When one first arrives in the town of Shima Onsen, it appears so small that it may be hard to imagine there’s a huge amount to do other than unwind at your ryokan (Japanese Inn) while enjoying the scenery. Dig a little beneath the surface though, and you will find all sorts of interesting things to get you out of your ryokan and into the town. These are our favorite things to do in the town of Shima Onsen.
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01
Wander the streets of a town forgotten by time
Wander the streets of a town forgotten by time
Shima Onsen has managed to maintain a genuine retro vibe that many towns in Japan seem to have lost as the march of constant redevelopment continues to change the face of the country. The often-times-desolate streets are lined with shops from times-gone-by, perfect for meandering about while you soak up the atmosphere of old Japan. Many Japanese like to wander the streets of such towns in kimono (traditional Japanese wear), which you will likely find inside your hotel or ryokan. Why don't you slip on your kimono and give it a try yourself!
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02
Free hot-springs for bathing, resting your weary feet and even drinking!
Free hot-springs for bathing, resting your weary feet and even drinking!
There are a few public hot-springs dotted around the town of Shima Onsen, many of them free to enter – perfect for a morning dip or for resting your tired body after a long day. As well as that there are also several foot spa’s that are free to use, and in the center of town, you can even find a fountain from which one can drink onsen water straight from its source.
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03
Okushima Lake and Dam
Okushima Lake and Dam
On the outskirts of Shima Onsen town is a vast expanse of crystal-clear, light blue water, surrounded on three sides by rugged mountains, with a large dam to the south. Walking out along the top of the dam will afford stunning views across the lake, which changes appearance considerably depending on the season. When the sky is clear, it is a great place to sit, relax and take in the scenery.
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04
Yanagiya Yugijo Smartball Amusement Center
Yanagiya Yugijo Smartball Amusement Center
Nestled deep in a winding back street known as Ochiai-dori is this gem of a retro games center – Yanagiya Yugijo Smartball. This place hasn't changed one bit since it first opened over fifty years ago. As soon as you step foot inside this place you will feel like you have been transported back to a time one can usually only see in movies these days. There aren’t many “games” to choose from
here, just early versions of the ever-popular ball-gambling game, which later became known as pachinko. But it isn’t the games you come here for it is the atmosphere and also the warm welcome you will receive from the charming owner who will not only shout encouraging words at you as you play, but also dole out free candy and green tea to help make you feel at home! -
05
Waterfalls in Shima Onsen
Waterfalls in Shima Onsen
Shima Onsen has an abundance of nature, mountains, and water on all four sides - for the adventurous traveler there is a lot of exploring to be done. A great place to start is at any one of the town’s three waterfalls - they are Koizumi Falls, Momotaro Falls and Maya Falls. All three are clearly signposted, so grab yourself a map from the tourist information center, put your hiking shoes on, throw your camera over your shoulder and head out to see if you can find them!
Shima Grand Hotel
4228 Shima Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun Gunma
- Ochiai Dori
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- Gunma Agatsuma-gun Nakanojomachi Shima
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- 0279-64-2321
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- 小泉の滝
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- 群馬県吾妻郡中之条町四万
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- 0279-64-2321
View All- 摩耶の滝
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- 群馬県吾妻郡中之条町四万温泉最奥部
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- 0279-64-2321
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