8 Ryokans in Shima Onsen, Gunma, for a Relaxing Onsen Retreat with Your Family

When you have small children, it's hard for moms to rest. If you're a mom who's been complaining about not being able to get tired lately, why not make some time to take a break? We recommend a onsen trip with your family! Shima onsen in Gunma, which can be accessed in about 3 hours by car from Tokyo, is a hot onsen resort with a retro atmosphere. It's a peaceful and easy-going destination for families.

Shima onsen nestled in the mountains, is rich in nature and has plenty to see. The spectacular views of Lake Shima and Lake Oku-Shima, with their sparkling surface known as “Shima Blue,” are sure to look fresh even to children. However, traveling with children can be tiring. There are so many things that it is difficult. That's why it's best to choose ryokan that offers private baths, rental baby goods, and is family-friendly. This time, we have collected recommended ryokan in Shima onsen where you can stay when traveling with children!

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The long-established ryokan ``Sekizenkan'' has an appearance that makes you feel as if you have wandered into the world of a movie. This is a very famous onsen ryokan that is said to be the model for the bathhouse that appears in ``Spirited Away.'' First, take a commemorative photo with the red bridge in the background ☆ Your children will surely smile.

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``Sekizenkan'', where you can feel the history, is divided into ``Main Building'', ``Kashotei'', and ``Mountain Lodge''. Kashotei, which stands on a hill, has excellent soundproofing properties, making it perfect for traveling with children. You can relax without worrying about your surroundings.

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One of the great things about Kashotei's standard rooms, special rooms, and VIP rooms is that up to 4 people can enjoy in-room dining, and in the 5-star concept rooms, you can have meal in your own private room. The colorful and luxurious meal typical of ryokan have a special feel. For children, we can prepare a kids lunch or a children's large lunch.

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Shima onsen is said to “cure 40,000 illnesses.” Enjoy onsen to your heart's content at Sekizenkan, which has long been loved as a hot spring inn. This is the nostalgic "Genroku no Yu". It was built in 1930 and is a registered cultural property of the country. Relax in onsen fed directly from the source and heal your daily fatigue.

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In the courtyard of ``Kashotei,'' there are ``Zen'' and ``Zen,'' private baths that require reservations. If you want to take a relaxing bath with just your family, please use this service (*charged/hourly). There is also a ``Private bath with natural hot spring water, 1 free bonus plan'', so be sure to check it out if you want to take advantage of it.

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"Shima onsen Yamaguchikan" is a onsen ryokan located in a valley on the banks of the clear Shima River. The time spent relaxing and looking at the seasonal scenery from the room frees moms from their busy daily lives. Some rooms are equipped with hori-kotatsu tables, so your kids might get excited.

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Shima Onsen is onsen that has sprung up over time from rainwater that fell over 60 years ago. Because it is full of minerals, it is said to be effective as a "hot spring for beautiful skin." Moms will be happy to be able to get rid of fatigue and moisturize their skin ♡

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This is ``Yakushi-no-Yu,'' which retains the atmosphere of a spa. You can enjoy onsen in a bathtub made of cypress and famous stones while being watched over by onsen Onsen Yakushi (Yakushi Joruri Nyorai). You can also drink the source water from Shima onsen at the “onsen Lounge”! Please enjoy onsen from the inside of your body♪

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If you are traveling with children, we also recommend rooms with open-air baths. It's reassuring to be able to give your dog a bath without worrying about the people around you. The room is on the top floor with a great view, so you can enjoy the freedom of your trip.

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Dishes made with ingredients produced in Gunma are one of the prides of the inn. You can enjoy plenty of seasonal vegetables from Gunma, also known as the "Vegetable Prefecture." A children's menu is available for young children. It looks like it will be a very satisfying meal time for both adults and children ♡

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The inside of the building is designed to look like a town in the Showa era, and is named ``Tawaramachi.'' A shop, a tea room, a classic bar with karaoke...it's an exciting sight just to walk around. One of the famous shows that colors this Showa-era town is the ``Landlady's Kamishibai.'' Founded about 300 years ago, the proprietress' traditional picture-story shows attract not only children but also adults. This is sure to be an unforgettable memory for your child. (For Kamishibai and entertainment performances, please confirm at the time of reservation)

