Shima Tamura
Tatami room with twin beds, seating area and garden view at Shima Tamura in Gunma Kanto
Indoor wooden onsen bath with steam and misty mountain view at Shima Tamura, Gunma
Glass-walled indoor onsen pools with stone surrounds and garden views at Shima Tamura in Gunma, Japan
Traditional tatami room with low table, shoji screens and seating by window at Shima Tamura in Gunma
Traditional tatami room with low table, seating and large window overlooking green hills at Shima Tamura, Gunma
Tatami seating area with woven chairs, low table and shoji screens overlooking green Gunma hills at Shima Tamura
Tatami seating area, low table and twin futons at Shima Tamura in Gunma, Kantō

Shima Tamura

7.7
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 7.7/10, based on 977 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 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Forest Surroundings Riverside Location Hot Spring Town Quiet Village National Park
Staff 7,6/10
Facilities 7,4/10
Cleanliness 7,2/10
Comfort 7,4/10
Value for money 7,6/10
Location 6,0/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic riverside onsen ryokan in Shima Onsen, known for abundant baths and classic atmosphere.

Long Ryokan HistoryFounded in 1563, it delivers a notably historic stay in Shima Onsen.
Seven Bath VarietyMultiple atmospheric baths make it especially appealing for onsen-focused travelers.
Riverfront Open-Air BathSignature outdoor bathing areas pair hot springs with river sounds and seasonal scenery.
Traditional Japanese FeelTatami rooms and classic architecture create a distinctly traditional ryokan experience.
Seasonal Kaiseki MealsMulti-course dinners highlight seasonal ingredients and polished presentation.
Good Shima Onsen BaseWell-placed in Shima Onsen, with bus access from Nakanojo Station.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town rhythm is the main driver here: arrive by mid-afternoon, settle into the baths, have dinner and breakfast at the ryokan, walk the retro Shima Onsen streets, and add a second night only if you want a slower bath-and-nature day around Okushima Lake and the valley.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-2 night onsen-focused stay in Shima Onsen for travelers who want baths, ryokan meals, and a quiet nature break rather than a busy sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote by railAccess is straightforward but not fast: train to Nakanojo, then about 40 minutes by bus into Shima Onsen.
Limited long-stay baseThe area is relaxing but small; travelers focused on dense sightseeing can feel done after one full day.
Evening dining timingThis is a ryokan-style stay with meal rhythm built around check-in, so late arrivals reduce the experience.

Food & drinks

Shima Tamura at 4180 Shima is a historic onsen ryokan with seasonal kaiseki, spring-water breakfast, and a lounge, with extra dining choices in central Shima Onsen.

Yamazakura (on-site)
on-site

Private dining for freshly served seasonal kaiseki.

  • Seasonal kaisekifoodMulti-course dinner with local seasonal ingredients.
  • AperitifdrinkSeasonal pre-dinner drink.
  • Local specialtiesspecialtyRegional ingredients prepared in ryokan style.
Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for breakfast and some set meals.

  • Spring-water porridgefoodMonthly breakfast porridge cooked with Tamura spring water.
  • Obanzai dishesfoodSmall Japanese side dishes to mix and match.
  • Gunma Koshihikari ricespecialtyLocally produced rice used for breakfast.
Lounge Kotemari (on-site)
on-site

Relaxing lounge with river views; drinks are the clearest fit.

  • Coffee or teadrinkLight lounge-style hot drinks.
  • Sake selectiondrinkProperty mentions carefully selected alcohol.
  • GelatofoodLight sweet treat noted in facility info.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Shima Tamura is a historic ryokan in Shima Onsen, most practically reached via JR Nakanojo Station and onward bus or taxi into the hot spring town.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A long-established ryokan in Shima Onsen, Gunma, Shima Tamura is best for travelers who want a classic multi-bath hot spring stay with a traditional atmosphere. It is less suitable if you prefer sleek modern design, easy rail access, or a compact boutique-style property.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Outstanding hot spring varietyThis ryokan is especially appealing if bath-hopping matters to you, as it is known for multiple onsen baths within one property. That makes the stay feel more like a full hot spring experience than a simple overnight stop.
  • Historic ryokan atmosphereShima Tamura has a long-established reputation and a classic traditional feel that suits travelers looking for an old-school onsen retreat. The sense of heritage is part of the appeal rather than a generic hotel stay.
  • Strong Shima Onsen settingIt sits in the Shima Onsen area of Nakanojo, surrounded by river and mountain scenery that fits a quiet restorative trip. The setting works particularly well for guests who want to slow down and stay within the onsen town rhythm.
  • Large-scale facilities for a fuller stayCompared with smaller ryokan, the property offers a broader in-house experience, which can be useful if you want more than just a room and one bath. This makes it easier to spend most of your time on-site without feeling confined.
  • Traditional meal-focused experienceShima Tamura is a better fit for travelers who enjoy the classic ryokan pattern of Japanese-style hospitality and dinner as part of the stay. The experience feels designed around unwinding, bathing, and eating rather than sightseeing efficiency.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for modern minimalistsIf you want a sharply contemporary luxury hotel aesthetic, this ryokan may feel more traditional and old-fashioned than expected. Its charm leans toward heritage and scale rather than sleek design.
  • Access is less effortlessShima Onsen is a destination stay, so getting here is not as straightforward as arriving at a big-city hotel next to a major train station. Travelers with tight schedules may find the extra transit time inconvenient.
  • Large property, less intimate feelBecause it is a sizable ryokan, it may not deliver the quiet exclusivity of a very small high-end inn with only a handful of rooms. Some travelers prefer a more private, deeply personalized atmosphere.
  • Experience depends on liking onsen cultureThis stay makes the most sense if you genuinely enjoy repeated bathing and the slower pace of a hot spring retreat. If onsen is not a major priority, the property's biggest strengths may be wasted on you.
  • Traditional layout may not suit everyoneDepending on the room type, the experience can feel more classic than universally convenient, especially for guests who prefer standardized Western-style hotel layouts. Travelers seeking simple predictability may be more comfortable elsewhere.

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: 67th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

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