2026 Nakanojo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

♨️ Sekizenkan Kashotei If you're in Gunma and looking for a "once-in-a-lifetime hot spring ryokan," this is highly recommended for you! ✨ Actually, this place features: 🌉 A retro red bridge ♨️ Shima Onsen 🏨 A historic luxury ryokan Everything here is simply magical. The moment you step inside, it feels like you've entered a movie! ✨ It’s a place where you can fully experience the "true essence of a Japanese hot spring inn." ✅ Perks ♨️ Enjoy the healing waters of Shima Onsen 🌉 Marvel at the stunning, famous retro architecture 🏨 Experience the exclusive vibe of a historic luxury ryokan 🍽️ Savor Kaiseki multi-course meals featuring local Joshu ingredients 🛏️ Relax in a traditional Japanese-style room 🌿 Unwind in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature 👨👩👧 Great for family vacations 👫 Perfect for couples' getaways and anniversaries 📸 Ideal for a hot spring ryokan Vlog The atmosphere inside at night is especially amazing! ✨ The illuminated red bridge is truly breathtaking... ⸻ 🗓️ Recommended Itinerary 🌿 Drive around Lake Okushima ⬇️ 🍡 Stroll through Shima Onsen town ⬇️ ♨️ Check in at Sekizenkan Kashotei ⬇️ 🍽️ Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner ⬇️ ♨️ Hot spring hopping ⬇️ 🌃 Nighttime stroll around the ryokan Your ultimate hot spring getaway is complete! ✨ ⸻ 📍 Address 4236 Shima, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 💰 Price 1 night Approx. 18,000 JPY – 55,000 JPY per person *Prices vary depending on the season and room type. 🚃 How to Get There About a 40-minute bus ride from JR Nakanojo Station Get off at the "Shima Onsen" bus stop. 🗺️ Nearby Attractions ♨️ Shima Onsen Town 🌿 Lake Okushima 🌉 Sekizenkan Main Building 🍡 Onsen town street food 🚗 Towards Kusatsu Onsen USP ✨ "Shima Onsen × Historic Luxury Ryokan × Magical Retro Vibe" One of Gunma’s most popular hot spring inns where you can enjoy a perfect blend of hot springs, history, and an extraordinary escape! ✨ Kashotei

I visited this ryokan in Gunma Prefecture during winter 🫶🏻 The entrance, which is said to have inspired 'Spirited Away,' is beautiful during the day, but the nighttime illumination is absolutely stunning!! The lounge was also lovely, with R&B music playing in a relaxing atmosphere. It was such a calming space 😌🤍 For dinner, we had sukiyaki made with Gunma's local wagyu beef! It was incredibly delicious—I could have eaten endless servings 🤤🫶🏻🤍 The semi-open-air bath allowed us to enjoy the outdoor scenery both in the morning and at night, making for a truly relaxing stay at the ryokan! This ryokan is perfect for the upcoming winter season, so I highly recommend everyone to visit 🫶🏻

This place, reminiscent of a Ghibli world, is the 'Former Taishi Station' in Gunma Prefecture. It is a former railway station site repurposed as an industrial heritage and tourist spot!! Originally, it served as the starting station of the 'Taishi Line,' a dedicated railway line used to transport iron ore mined from the nearby mines 🚃. Why not immerse yourself in this nostalgic world? It's also highly recommended for kids who love trains ✨. Plus, it's free for children up to middle school age!! Be sure to visit and have fun!! ✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼ ➸ Recommended Spot Information 📍Former Taishi Station ✤ Address: 251-4 Taishi, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture ✤ Access: About 1 hour and 30 minutes via Kan-Etsu Expressway 'Shibukawa Ikaho IC' → Route 353 → Route 145 → Route 292 ✤ Access: Get off at JR Agatsuma Line 'Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station,' then take a route bus to 'Taishi' bus stop ✤ Cost: 200 yen for adults. ※ Free for Nakanojo residents and children up to middle school age ✤ Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (visiting hours) ✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈••✼

☆Hot Spring Inn in Gunma Prefecture☆ Sekizenkan, said to be the inspiration for Spirited Away, was also used as a filming location for the movie Thermae Romae. You can even soak in the baths used in the movie. Beyond the red bridge... A fantasy world unfolds, resembling a bridge leading to the bathhouse. Constructed in 1691 (Genroku 4), Sekizenkan's main building boasts a history of over 300 years since its opening, and is said to be the oldest surviving hot spring inn in Japan. Why not spend a wonderful time at this inn where you can experience the world of Spirited Away?

