Shima Onsen is a quiet and serene hot spring town nestled along the Shima river valley and has legendary origins dating back over a thousand years. One legend is that during the Enryaku Era, Usui Sadamitsu, a vassal of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, traveled to Shima and was reciting sutras at night. He then received a prophecy from a boy claiming to be the divine spirit of the mountain, saying that the spirit was touched by the sincerity of his sutra recitation. The spirit continued and said that he would bestow Sadamitsu a sacred spring that will cure the illnesses of 40,000 people. Upon waking up, Sadamitsu discovered a gushing hot spring, which he named Omusou no Yu, or the hot spring of dreams.

Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso is one of the popular ryokans in the area, having been built in 1691 and established in 1694. The ryokan is also recognized as one of Japan's oldest existing ones, offering over three centuries of traditional hospitality and architectural heritage. The property is split into three buildings, Honkan (Main Building), Sanso (Mountain Lodge), and Kashotei, the newest building. Extensions and improvements to the original structure were done in 1894-1897 as a result of increased visitors to the ryokan, but it wasn't until 1930 when the iconic bathhouse Genroku no Yu was built with a unique Taisho Romanesque architectural style. Sanso, a registered tangible cultural property, was built in 1936, while Kashotei was built in 1986.

Since then, renovations and improvements have been made to the ryokan while preserving its traditional charm, making it one of Gunma Prefecture's representative spots that continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. The ryokan's facade and red bridge are also said to be a design inspiration for Spirited Away, a Japanese animated film set in a fictional hot spring town.

Design and Architecture

Despite its many years of history, the design and architecture of Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso capture the essence of the period it was built.

Honkan, the oldest building, still retains the atmosphere of old hot springs with thick beams and pillars on the outside. Inside, guests can find nostalgic yet contemporary Japanese-style rooms with large shoji screen doors that open to picturesque views of the surrounding trees. Sanso proudly carries a Momoyama-style architecture, evident in its more opulent designs, like intricate kumiko woodworks on shoji screens, different for every room. This gives guests a sense of exclusivity and uniqueness. The last and newest building, Kashotei, is placed slightly further from the other buildings, and is surrounded by old pine trees and bamboo groves. With its secluded location, guests can enjoy the bright greenery and quiet lull of birds chirping as they lounge on the balcony or take a dip in the onsen facilities.

Sekizenkan Kashotei Senso prides itself in offering seasonal cuisine that highlights ingredients from around the country. Start your day with a healthy Japanese breakfast consisting of vegetables, rice, porridge, and dashi. This is available from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, perfect for a post-hot spring soak and before you explore the area.

Its kaiseki course boasts fresh vegetables and local ingredients sourced from around Japan. Depending on the season, you can sink your teeth into tasty Joshu beef, steamed sea bream, pickled red rockfish, and plum wine. The menu changes regularly depending on the availability of the ingredients, so you're in for a culinary surprise every day in the ryokan! For Santo and Kashotei residents, a special banquet is available with premium ingredients like matsutake mushroom, hailed as the king of autumn flavors, along with Joshu beef and Akagi pork.

Aside from their usual kaiseki cuisine, the ryokan has special dishes available at an added cost. Feast your tastebuds on a delicious serving of Joshu beef sirloin steak, braised pork, fried chicken, and chawanmushi, a savory steamed egg. For occupants of Kashotei and Sanso, assorted tempura and an assortment of delicacies are available at an added cost.

Children's meals are also available in the ryokan, featuring a hearty and appetizing lunch that kids will surely love. To avail of this, contact the property during your stay.

Onsen

Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso prides itself on its onsen facilities, hailed as one of Japan's great hot springs for treating gastrointestinal diseases along with Miyagi Prefecture's Gaga Onsen and Oita Prefecture's Yunohira Onsen. Its waters are believed to cure diseases and wounds, fill one's body with strength, and calm the mind.

In Honkan (main building), the Genroku no Yu bath was built in 1930 and features a Western-style hall with large windows that let natural light in. It also has five stone baths, tiled floors, and a steam bath that is said to be the origin of the bath. On the Sanso building, there are two private baths perfect for families. Lastly, Kashotei offers Mori no Yu, a large, open-air bath surrounded by tall trees that change in color depending on the season. From the deep greens of summer to the color red-orange hues in autumn, Mori no Yu makes you feel at one with nature. Those who prefer privacy can head to the Tsumi and Zen baths, which are stone bathtubs with windows where you can enjoy views of Shima's tall trees.

All onsen facilities include a shampoo, hair rinse (treatment), and body soap. Additional toiletries like a razor, hair tonic, lotion, and others may depend on which onsen you choose.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Aside from its onsen, Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso has a souvenir shop where guests can purchase specialty goods, souvenirs, and memorabilia from their trip to Gunma. An on-site museum on the first floor of the Honkan building also offers guests a deeper insight into the ryokan's history. There's also a lounge where guests can stay and enjoy medicinal tea, black tea, coffee, juice, and other snacks.

The ryokan's location also makes it an ideal starting point to discover other natural wonders of the area, such as Lake Okushima to the Shima potholes.

Other Celebrations

The ryokan can offer to arrange celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, complete with flowers, cake, and champagne. For occupants of Sanso and Kashotei, the ryokan offers a seasonal fruit platter for birthdays and celebrations. a special sashimi set to celebrate longevity, and a celebratory meal for newborns for a healthy life. You may coordinate with the hotel staff should you wish to celebrate your special day at the ryokan and avail the items from the Celebration Menu.