The ancient hot spring town of Nakanojo delivers authentic Japanese hospitality through its top-notch ryokans (traditional inns). Our favorite stays include the historic Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso, with its century-old wooden architecture and magical footbridge. Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan wins us over with its private hot spring baths and superb kaiseki meals. The intimate Shima-Onsen Toshimaya offers the best value, combining excellent service with mountain views.
The comfortable Shima Yamaguchikan, welcoming Shima Onsen Yoshimoto, and peaceful Hinatamikan round out the best lodging options. Each provides clean rooms, natural hot springs, and home-cooked Japanese cuisine.
Let’s explore these outstanding ryokans in detail.
Good To Know
- Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso is a historical ryokan with over 300 years of history, offering air-conditioned rooms with private onsen and open-air baths.
- Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan provides a traditional hot springs experience with 14 rooms, three private open-air onsens, and highly praised kaiseki dinner.
- Shima-Onsen Toshimaya is a traditional Japanese inn in Nakanojo town, offering various room types, including those with open-air baths and deluxe suites.
- Shima Yamaguchikan offers scenic river views, spacious guest rooms, and multiple public baths, known for its peaceful ambiance and delicious meals.
- Shima Onsen Yoshimoto and Hinatamikan are highly-rated ryokans in Nakanojo, praised for their staff friendliness, cleanliness, comfort, and delicious meals from local ingredients.
Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso
Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso is a historical ryokan boasting over 300 years of history in Shima Onsen.
Located 36 km from Ishidan-gai Steps and 49 km from Naeba Ski Resort, this exceptional property is rated 9.6/10 based on 248 reviews.
The ryokan offers air-conditioned rooms with private onsen, open-air baths, and shared bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi, private parking, and on-site amenities like a hot spring bath, public bath, and massage chair.
The ryokan is praised for its impeccable staff service, cleanliness, comfort, and dining.
Situated in a geothermal area, Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso provides a serene getaway, accessible from Tokyo via express train and bus.
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Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan
A highly-rated ryokan in Shima Onsen, Kashiwaya Ryokan offers guests a traditional hot springs experience with modern comforts.
Boasting an excellent location near a bus stop and surrounded by nature, the ryokan features 14 rooms, including options with balconies. Guests can enjoy three private open-air onsens, a public bath, and a hot spring bath.
The ryokan’s cuisine is a highlight, with rave reviews for the kaiseki dinner and traditional Japanese breakfast.
Situated in a geothermal area, the property offers activities like cycling, hiking, and canoeing.
Guests praise the exceptional hospitality, cleanliness, and warm welcome, recommending at least a two-night stay to fully experience the ryokan and its surroundings.
The ryokan welcomes guests with tattoos, ensuring a comfortable onsen experience.
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Shima-Onsen Toshimaya
Situated in the Gunma prefecture’s Nakanojo town, Shima-Onsen Toshimaya offers guests a traditional Japanese inn experience.
This highly-rated accommodation boasts an excellent 9.1/10 location score from 75 reviews, with easy access to popular attractions like Naeba Ski Resort and Ishidan-gai Steps.
Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including Japanese-style rooms with open-air baths and deluxe suites with tatami areas.
On-site facilities include free WiFi, parking, public baths, and outdoor hot springs.
Visitors praise the delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine served for breakfast.
With an impressive overall rating of 8.9/10, Shima-Onsen Toshimaya stands out for its friendly staff, clean accommodations, and excellent value.
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Shima Yamaguchikan
Located in the same Nakanojo town as the previously discussed Shima-Onsen Toshimaya, Shima Yamaguchikan offers another highly regarded ryokan experience for visitors to the Shima Onsen area.
This 8.4/10 rated ryokan boasts scenic river views, spacious guest rooms, and multiple public baths. Guests praise the property’s cleanliness, amenities, and hospitable staff.
Room options include Japanese-style quadruple rooms, superior twin rooms, and suites with river views. In-room features like air conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms ensure comfort.
While children and pets aren’t allowed, the ryokan’s peaceful ambiance and delicious meals create a serene getaway.
With free parking, Wi-Fi, and proximity to attractions like Naeba Ski Resort, Shima Yamaguchikan is an excellent choice for those seeking a traditional Japanese lodging experience.
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Shima Onsen Yoshimoto
As one of the top-rated ryokans in the Shima Onsen area, Shima Onsen Yoshimoto offers guests an exceptional lodging experience.
Located just 23 miles from the Ishidan-gai Steps, this ryokan sits in a geothermal area with numerous hot springs, making it a popular destination for cycling enthusiasts.
Featuring a variety of room types, including family rooms and Japanese-style accommodations, Shima Onsen Yoshimoto provides free parking, Wi-Fi, and access to onsen facilities.
Guests can savor Asian breakfasts and meals served in their rooms, while the property’s friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere create a balanced blend of tradition and modernity.
With high guest ratings for its facilities, cleanliness, and comfort, Shima Onsen Yoshimoto is an excellent choice for those seeking a rejuvenating stay in the heart of Japan’s geothermal region.
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Hinatamikan
Hinatamikan, a 3-star ryokan, offers guests an exceptional lodging experience in the geothermal region of Nakanojo, Gunma.
Situated approximately 24 miles from Ishidan-gai Steps and 90 miles from Matsumoto Airport, the ryokan features an exceptional location, rated 9.1/10 by guests.
The property provides various room types with traditional tatami flooring, air conditioning, and shared bathrooms.
Key amenities include free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and hot spring baths.
Recent guests have rated Hinatamikan exceptionally high, praising the cleanliness, staff friendliness, and comfort.
The delicious meals made from local ingredients and the relaxing atmosphere of the private hot spring baths have also received high praise.
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The Sum Up
Shima Onsen offers a range of traditional ryokans, each with its own unique charm. Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso and Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan are renowned for their luxurious accommodations and stunning natural settings. Shima-Onsen Toshimaya and Shima Yamaguchikan provide more budget-friendly options, while Shima Onsen Yoshimoto and Hinatamikan offer cozy and intimate experiences. Visitors can enjoy the region’s famous hot springs and explore the picturesque surroundings during their stay.