Sekizenkan, a historic onsen escape in Gunma Prefecture, might be the most spectacular place I’ve ever been to. Tucked away in the forested mountains of central Japan, this isn’t just a traditional ryokan — it’s a step into another world. Founded in 1691, Sekizenkan is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring inns, and walking through its red bridge and wooden halls feels like entering a scene from a Ghibli film (it’s often said to have inspired Spirited Away). What makes it special? Timeless atmosphere. The moment you arrive, you're surrounded by forested hills, fresh air, and architecture that has stood the test of centuries. Inside, the ryokan offers tatami-mat rooms, peaceful hot spring baths (onsen), and the kind of calm that only comes from slow, quiet places. You can enjoy a truly unforgettable onsen experience with both indoor and open-air baths, all fed by natural hot springs. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. 🍱 If you stay, traditional kaiseki meals are served — multi-course Japanese dinners made with seasonal, local ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented. 📸 Don’t miss the chance to take photos of the iconic arched red bridge and the historic wooden corridors — especially in autumn or winter, when the scenery feels extra cinematic. 🌙 And when night falls, Sekizenkan becomes even more enchanting. With the lights glowing and steam rising from the baths, the whole place transforms — you genuinely feel like Chihiro stepping into the world of Spirited Away. 🗺️ Sekizenkan is located in Shima Onsen, reachable by train and bus from Tokyo in about 3 hours. It’s well worth the journey if you’re looking for authentic onsen culture, deep rest, and a sense of timeless Japan.

"Old Taishi Station" looks like an archaeological site, but it is a former station! 🚃 Iron ore was once mined here, so it opened as a station for loading iron ore. It was built about 80 years ago, but it's amazing that it still exists today. 🥹 It was a little inconvenient because it was so far back that the signal was no longer available. 💧 There were no tourists when I went. I was happy to feel the history in a place with clean air. Please visit! #0yentravelFebruary2025 #TaishiStation

[Shima Onsen, Gunma] Sekizenkan 4236 Shima-ko, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Japan's oldest hot spring inn building and a long-established inn designated as an important cultural property "Sekizenkan" stands on the banks of the Shinyu River A collaboration between Sekizenkan and the bright red Keiun Bridge across from the main building The main building, which is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn building in Japan, is also designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture. Japan's oldest bathhouse building is said to be one of the models for "Spirited Away". The beauty of the day and night in all four seasons is a must-see! At night, the lit-up appearance is different from the daytime, and it is even more fantastic and beautiful😍. During the day, the contrast between the blue sky and the red bridge stands out, making the building stand out. The colorful leaves in front of the bridge turn red in the fall and green in the spring, making it a popular photo spot. #domestictrip #Gunma #GunmaTourism #GunmaTrip #ShimanOnsen #Sekizenkan #PhotoSpot #PhotoSpot #HotSpring #NakanojoTown #AutumnFoliage #AutumnFoliageSpot

