Sekizennkan

Shima Onsen Sekizenkan is a historic hot spring ryokan founded about 300 years ago in Genroku 7. It was established by Seki Zenbee, and the name—once affectionately called “Sekizen”—was changed to “Sekizen” (積善) based on the phrase in the ancient Chinese classic I Ching: “A house that accumulates good deeds will have abundant blessings,” and then “Kan” (館) was added to signify an inn, becoming “Sekizenkan.” The ryokan consists of three wings: Honkan, Sanso, and Kashotei. The Honkan is said to be the oldest existing wooden hot-spring inn building in Japan and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture, making it a rare building of high historical value. Crossing the red bridge to reach Sekizenkan is iconic, and it is rumored to have inspired the setting of “Spirited Away.” The interior is very nostalgic, and those interested in architecture may want to take their time exploring. Of course, the baths are also outstanding—especially “Genroku-no-Yu,” offering an atmosphere you can’t easily experience elsewhere.