend that its waters can cure 40,000 illnesses, highlighting the healing properties of its hot springs.

One captivating feature is “Shima Blue,” the stunning azure hue of its lakes and rivers—visitors often paddleboard or canoe on the crystal-clear waters, immersing themselves in the area’s serene beauty. Among the traditional ryokans, Sekizenkan stands out as one of Japan’s oldest wooden hot spring inns, and it is said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. The illuminated inn and its iconic red bridge offer a magical ambiance, especially in the evening.

You can reach Shima Onsen from Tokyo by either train, car, or highway bus. By train, take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line, and get off at Nakanojo Station. From there, take a bus or taxi. This journey is about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, there is a direct highway bus from Tokyo to Shima Onsen, which takes around 4 hours. Both routes are on the way to other popular onsen destinations like Kusatsu Onsen and Kawarayu Onsen, making Shima Onsen a perfect addition to your itinerary.