The world of autumn roses created by professional gardeners / The Autumn Rose Garden Fair is on until October 20th (Sun)~🌹✨ A rare garden in Japan where the main focus is the "garden". There are so many photogenic spots that it's hard to decide where to take photos. The flowers you can enjoy vary depending on the season, but this time the autumn roses were in full bloom🌹 The rose garden was filled with a noble fragrance, and there was also a spot where you could enjoy tea while enjoying that scent. Even though it's a garden, it's 12 hectares, so it's quite large and the flowers you can enjoy vary depending on the area, so it's a treasure trove of photogenic spots. 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 📍#NakanojoGardens 　@nakanojo_gardens 👉A stroll-style garden where the "garden" is the main feature 🌍2411 Orita, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 🅿️Yes ▼Opening hours March to November 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30) December to February 9:00 to 16:00 (last entry at 15:30) ▼Closed on Thursdays, days after public holidays, and New Year's holidays 💰Admission fee Adults (high school students and above) 800 yen Elementary and junior high school students 400 yen Preschoolers Free 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 I'm Mariko, a weekend traveler. 👉@mariko000001 My goal is to travel to all 47 prefectures and post about them. We basically travel by car, and we're a crazy couple who don't mind driving for about 7 hours. Of course, I want to shine a spotlight on famous places, but also on lesser known places💡 If you're happy to support me🧡, I'd be happy if you followed me🥹🫰 Comments and requests are very welcome, so I'm waiting for you✨ I'll do my best every day to help you on your travels, even if just a little🥰 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 #GunmaPrefecture#Nakanojo#NakanojoTown#Rose#RoseGarden #RoseGarden#LifeWithRose#Roses

[Gunma] ♨️Shima Onsen, a secret hot spring known only to those in the know *The information listed is from the time of posting. Please check the store's website/SNS for the latest business status. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ 《One word》 I went there in March and it was great Featured on Shima Onsen‼ ️ I didn't know about it at first either, but my mother told me that Shima Onsen was good, so I went there for the first time this time✨ It takes about 4 hours by direct bus from Tokyo Station🚌 It takes a while, but you're just riding the whole time, so it wasn't that bad🙂 The water is so blue that it's called Shima Blue, and there's a hot spring town along the Shima River, and it has a retro atmosphere that was emotional💭 There are also great scenic spots, the inn was really good, and of course there was a stylish cafe☝️ I think it's the perfect place for a 1-night, 2-day mini trip, so I hope you'll go💨 The lake was really blue😱 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ Thank you for subscribing📚 Original outing magazine " 𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐨 』 List price [❤️Your like] If you would like to subscribe, [Follow] ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ #Gunma Tourism #Shima Onsen #Shima Onsen Cafe #Shima Onsen Toshimaya #Sekizenkan #Okushima Lake Dam #Shima Blue #Kanto Trip #Kanto Onsen #Onsen #Gunma #Trip

An open-air cafe located right next to the "Koketsu" (potholes), a designated natural monument of the prefecture. An open terrace with the sound of the river, greenery full of negative ions, and autumn leaves that look like a painting!! In addition to the popular homemade cheesecake and pizza toast, you can also order cafe and ice cream. Parking available. 📍Shiman 3497, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Not only was the dinner delicious, but the quantity and speed of the food served were just right, so it was very good😇 ⁡ I always eat quickly, so sometimes I have to wait for the next dish to come... (Of course, the inn is not bad, it's just that we eat so quickly because the food is so delicious.) ⁡ Sekizenkan brought the food one after another according to the speed, and they served rice with the sukiyaki, so I was very grateful for the hospitality...!!! I was also captivated here🫠 ⁡ The sashimi was served in two types, Tosa soy sauce and roasted sake? It was my first time to eat it with sake, but it seemed to enhance the flavor of the fish, so it was delicious!!! For breakfast, you can choose one of four types of smoothies🍹 ⁡ When you arrive at the venue in the morning, the first thing you will have is a smoothie. I think I had an apple and carrot smoothie...🍎🥕 I remember they also had komatsuna and koji smoothies😇(I thought I had written it down, but it's gone now, sadly...I don't have any photos of the smoothies for some reason...🥹) ⁡ There were a lot of vegetables and a wide variety of items, so I was excited from the morning!!! #hotspring #hotspringhotel #shimaonsen #gunmatourism #gunma #sekizenkan

A lounge available to guests staying at Sekizenkan's Kashotei and Sanso ☕️ ⁡ Sanso Lounge "Izutsu" 🍃 This lounge opened in 2021 and offers all-you-can-drink medicinal tea, coffee, black tea, etc. 🍵 ⁡ They also have lotus biscuits, which I personally love, so I enjoyed them with my tea!!! ⁡ There is medicinal tea and coffee in the rooms, but I recommend relaxing in this lounge after a bath 😇 ⁡ ■Business hours 14:30-22:00, 8:00-10:00 the next morning ⁡ #Hot spring #Hot spring inn #Lounge #Sekizenkan #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing

