The birthplace of hot springs [Shima Onsen

  • Gunma
  • Experience Gifu
Photo by Gugutto Gunma Photo Studio

Shima Onsen is endorsed as good hot water.

Shima Onsen, one of Gunma's representative hot springs, is a small hot spring village surrounded by mountains.
The name "Shima Onsen" is said to have come from an old saying, "Shima Onsen cures Shima's illnesses," and in 1954 it was designated as the first "National Recreational Hot Spring Resort" along with Sangayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture and Nikko Yumoto Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture, and is endorsed for its "good hot water.
Shima Onsen's benefits include relief from fatigue, gastrointestinal diseases, dermatitis, and neuralgia. The gentle, soft water is also popular as a hot spring for beautiful skin, known throughout Japan.
Shima Onsen has a number of public bathhouses, footbaths, and drinking fountains, one of which is Gomuso no Yu, a public bathhouse. It is said to be the birthplace of Shima Onsen, and there is a legend that Sadamitsu Usui, the governor of Hyuga, received an oracle. It is free to use, so why not try the hot water that originated in Shima Onsen?

It is said that the hot water of Shima Onsen is good for the stomach and intestines if drunk. The drinking fountain is free of charge, so you should definitely give it a try.

A bridge where you may meet Kaonashi

And if you visit Shima Onsen, you should not miss Sekizenkan, a hot spring hotel that is said to have served as the model for the Ghibli movie. Founded in Genroku 7, it is Japan's oldest existing wooden bathhouse building and is designated as an important cultural property by the prefecture. The "Genroku no Yu" is also open for one-day bathing.
The red bridge that spans from the hot spring resort to the inn is called "Keiunbashi. Crossing the bridge is like stepping into a movie.
There are many famous sightseeing spots around Shima Onsen, such as Okushiko-shima Lake, Lake Shima, and Shima's potholes, but the hot spring resort town also has many attractions!
Whether you choose to stay overnight and soak in the famous hot spring water, or just visit and explore on a day trip, you are sure to enjoy the elegant Shima Onsen.
Gugutto Gunma official website
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