Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen is a quiet, remote resort that is home to the ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that is rumored to have served as inspiration for Spirited Away, the cult animation by Studio Ghibli. The town evokes a feeling of old Japan. The mineral-rich onsen water in Shima is purported to be beneficial for your health. The Shima Seiryu no Yu is a public bath in Shima Onsen, known for its picturesque open-air bath overlooking Shima River. Nearby, kayak the bright blue water of Lake Shima and explore the Shima River’s waterfalls, set against a mountainous backdrop.

See & Do

Relaxation

Explore the quiet streets of this quaint onsen town. The water of Shima Onsen is purported to have healing properties, and bathing in these mineral-rich waters is indisputably rejuvenating. Take in the area's charm as you hop from one onsen to another.

Nature & Outdoors

Lake Shima

This reservoir lake is known for its naturally vivid, cobalt blue water. To see it at its best, take to the water in a kayak. From this vantage point, you can best appreciate the surrounding greenery, which provides contrast with the blue lake. The lake's color is particularly intense in April and May.

Nature & Outdoors

Shima Potholes

Shima Potholes are a cluster of eight smooth holes in the riverbed. They were created by thousands of years of erosion, as stones circled in the same spot and gradually carved out a dip—one of them is now 2.9 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep. This picturesque spot is a short hike from Momotaro Waterfall, just a kilometer upstream.

Nature & Outdoors

Lake Okushima

Lake Okushima is a remote reservoir lake for the Shimagawa Dam. The lake is located deep in the wilderness and surrounded by forested mountains. Its intensely blue water is particularly striking on a sunny day. Walk the hiking trail around the lake or relax with a dip in a public bath in nearby Shima Onsen.

Relaxation

Shima Seiryu no Yu

Enjoy both the natural scenery and the mineral-rich onsen water of Shima at Seiryu no Yu. The facility has large indoor baths, but its open-air baths (rotenburo) are the main draw. The women’s bath has views of the neighboring mountains, while the men’s has views over the Shima River.

When to Visit

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

When the greenery of spring starts to emerge, the natural cobalt blue of Lake Shima and Lake Okushima is at its most vivid. Explore Shima's incredible scenery by day and relax in the baths of Shima Onsen, a traditional onsen resort, in the evening.

Getting Around

Beyond Shima Onsen’s main town, which is small and easy to walk around, the rest of Shima is quite spread out and remote. You can access some spots by local train or bus, but to fully explore the area, it is best to rent a car.

Renting a Car

Shima is remote, and although it’s possible to explore the area by foot and limited public transport, renting a car allows you to access its farthest reaches. Rent a car from Takasaki Station and drive the last leg to Shima Onsen. Book in advance to secure your vehicle.

Travel Tips

Shima’s summers are warm, with high temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. Winter conditions are cold and windy, with average lows of about -3 degrees. It rarely snows in the winter, but the roads can be icy, so you need snow tires if you're driving a rental car.

There are very few ATMs in Shima, so withdraw cash before you travel to the area. Many places take cards, but it’s a good idea to have some cash, too.

Shima Tourism Association provides information about Shima to help you optimize your time in the area.

Nakanojo Station, on the way to Shima Onsen, provides coin lockers in which you can store your luggage.

Most of Shima's accommodation facilities and some onsen areas provide free Wi-Fi. To be sure you can stay connected, buy a pre-paid SIM card or organize a pocket Wi-Fi rental on arrival in Japan.