I stayed at Sekizenkan, a place I've always wanted to go to. 🫠❤️ Photography is prohibited in the hot springs, so I can't post about them, but the room, the building, and the food were all very good, so I'll post about them! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Recommended points ⚫︎You can try out three different baths in the building! ... It's cold in the hallways, so bring a jacket!!! ⁡ ✔️Points to note If I had to say one thing, the rooms at Kashotei and Sanso start at about 24,000 yen per person, so if you want to stay on the weekend, it will cost over 30,000 yen👀 (You can stay at Toujikan for about 10,000 yen per person!) ⁡ · ----- 📍Access 🚃Limited Express Kusatsu Ueno Station - Nakanojo Station, about 2 hours 🚌Kanetsu Kotsu Nakanojo Station - Shima Onsen, about 40 minutes ⁡ 🕰Stay time Check-in 14:00 Check-out 11:00 · Main building (check-out at Toujikan is 10:00) ⁡ 🍧Price Kashotei/Sanso: from about 24,000 yen per person Main building (Toujikan): from about 10,000 yen per person · ----- #Hot spring #Hot spring inn #Sekizenkan #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing

The oldest hot spring inn in Japan, said to have been the model for "Spirited Away" ♨️ Staying at "Shima Onsen Sekizenkan" in Gunma Prefecture ♪ The main building of Sekizenkan was built in 1691 and is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn in Japan. The main building, which has high historical value and is designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture, is a rare building that still retains the atmosphere of traditional hot spring inns. Shima Onsen is named after the legend that it is a "sacred spring that heals 40,000 illnesses," and it has long been famous for its spring quality as a famous hot spring for gastrointestinal problems. The nostalgic, extraordinary space is overwhelming, as if you have jumped into the world of a movie and traveled back in time ✨ #Open-air bath in guest room #Hot spring inn #Resort hotel #Luxury hotel

#celebratewithtrip What a surprise! Never expected Nakanojo to be so beautiful and tourist friendly. The walk along Shima River is beautiful and relaxing, with many small waterfalls along the river. The color of the water of Shima Gawa River cannot expressed it in words. Because it is amazing blue that can be seen only here. #nakanojo #japan #friendstrip

#celebratewithtrip Kaiseki, or Kaiseki-ryori 懐石, is a traditional style of dining in Japan where a multi-course meal is prepared of fresh seasonal ingredients. Much like the high dining experience in the west, the number of courses can vary from a handful to more than 10. The kaiseki dinner course has been a highlight. The set was some of the best meals of my life. Definitely worth it.

#celebratewithtrip We had an amazing stay at Kashiwaya Ryokan! The three private onsen baths were stunning. Staff were very welcoming. We would definitely stay again! The food, service, and onsen are all of an extremely high quality, but what makes them truly exceptional are the flexibility of the private onsen (you do not need to book specific times). Highly recommended for the stay! #japantrip #couplestrip

Recommended for anniversaries and special occasions. Enjoy an exceptionally luxurious stay at this small inn with only eight rooms. The hot spring in your room is soft to the touch, spacious, and offers a spectacular view. I ended up soaking in it multiple times! The private bath was also spacious. The food was delicious. #luxuryhotel #hotspring #hocance

Shima Onsen, a famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, is famous for the inn Sekizenkan, which is said to have been the model for Spirited Away. There are many long-established hot spring inns lined up, and each one has its own bath, so it seems like you can't go wrong! Of course, there are public baths as well. A little further in, there is a dam famous for its Shima Blue color, and a cafe that looks like it came straight out of a Ghibli movie, so this is a hot spring town that can be enjoyed by people who love hot springs, Ghibli, and even people who love emo. If you go by car, there is a place called the Melody Line where the theme song from Spirited Away plays, so if you're interested, why not go and check it out for yourself! #Breathtaking view #Eastern Japan #Hot spring

Nakanojo Gardens in Gunma Prefecture. A soothing spot surrounded by seasonal flowers🌸 I went there in the fall, and the autumn roses were in full bloom and it was so beautiful!! The grounds are spacious and there are lots of flowers. A camera is a must📸 #photogenicspot

📍This alley is full of lovely cafes. It's another area that's a hub for izakayas (Japanese pubs) with a very authentic Japanese atmosphere. Food and drink lovers must try this alley; it's great!

