Shima Yamaguchikan
Tatami area with low table and bed at Shima Yamaguchikan, framed by verdant garden views in Gunma, Kantō
Roofed outdoor onsen with stone floor and vivid autumn foliage at Shima Yamaguchikan, Gunma
Spacious wooden dining room with partitioned booths and circular ceiling lights at Shima Yamaguchikan, Gunma
Ryokan gift shop interior at Shima Yamaguchikan in Gunma with wooden shelving and packaged souvenirs
Multi-story wooden ryokan facade with lit entrance, paper lanterns and autumn foliage against a mountain backdrop in Gunma
Two beds with low table by large window overlooking garden at Shima Yamaguchikan, Gunma, Kantō
Wooden sheltered onsen bath with stone basin and warm lantern lighting at Shima Yamaguchikan, Gunma

Shima Yamaguchikan

8.4
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.4/10, based on 393 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 2:30 PM
Riverside Location Mountain Setting Hot Spring Town National Park Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 8,8/10
Facilities 8,0/10
Cleanliness 8,6/10
Comfort 8,3/10
Value for money 8,3/10
Location 8,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A long-established riverside onsen ryokan in Shima Onsen known for scenic baths and traditional ambience.

Shima Onsen SettingVerified in Shima Onsen, Nakanojo, beside the clear Shima River.
Riverside Open-Air BathsOpen-air baths face the river, adding soothing water views to the soak.
Historic Ryokan FeelKnown as a long-running traditional inn with classic Japanese atmosphere.
Multiple Bath ChoicesGuests can enjoy different bath areas, including large outdoor options.
Scenic Nature ViewsRooms, lobby, and baths are noted for forest and river scenery.
Easy Bus AccessThe Yamaguchi bus stop is about a one-minute walk away.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive by afternoon, use the large baths before dinner, sleep in the valley, enjoy breakfast, then walk Shima Onsen or visit Okushima Lake; a second night works for a slower bath-and-nature rhythm, but the area is too quiet for a long base.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1–2 night onsen stay in Shima Onsen for travelers prioritizing baths, river scenery, and a traditional resort atmosphere over transport convenience or dense sightseeing.

Know before booking

Remote accessReached in Shima Onsen, not near a rail station, so same-day in-and-out sightseeing is inefficient.
Limited long-stay depthGood for baths and short nature time, but surrounding sightseeing density is modest after two nights.
Room choice mattersSome rooms face the river, while cheaper western rooms are mountain-side with no view.
No private bath certaintyPublic baths and select in-room semi-open-air bath rooms are clear, but general reservable private bath use is not.

Food & drinks

Verified riverside ryokan in Shima Onsen with seasonal kaiseki dining, a tea house, and a casual izakaya.

Dining Shunrei (on-site)
on-site

Main on-site dining room for seasonal kaiseki meals.

  • Seasonal KaisekifoodMulti-course dinner with local seasonal ingredients.
  • Gunma IngredientsspecialtyRegional produce and local flavors.
  • Japanese BreakfastfoodTraditional set-style morning meal.
Hachinosuke Chaya (on-site)
on-site

Japanese-style meal venue used for ryokan dining.

  • Kaiseki DinnerfoodRyokan course meal in a calm setting.
  • Kids SetfoodChild-friendly plate with fried items and rice.
  • DessertfoodSimple sweet finish with the meal.
Ginzou (on-site)
on-site

Casual in-house izakaya for drinks, snacks, and late bites.

  • SakedrinkJapanese rice wine with small plates.
  • OtsumamifoodBar snacks and light savory bites.
  • Late-Night BitesfoodSimple night meal options.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Shima Onsen area and is most practically reached via Nakanojo Station plus local bus or taxi, with the Yamaguchi bus stop directly outside.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a classic riverside ryokan in Shima Onsen, Nakanojo, Gunma, best suited to travelers who want a traditional hot-spring stay with a nostalgic atmosphere. It stands out for its varied baths and scenic river-facing rooms, but some travelers may find the property more old-school than sleek or highly convenient.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent hot-spring varietyThe ryokan offers multiple bathing experiences, including the large Odaimoku open-air bath, the riverside Shima River bath, and Yakushi-no-Yu, so the onsen stay feels more immersive than at a single-bath property.
  • Strong riverside settingMany rooms and bath areas face the Shima River, which adds constant water sounds and a more atmospheric mountain-onsen feel. This is one of the clearest experiential strengths of the property.
  • Appealing upgraded roomsIts newer premium rooms are a real draw: some have private semi-open-air or observation baths with natural hot spring water, plus terraces or larger layouts. These options make it attractive for couples or travelers wanting a more special stay.
  • Traditional ryokan characterThe inn leans into a nostalgic Japanese style rather than a generic hotel feel, with retro touches and a more classic onsen-ryokan mood. That gives the stay more personality if you want something distinctly local.
  • Useful on-site lounges and facilitiesThe property includes relaxing lounge spaces, a café-style area, free parking, and some family-friendly loan items such as baby gear and wheelchair support. That makes the stay easier for guests who want to spend time inside the ryokan, not just sleep there.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for a modern luxury vibeEven with upgraded rooms, the overall identity is traditional and somewhat retro rather than minimalist or ultra-luxury. Travelers seeking a polished contemporary resort may prefer another ryokan.
  • Access is not especially easyShima Onsen is a mountain hot-spring area, so reaching the inn takes more effort than staying near a major station. It suits travelers comfortable with buses or driving more than those wanting simple rail-side convenience.
  • Room quality likely varies a lotThe property has several room categories, from standard Japanese rooms to much more attractive premium rooms. If you book a basic category, the experience may feel less memorable than the photos of the top rooms suggest.
  • Less suitable for guests with mobility limitsSome support features are available, but this is still a large traditional ryokan centered on baths, corridors, and varied room types rather than universal accessibility design. Guests needing fully barrier-free comfort should check carefully before booking.
  • Entertainment style is old-schoolIts atmosphere includes classic ryokan elements such as karaoke/bar facilities and nostalgic common spaces, which will charm some guests but feel dated to others. If you want a quiet boutique design hotel mood, this may not be the best fit.

Ranking around this ryokan in Gunma

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 44th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
39th Ikaho Onsen Todoroki 9.0/10 10
40th 宿坊 観音院 Temple Hotel Kannonin 8.6/10 38
41st Yamakikan 8.6/10 31
42nd KusatsuOnsen AeruyadoTakamatsu 8.6/10 28
43rd Nakaya Ryokan 8.6/10 18
44th Shima Yamaguchikan Current ryokan 8.4/10 393
45th Kusatsu Skyland Hotel 8.4/10 336
46th Kinseikan Seseragi 8.4/10 198
47th Mizubasho no Yado Higashi 8.4/10 90
48th Kinshuusanso 8.4/10 74
49th Ryuudo 9.0/10 4
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