shimaonsen tokiwasure no yado YOSHIMOTO

Shima Onsen “Tokiwasure no Yado Yoshimoto” is a high-class ryokan in the famous hot spring area of Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, long known as a restorative hot spring. It is located slightly deeper in the “Yuzuriha” area, away from the main hot spring town. With only 8 guest rooms, it’s a small inn, but guests are welcomed by a charming hearth (irori) lobby. Overlooking the Kaede-senkyo gorge with the Shima River flowing below, it provides a calm location ideal for forgetting time and relaxing. As it calls itself a cuisine-focused inn, you can enjoy kaiseki prepared by a head chef formerly from a famous ryotei, using fresh local Gunma ingredients with great care. Alcohol selections—authentic shochu, sake, and wine—are well stocked, and you can also enjoy the tableware and drinkware, engaging all five senses: taste, aroma, appearance, touch, and more. The baths draw Shima Onsen water into an open-air bath where you can soak while feeling seasonal breezes—an excellent time. Price is around 20,000–30,000 yen per person, but please confirm details on booking sites. Check-in is 15:00–18:00; check-out is 10:00.