One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the hot springs! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by local people for a long time? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history. Minamoto-no-yu
Shima Onsen Shonjukan is a quiet inn where you can enjoy hot springs and nature to the fullest.
Shima Onsen Jongjukan is located in Gunma Prefecture, which is known as a hot spring prefecture with easy access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Shima Onsen Shonjukan is a great place to relax and enjoy hot spring baths, where you will be greeted by a shelter cat, Lucky, in the lobby.
It has been called a famous hot spring for the stomach and intestines.
Please tell us about the features and benefits of the hot springs we can enjoy.
Tamura-san, Yumamori The springs are sodium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate springs. In the old days, it was called a gypsum and salt spring. It is clear, colorless, and odorless. The source is naturally gushing within the grounds of the ryokan building, so it is located very close to the bath. This means that the hot spring water poured into the bath is fresh. Onsen water is like a raw product, and we believe that the proportions and properties of its components change over time after it has gushed out. Freshly bubbling hot spring water performs exactly as described in the component analysis report. This fresh, at face value, efficacy of the hot spring is what makes it unique. Physically, the hot spring is gentle to the touch. Although the analysis report shows a variety of benefits, it has long been referred to by guests as a "famous hot spring for the stomach and intestines.
How many baths, including indoor and outdoor baths, are there in the hotel?
We have the following 7 baths.
Hananoyu - Women's bath ・Onoyu - Men's bath ・Gennoyu - This is a large open-air style bath, but it has been available for private use since February 2023. Hot water is drawn directly from the source and naturally flows downstream. It is located on the edge of a mountain about 3 minutes on foot from the entrance, and the surroundings are the atmosphere of the fields and mountains of 40,000.
The private bath - Ancient bath Ichinoyu (stone bathtub) Hot water is directly connected from a fountainhead and is drawn by natural flow - Ancient bath Ninoyu (bathtub of a cypress) Ninoyu is under repair and is closed. It is expected to be completed around March or April. Ancient bath: San-no-yu (bathtub of a hinoki cypress) Yamasan-no-yu in winter
One of the jobs of a hot-spring guardian is to protect the temperature
What is your commitment to temperature?
Yumamori Tamura-san It's about the "hot water temperature. We do not always think that 41°C is always good all year round. Even in the same bath, the temperature feels different in summer and winter. Also, when we think about getting out of the bath, we aim for a much more moderate temperature in summer. In winter, a slightly higher temperature would be more satisfying, but the upper limit is just enough to stay in the bath slowly. The temperature also differs between indoor and outdoor baths. The ideal temperature for outdoor baths in winter is one that is easy to enter and satisfying when you get out, but this is not easy to achieve. We want to adjust the temperature of the water without adding water as much as possible, so we make full use of "small tricks of our ancestors. Yamasan-no-yu in winter
Spend a relaxing time in the hot spring
Do you have any seasonal attractions or ways to enjoy the baths?
Tamura-san, Yumori Spring, from late April to May, is a beautiful time for cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Also, the climate is mild and suitable for taking an open-air bath and strolling around. In February, there used to be a term called "kantouji," which means to take a long, leisurely bath during the cold season. If you want to enjoy the hot springs themselves, winter or early spring is the best time.
Why is it that you do not accept groups and most of your guests are families? Also, do you welcome single guests?
Because the building is made of wood, if groups or groups of people spend time together in a lively atmosphere, it will affect the sound and vibration in the neighboring rooms. Our patrons are usually individual guests who want to spend a relaxing time in the hot spring. We do not accept groups so that they can spend their time leisurely. We also welcome single travelers, as many of those who travel to the hot springs on their own want to spend a relaxing and carefree time in the hot springs, and we believe that our hotel is a good match for solo travelers. Except for weekends during peak season, year-end and New Year's holidays, GW, and Bon vacation periods, we offer single-person accommodations. We also have days when we have a single person stay with no meal plan, so please feel free to make a trip for the purpose of "hot spring life.
Jongjukan's special "Hoba Miso" for breakfast
What can I enjoy for dinner and breakfast respectively?
Tamura-san, Yumori I consider them to be light dishes. There are more vegetable ingredients than lumpy meat. We are conscious of mountain ingredients. Most items are hand-crafted by the chef. Hoba miso (bean paste) for breakfast Also, for breakfast, Hoba Miso is the standard. Hoba miso is a specialty of the Hida region. I once heard that when my predecessor was a child (Meiji - Taisho era), he picked up the leaves of a magnolia tree in the mountains behind our restaurant, chopped up some vegetables and mushrooms he had on hand, put some miso on top, and roasted it on a brazier as a side dish. Remembering this, I went to the Hida region and studied the Hoba Miso by going to several restaurants and ladders. As a result, we decided to make it as a breakfast dish without meat or fish, but with miso as the main ingredient. The aroma of the sweet and sour miso paste burning in the pan whets the appetite, and the rice goes very well with it.
From late April to mid-May is the best time to see Shima Blue.
Shima Blue Do you have any recommendations for places to visit or things to do in Shima Onsen?
Tamura-san, Yumamori I recommend "Oku-Shima Lake" at the back of Shima Onsen for its beautiful scenery at this time of the year. The surrounding fresh greenery and the beautiful blue color of the lake water have been featured on posters and TV commercials, and the lake looks especially nice from late April to mid-May when the water level is also high. It takes about 60 minutes to walk to Okushiman Lake from the hotel, but you can rent a bicycle from the Shima Onsen Association, which is located 6-7 minutes from the hotel. We recommend that you rent a bicycle with an electric power assist. The water of the Shima River is crystal clear, and the word "clear stream" is a perfect description. Please take a moment to stop and look at it when you stroll around.
What is the commitment of the Yumamori?
Lastly, please tell us about your commitment and thoughts as a yumamori and your message to customers.
Tamura-san, the bathhouse keeper We do not use any mechanical devices to adjust the temperature of the water, so it is "hand-controlled". It is affected by temperature and humidity, and the amount of water gushing out can change suddenly due to earthquakes. Since there are several baths and one person is not enough to keep up with the baths, we have a group of bath keepers, headed by me, who take care of the baths. As an aside, when I was down with a "slipped back," it was easy for me to move my body while I was in the bath and for a few hours after I got out of the bath. When my body cools down and my back starts to squeak, I take another bath. In this way, I went to the bath about four times a day, and eventually was able to go through the day without pain. And so it went on for three or four days, and my back became easier. I realized at that moment, "So this is what a hot spring cure is!" I realized at that time. Although it is not limited to our hotel, "real hot springs" that are properly provided have "power. Each hot spring has its own "power," and we invite you to experience it for yourself. To experience the "real onsen" of each area, please go to "Ji-onsen". There is also a drinking fountain in the lobby.
Please visit Shima Onsen Jongjukan!
How was it? This time, we asked for more information about "Shima Onsen Jongjukan" in Gunma Prefecture. Why don't you visit Shima Onsen Jongjukan, where you can enjoy hot springs and rich nature at a leisurely pace, not far from the Tokyo metropolitan area?
Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!
You can make your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Nakanojo Station, approx. 1 minute walk from Yamaguchi bus stop.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
Next time
We will continue to bring you the charms of eastern Japan's "local hot springs" in our series, "The Charms of Local Hot Springs"! Please look forward to the next installment and beyond. For more information about "Ji-onsen", please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview supported by: Jongjukan *All images are for reference only.