I found a very stylish place in Nakanojo, Gunma Prefecture that tickles the feminine heart 🌼 It's a facility filled with flowers called Nakanojo Gardens. There are lots of seasonal flowers in bloom, and autumn roses are in full bloom right now. There were also lots of people with small children. #themepark #breathtakingview

Shima Onsen is one of Gunma Prefecture's famous hot springs. It's not a flashy hot spring town, but the streets have a Showa retro feel. The buildings and signs have a nostalgic atmosphere. I thought it would be interesting to take pictures with a film camera 📸 #HotSpring #SummerShortTrip

Sekizenkan is an inn located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. It is said that this was the setting for Spirited Away?! I stayed there, so I would like to introduce the room. It's been a while since I stayed in a room with a large tatami mat, so it was very relaxing. I also had dinner here😊👍 #onsen #stayhome #summertrip

Sekizenkan is an inn located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. We had dinner in our room. A kaiseki meal with a menu that incorporates seasonal ingredients. Each dish is carefully handcrafted 😆 It was a moment when I realized there is nothing more luxurious than a meal enjoyed leisurely in my room. #onsen #stayhome #summertrip #gourmettrip

I went to the "Sekizenkan Main Building" in Shima Onsen, Gunma! ️ This inn, also known as the setting for Spirited Away, was built in the 4th year of Genroku and is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn still standing in Japan. Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Sekizenkan#Forest bathing#Summer trip

A hot spring town along the Shima River [Gunma Prefecture] Hinatami, Yuzuriha, Shinyu, Yamaguchi, and Onsenguchi districts The Hinatami district is the birthplace of Shima Onsen. The Genroku-no-Yu bath at the Sekizenkan Inn (Shinyu district), designated a cultural property of Gunma Prefecture, is famous. ☺️ There are three public baths and open-air baths. We recommend Kawara-no-Yu. ☺️

A sophisticated adult getaway in Shima Onsen featuring private open-air baths in every room. If you're looking for a relaxing escape in Shima Onsen, Gunma, Kanouya is the perfect recommendation. The interior strikes a beautiful balance between traditional Japanese serenity and modern hotel chic. While retaining that classic hot spring charm, the overall impression was highly refined. Every Guest Room Features a Private Open-Air Bath The highlight here is that every single room comes with its own private open-air bath. It’s pure luxury to soak whenever you like without a care in the world. With nature stretching out before you, you can spend time slowly while gazing at the peaceful scenery. Whether it’s under the bright morning sun or the moody, low-light ambiance of evening, the experience was exceptional. Spacious Japanese-Modern Rooms The rooms are generously sized, blending Western-style beds with traditional tatami spaces. With warm wood accents and a calming color palette, the space is so inviting you might never want to leave. The large windows framing the natural scenery are also a plus. Stylish and Functional Design The vanity area is a design highlight—clean, white-toned. Featuring a striking round mirror and bright lighting, it feels more like a high-end luxury hotel than a traditional inn. The seamless flow to the outdoor bath makes it incredibly convenient for those who want to soak multiple times. A Simple, Sophisticated Atmosphere From the entrance to the hallways, the design is very stylish. The lack of clutter creates a quiet, restful space, allowing you to start relaxing the moment you arrive. Exploring Shima Onsen While the inn is a sanctuary, you're also close to the charming streets of Shima Onsen and Lake Okushima. I recommend a balanced trip: a bit of local wandering or a cafe stop followed by plenty of downtime at the inn. Perfect for: ・Those seeking rooms with private open-air baths ・Couples or anniversary trips ・Anyone wanting a quiet, slow-paced getaway ・Fans of modern Japanese aesthetics ・Travelers who value time spent at the inn This isn't a place for a jam-packed itinerary; it’s the ultimate destination for a stay-in trip where the room and the hot springs are the main event. If you want a slow stay in Shima Onsen, this belongs at the top of your list.