Ayameya Ryokan

9.0
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.0/10, based on 376 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 2:00 PM / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Hot Spring Town Mountain Setting Quiet Village Valley Scenery Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,3/10
Facilities 8,7/10
Cleanliness 8,8/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,6/10
Location 8,7/10

Ryokan highlights

A homely Shima Onsen ryokan known for handmade meals, hot springs, and a quiet natural setting.

Shima Onsen SettingIn Shima Onsen, surrounded by nature in a quieter part of the hot spring town.
Open-Air OnsenFeatures an outdoor bath with a scenic mountain-facing atmosphere for relaxing soaks.
Private Family BathAlso offers a private family bath, useful for couples or shared bathing comfort.
Handmade Kaiseki MealsDinner highlights handmade semi-kaiseki dishes using seasonal local ingredients.
Spacious Traditional RoomsGuest rooms are described as spacious, supporting a relaxed classic ryokan stay.
Easy Bus AccessAbout one minute from the local bus stop after the ride from Nakanojo Station.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive by mid-afternoon, soak before dinner, enjoy the handmade kaiseki-style meal, walk the small Shima Onsen area next morning, and add a second night only if you want a slower lake-and-town stay around Okushima Lake and local bath spots.
Trip-planning verdict: Ayameya Ryokan works best as a quiet Shima Onsen retreat for 1–2 nights, not as a high-mobility sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Remote accessReaching it usually means train or highway bus to Nakanojo area plus a local bus into Shima Onsen, so it is not efficient for fast multi-stop trips.
Limited base valueThe immediate area supports short scenic onsen time well, but most travelers may feel they have seen the core town after 1–2 nights.
Private bath planningA reservable bath appears available but priority is given to specific plans, so do not assume it is freely included.

Food & drinks

Verified as Shima Onsen Ayameya Ryokan in Shima, Nakanojo; dining centers on handmade semi-kaiseki meals, breakfast, and local sake, with a few easy nearby casual stops.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Ryokan meal venue for semi-kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast; some plans use room meal or private room.

  • Semi-kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal 9 to 10 handmade dishes.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodGentle morning set.
  • PorridgefoodLight breakfast staple.
  • Hot spring eggfoodClassic onsen-style egg.
  • Local cold sakedrinkGunma and Shima Onsen sake options.
Asunaro (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Local casual restaurant known for tonkatsu and simple evening drinks.

  • TonkatsufoodPork cutlet with Joshu wheat-fed pork.
  • Pork set mealfoodHearty local-style lunch or dinner.
  • Evening drinksdrinkCasual drinks in the evening.
Marumiya (nearby)
nearby1 min walk

Souvenir shop cafe for coffee breaks and soft drinks.

  • CoffeedrinkCarefully selected coffee.
  • Fruit soft drinksdrinkRefreshing fruit-based drinks.
  • Cafe breakspecialtyEasy stop near Kirinokidaira.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in Shima Onsen, with the usual easiest approach being JR train to Nakanojo followed by a local 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?

Ayameya Ryokan is a small, family-run stay in Shima Onsen, Gunma, best for travelers who want warm hospitality, handmade meals, and a quiet traditional atmosphere. It is less suitable if you want modern in-room facilities, large baths, or highly convenient transport.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Warm family-run hospitalityThis ryokan has a notably personal feel, with guest feedback consistently praising the welcoming service and attentive care. It suits travelers who value kindness and human warmth over polished luxury.
  • Handmade seasonal mealsDinner is served as a handmade semi-kaiseki meal with around 9 to 10 dishes using seasonal local ingredients. Guests who care about food will likely appreciate that the cooking is a real part of the stay, not an afterthought.
  • Quiet Shima Onsen settingThe inn is in the peaceful Shima Onsen area surrounded by nature, making it a strong fit for a slow, restorative break. It is especially appealing if you want a calm hot-spring town rather than a busy sightseeing base.
  • Private bath option for couples or familiesThere is a reservable private family bath with a more intimate atmosphere, which can be useful for couples, parents with children, or anyone uncomfortable with shared bathing. This adds flexibility beyond the standard gender-separated baths.
  • Good for a traditional, low-key ryokan stayWith only 10 Japanese-style rooms, mountain views, private dining options on some plans, and a simple homely character, the experience feels intimate rather than commercial. It is a good match for travelers seeking an authentic small-inn mood.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Some rooms lack a private toiletAt least some guest rooms do not have their own toilet, which may feel inconvenient at night or for travelers used to hotel-style room facilities. This is one of the clearest comfort trade-offs here.
  • Facilities are traditional, not modernThe property has an older-school feel, and that charm may also read as dated if you prefer contemporary interiors and upgraded amenities. Travelers expecting sleek design may find it too modest.
  • Baths are on the smaller sideGuest feedback suggests the bathing area can feel somewhat compact. If a large, dramatic onsen is the main reason for your trip, this ryokan may not deliver the scale you want.
  • Private bath is limited and extra-costThe private family bath requires advance reservation, has restricted hours, and comes with an added fee. That makes it less convenient than ryokans where private baths are included or easier to access.
  • Access is not especially effortlessReaching the ryokan usually involves going via JR Nakanojo Station and then taking a local bus to the Kirinokidaira stop. It works fine for organized travelers, but it is not the most seamless choice for those wanting easy rail-to-door access.

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: 16th out of 79 ryokans in Gunma.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
11th Shima Onsen Yoshimoto 9.2/10 197
12th Kanemidori 9.1/10 1,223
13th Kirishimaya Ryokan 9.1/10 216
14th Syoubun 9.2/10 75
15th Osakaya Ryokan 9.0/10 613
16th Ayameya Ryokan Current ryokan 9.0/10 376
17th Akagi Onsen Hotel 9.0/10 158
18th Hotel Ichii 8.9/10 1,697
19th Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku 8.9/10 1,185
20th Soumeian 8.9/10 334
21st Ekinariya Ryokan 9.5/10 18
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Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

6 days – Kanagawa > Gunma > Hyogo > Kyoto

6 stops
Lucas Martin Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 31% Mountain Setting 23% Quiet Village 15% Station Access 15% City Center 8% Forest Surroundings 8%
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