Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen is one of the most popular onsen towns in Gunma prefecture, which is known as the land of hot springs. This historic place has been known to have hot springs with miraculous power that heal “Shima of diseases (四万の病＝40,000 diseases)”, meaning any kinds of illness.
The spring water of Shima Onsen is famous for being soft and gentle for people’s skin, contrary to the water of Kusatsu Onsen, that is famous for being strongly acid and has high bactericidal effect. For this reason, Shima Onsen is referred to as “Kusatsu’s agariyu (草津の上がり湯)”, meaning the refreshing bath to take after bathing in the strong waters of Kusatsu Onsen.
To fully enjoy the blessings of this water, going to public bathhouses located in the Onsen town is recommended. Among all the bathhouses, Omusouno-yu, Kawarano-yu and Ueno-yu are very popular as they are all available for free.
Also, Sekizenkan, an inn with a long history of more than 300 years is very popular not only for its retro appearance but also for supposedly being the model for a Studio Ghibli films.