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Shima onsen has an annual event called the ``Chochin Walk'' every summer (reservations required). Take an elegant walk through the retro Showa-era hot onsen town wearing a yukata and holding a lantern in your hand. Just walking around an unknown city at night is an unfamiliar experience. Seeing your child's excited smile is a good memory for mom too◎

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Reopening in March 2021. The 14-room onsen ryokan boasts a homely atmosphere where you can relax with your family. There are guest rooms with open-air baths and free private open-air baths, so it's safe for families with small children. There's also free Wi-Fi and a library where you can read books and manga! You can enjoy adult time by taking turns with mom and dad♪

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There are 9 types of clean, retro-modern rooms from the Showa era. The retro black telephones and furniture in all rooms will make you want to take pictures. Check-out is at 12:00, so you can relax without having to rush to get ready in the morning, which is great for families traveling with children.

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You can enjoy the three types of private open-air baths as many times as you like, with no reservations required and free of charge. You can adjust the bath time to suit your child's mood, so you can feel relaxed! If you are concerned about having a large bath, you can request a baby bath at the time of reservation. After bathing as a family, you can have dad take care of the kids and mom can repeat onsen bath. Relax and relieve the stress of everyday life. If you want to enjoy onsen with your family whenever you want, we also have rooms with open-air baths.

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meal area is semi-private, so even if you are traveling with small children, you can feel safe and have a family atmosphere. Dinner includes Gunma's specialty Joshu beef, seasonal vegetables, and a full course of sashimi konnyaku handmade by the proprietress. If you request, we will prepare a ``children's lunch'' so the whole family will be satisfied ♡ Breakfast will be the same for adults and children. You can choose from three options: Japanese food, Western food, and brunch at Kashiwaya Cafe in the onsen town.

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It takes about 5 minutes to reach Kashiwaya Cafe by car. Be sure to enjoy our proud handmade sweets here. Children will smile at the sweet sweets ♡ For moms and dads, how about a cappuccino with a photogenic onsen symbol? (Brunch hours 11:00 to 15:00/Please confirm when the cafe is closed)

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Toshimaya has 15 rooms. This hot spring ryokan boasts an abundant amount of onsen water as it owns three in-house hot springs. It is also known for being child-friendly, with plans to support babies' onsen debut. There are rooms with open-air hot spring baths as well as private baths, so you can use the baths with your family without any hesitation.

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The 100% natural hot spring water from the Shima source is said to be gentle on babies' skin. The private bath is stocked with goods such as a baby bath and baby body soap, so moms can enjoy onsen with peace of mind. (Reservation required/paid)

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The "Baby onsen Debut Plan" is in-room dining for you to enjoy meal at your own pace. You are free to bring your own baby food, and forks, spoons, and utensils are available for rent. We also offer a "Weaning Ceremony Plan" so it is the perfect place to celebrate the healthy growth of your baby!

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It has a secluded atmosphere, perched on a quiet hill. The "homely ryokan" where the landlady and young landlady welcome you will make you feel as comfortable as coming back to your parents' home. In the picture book corner, selected by a young proprietress who is a former kindergarten teacher, choosing a book with your child can be a fun memory of your trip. With the "Family Plan," you can borrow bulky items such as baby baths, baby chairs, toys, diaper buckets, and more!

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A private family bath surrounded by aroma candles. It's a relaxing space with healing music playing in the background ♡ Enjoy a relaxing bath time just for your family while being surrounded by aromatic scents. (Reservation required/Paid *Free depending on accommodation plan)

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You can also rent an aroma pot to relax in your room. While being healed by the aromatic scent that is said to have a relaxing effect, you can forget about the busyness of everyday life and relax your mind... Surrender yourself to that feeling. You can choose your favorite scent of aroma oil ♡

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With the "Family Plan," you can enjoy meal in a private room with just your family, so you can rest assured (*This is not in-room dining). Elementary school children will basically receive the same meals as adults, but if you contact us at least 2 days before your stay, you can switch to a ``children's lunch''.

