[Kanto sightseeing touring] [Gunma Prefecture] Bike trip to Shima Onsen! Nostalgia, retro and strolling

Lake Oku-Shima celebrates the beautiful Shima Blue

On the way there, you can see Shima Onsen Village.

As a Harley rider, I can’t help but stop by.

I stopped by Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, so I will introduce the charm of Shima Onsen.

スポンサーリンク

What is Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture?

Shima Onsen is a hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, located in Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture.

This is a hot spring village located within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park on the border with Niigata Prefecture.

Kusatsu Onsen, which is famous nationwide, is also nearby, but the retro Showa era townscape and lack of large banquet-style inns give it a charm reminiscent of the past.

There are approximately 40 inns, most of which are lined up along the Shima River.

History of Shima Onsen

Source: “https://storage.googleapis.com/nakanojo-kanko-media-shima/2/2019/06/history2.jpg”

The name Shima Onsen comes from a legend that says that Shima no Yu is a “spiritual spring that heals Yonman’s illnesses.”
There are two theories about the origin of Shima Onsen.

It was created because the Great Shogun Sakanoue Tamuramaro took a bath there.
It all began when Sadamitsu Usui, the governor of Hyuga, received an oracle from Douji (god).

Shima Onsen is a spot full of nostalgic charm and emotion, where history and legends remain.

Source: “https://storage.googleapis.com/nakanojo-kanko-media-shima/2/2019/06/history2.jpg”

The name Shima Onsen comes from a legend that says that Shima no Yu is a “spiritual spring that heals Yonman’s illnesses.”
There are two theories about the origin of Shima Onsen.

It was created because the Great Shogun Sakanoue Tamuramaro took a bath there.
It all began when Sadamitsu Usui, the governor of Hyuga, received an oracle from Douji (god).

Shima Onsen is a spot full of nostalgic charm and emotion, where history and legends remain.

  • 征夷大将軍坂上田村麻呂が入浴した事から誕生
  • 日向守碓氷貞光が童子(神)から神託を受けたことが始まり

Source: “https://storage.googleapis.com/nakanojo-kanko-media-shima/2/2019/06/history2.jpg”

The name Shima Onsen comes from a legend that says that Shima no Yu is a “spiritual spring that heals Yonman’s illnesses.”
There are two theories about the origin of Shima Onsen.

It was created because the Great Shogun Sakanoue Tamuramaro took a bath there.
It all began when Sadamitsu Usui, the governor of Hyuga, received an oracle from Douji (god).

Shima Onsen is a spot full of nostalgic charm and emotion, where history and legends remain.

“Sekizenkan” is famous on Instagram

Sekizenkan in Shima Onsen has become a hot topic on Instagram, saying it looks like the bathhouse from the movie “Spirited Away,” and many people come just to take photos.

Its appearance is exactly like the exterior of the bathhouse where Chihiro spent her time, and it has a slightly sentimental atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of a movie.

When you come to Shima Onsen, it is a good idea to keep it in mind as one of the highlights.

Access to Shima Onsen

Can I go to Shima Onsen by Harley?

You can go to Shima Onsen by Harley.

There is a free municipal parking lot along the Shima River at the entrance to the hot spring town, so you can park your Harley at the corner and walk into the hot spring town.

There is a slight slope near the entrance to the parking lot, so please be careful not to get stuck.