Shima Onsen, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps in Gunma Prefecture, is a hidden treasure of serene beauty and healing waters. Its name translates to “Forty Thousand,” referring to the belief that its waters can cure forty thousand types of ailments. Shima Onsen is known for its three types of springs: happu-no-yu (eight-fold bath), rich in bicarbonate; kosen-no-yu (mineral spring bath), high in sodium chloride; and sekizen-no-yu (stone spring bath), infused with calcium and magnesium.
The peaceful atmosphere of Shima Onsen will delight those seeking respite from the bustle of city life. Its quaint, mountainous town is perfect for leisurely walks, with an array of traditional inns (ryokan), charming teahouses, and historic shrines to discover. It’s also home to one of Japan’s oldest wooden bathhouses, a testament to the area’s long-standing tradition of communal bathing.