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"Shikazokinoyu Tsuruya" is a quiet ryokan located in the innermost part of Shima onsen, the Hinatami district. You can choose from ``Bettei Mizukian,'' where you can enjoy a retro-modern atmosphere, or ``Honkan Tsuruya,'' where you can feel a Japanese atmosphere. The luxury of all guest rooms with 100% natural hot spring open-air baths and semi-open-air baths! Although it is a luxurious ryokan, it is also child-friendly, and you can rent a wide range of useful goods for traveling with children, from baby bathtubs, diaper buckets, baby sofas, infant yukata sets, and entertainment items such as playing cards.

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In addition to the open-air baths in guest rooms, there are 3 private open-air baths. If you look out at the ``Kemonomichi'' that leads from the bathtub to the mountain, you may even see wild animals such as raccoon dogs, Japanese serows, and squirrels...! It's a valuable experience. Another great point is that it can be reserved all day long and can be used for free.

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The main building Tsuruya has meals served in your in-room dining, while the annex Mizukian has a private meal room, so even if you have small children, you can eat at your own pace (the main building can also be used as a meal area if there are 4 or more people). For children, you can choose between a ``Children's Lunch'' or the same ``Tsuruya Kaiseki'' as adults. "Children's lunch" includes hamburgers, sushi rolls, tempura, and other items that are popular with children♪ (If you wish, please contact us in advance)

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Why not take a break during your trip at a stylish cafe run by Tsuruya? Gunma 's natural monument ``Shima no Pothole'' is located about an 8-minute drive away, and after sightseeing, head to ``Forest Cafe KISEKI'' in the parking lot. We are proud of our cheesecake and delicious coffee. There is also a terrace where dogs are welcome.

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``Shojukan'' is a wooden ryokan with a somewhat relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere. We do not accept groups, so you can spend a quiet and relaxing time with your family. The entire building is non-smoking, which is great if you're traveling with children.

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The inn's signboard cat "Lucky" will greet you with a cute smile ♡ The fluffy cat's head will be nudged... Children will be very surprised and overjoyed when they interact with the animals ♪

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You can enjoy a total of 6 private baths, 3 open-air baths and 3 indoor baths, for free. The open-air bath is located on the mountainside in the back from the entrance, and in the spring you will be surrounded by the scent of flowers such as azaleas and azaleas, and in the fall you will hear concerts of insect sounds...Enjoy the beauty of nature in all four seasons.

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There are two types of private baths in the hotel, one made of stone and the other made entirely of cypress. You don't need to make a reservation and you can use it all day long, so please come whenever it suits your family's schedule. There is a bed in the changing room of "Ninoyu", so you can quickly change your clothes so your child doesn't get cold in the bath♪

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You can also rent out "Bumbo" here, so don't worry if you have a crawling baby that you can't take your eyes off of. It's also helpful to be able to rent items that you would like to have when traveling with children, such as high chairs, outlet covers, and extra chopsticks.

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A long-established ryokan founded in 1919. There are only 8 guest rooms. For moms who want to take it easy, this will be a relaxing inn. All the guest rooms are on the second floor, but the first floor is the meal area, so even if your kids are playing around at night, you don't have to worry about what's going on downstairs. You can stay comfortably without worrying too much.

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An open-air bath on a hill with a panoramic view of nature. It can be reserved for private use at night, so after the kids are put to bed, moms can enjoy a relaxing bath on their own. Spending time in onsen while looking at the starry sky is a luxurious time.

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meal are creative dishes made with plenty of carefully selected ingredients from Joshu. “Beef stew wrapped in pie” is a popular specialty menu item. The menu changes every month, so you can enjoy something fresh every time you visit.

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The children's meals for elementary school students are just as luxurious as the adult meals, with a slightly reduced number of items. For accommodations where infant meal are available, children's lunch style meal will be prepared. Also, children's dinner comes with a nice drink ♡

Shima onsen is easily accessible from Tokyo, and is a location where you can easily enjoy onsen with your family. The hot spring quality is gentle on the skin, so you can rest assured that it's easy for your child to make their debut in onsen. By staying at ryokan is family-friendly with children, moms can take a break from their usual hard work. Your child's smile will be even brighter! Dad will also have the energy to work starting tomorrow ◎ Please take a trip to Shima onsen with your family on the weekend ♪