[2025 Nakanojo Hotels] Travel Guide for Sekizenkan (Updated Jul)

[Shima Onsen, Gunma] Sekizenkan 4236 Shima-ko, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Japan's oldest hot spring inn building and a long-established inn designated as an important cultural property "Sekizenkan" stands on the banks of the Shinyu River A collaboration between Sekizenkan and the bright red Keiun Bridge across from the main building The main building, which is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn building in Japan, is also designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture. Japan's oldest bathhouse building is said to be one of the models for "Spirited Away". The beauty of the day and night in all four seasons is a must-see! At night, the lit-up appearance is different from the daytime, and it is even more fantastic and beautiful😍. During the day, the contrast between the blue sky and the red bridge stands out, making the building stand out. The colorful leaves in front of the bridge turn red in the fall and green in the spring, making it a popular photo spot. #domestictrip #Gunma #GunmaTourism #GunmaTrip #ShimanOnsen #Sekizenkan #PhotoSpot #PhotoSpot #HotSpring #NakanojoTown #AutumnFoliage #AutumnFoliageSpot

[Gunma] ♨️Shima Onsen, a secret hot spring known only to those in the know *The information listed is from the time of posting. Please check the store's website/SNS for the latest business status. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ 《One word》 I went there in March and it was great Featured on Shima Onsen‼ ️ I didn't know about it at first either, but my mother told me that Shima Onsen was good, so I went there for the first time this time✨ It takes about 4 hours by direct bus from Tokyo Station🚌 It takes a while, but you're just riding the whole time, so it wasn't that bad🙂 The water is so blue that it's called Shima Blue, and there's a hot spring town along the Shima River, and it has a retro atmosphere that was emotional💭 There are also great scenic spots, the inn was really good, and of course there was a stylish cafe☝️ I think it's the perfect place for a 1-night, 2-day mini trip, so I hope you'll go💨 The lake was really blue😱 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ Thank you for subscribing📚 Original outing magazine " 𝐩𝐞𝐬𝐨 』 List price [❤️Your like] If you would like to subscribe, [Follow] ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✈︎ #Gunma Tourism #Shima Onsen #Shima Onsen Cafe #Shima Onsen Toshimaya #Sekizenkan #Okushima Lake Dam #Shima Blue #Kanto Trip #Kanto Onsen #Onsen #Gunma #Trip

Not only was the dinner delicious, but the quantity and speed of the food served were just right, so it was very good😇 ⁡ I always eat quickly, so sometimes I have to wait for the next dish to come... (Of course, the inn is not bad, it's just that we eat so quickly because the food is so delicious.) ⁡ Sekizenkan brought the food one after another according to the speed, and they served rice with the sukiyaki, so I was very grateful for the hospitality...!!! I was also captivated here🫠 ⁡ The sashimi was served in two types, Tosa soy sauce and roasted sake? It was my first time to eat it with sake, but it seemed to enhance the flavor of the fish, so it was delicious!!! For breakfast, you can choose one of four types of smoothies🍹 ⁡ When you arrive at the venue in the morning, the first thing you will have is a smoothie. I think I had an apple and carrot smoothie...🍎🥕 I remember they also had komatsuna and koji smoothies😇(I thought I had written it down, but it's gone now, sadly...I don't have any photos of the smoothies for some reason...🥹) ⁡ There were a lot of vegetables and a wide variety of items, so I was excited from the morning!!! #hotspring #hotspringhotel #shimaonsen #gunmatourism #gunma #sekizenkan

A lounge available to guests staying at Sekizenkan's Kashotei and Sanso ☕️ ⁡ Sanso Lounge "Izutsu" 🍃 This lounge opened in 2021 and offers all-you-can-drink medicinal tea, coffee, black tea, etc. 🍵 ⁡ They also have lotus biscuits, which I personally love, so I enjoyed them with my tea!!! ⁡ There is medicinal tea and coffee in the rooms, but I recommend relaxing in this lounge after a bath 😇 ⁡ ■Business hours 14:30-22:00, 8:00-10:00 the next morning ⁡ #Hot spring #Hot spring inn #Lounge #Sekizenkan #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing

The oldest hot spring inn in Japan, said to have been the model for "Spirited Away" ♨️ Staying at "Shima Onsen Sekizenkan" in Gunma Prefecture ♪ The main building of Sekizenkan was built in 1691 and is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn in Japan. The main building, which has high historical value and is designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture, is a rare building that still retains the atmosphere of traditional hot spring inns. Shima Onsen is named after the legend that it is a "sacred spring that heals 40,000 illnesses," and it has long been famous for its spring quality as a famous hot spring for gastrointestinal problems. The nostalgic, extraordinary space is overwhelming, as if you have jumped into the world of a movie and traveled back in time ✨ #Open-air bath in guest room #Hot spring inn #Resort hotel #Luxury hotel

Shima Onsen, a famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, is famous for the inn Sekizenkan, which is said to have been the model for Spirited Away. There are many long-established hot spring inns lined up, and each one has its own bath, so it seems like you can't go wrong! Of course, there are public baths as well. A little further in, there is a dam famous for its Shima Blue color, and a cafe that looks like it came straight out of a Ghibli movie, so this is a hot spring town that can be enjoyed by people who love hot springs, Ghibli, and even people who love emo. If you go by car, there is a place called the Melody Line where the theme song from Spirited Away plays, so if you're interested, why not go and check it out for yourself! #Breathtaking view #Eastern Japan #Hot spring

Shima Onsen is one of Gunma Prefecture's famous hot springs. It's not a flashy hot spring town, but the streets have a Showa retro feel. The buildings and signs have a nostalgic atmosphere. I thought it would be interesting to take pictures with a film camera 📸 #HotSpring #SummerShortTrip

Sekizenkan is an inn located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. It is said that this was the setting for Spirited Away?! I stayed there, so I would like to introduce the room. It's been a while since I stayed in a room with a large tatami mat, so it was very relaxing. I also had dinner here😊👍 #onsen #stayhome #summertrip

Sekizenkan is an inn located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. We had dinner in our room. A kaiseki meal with a menu that incorporates seasonal ingredients. Each dish is carefully handcrafted 😆 It was a moment when I realized there is nothing more luxurious than a meal enjoyed leisurely in my room. #onsen #stayhome #summertrip #gourmettrip

Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. I went to Sekizenkan, an inn that is said to have been the setting for Spirited Away?! ♨️ The inn is retro and has lots of photo spots! The red bridge is a must-see📸 It's lit up from sunset to night, so it's fantastical and beautiful⭐️ #onsen #stayhome #summertrip

I went to the "Sekizenkan Main Building" in Shima Onsen, Gunma! ️ This inn, also known as the setting for Spirited Away, was built in the 4th year of Genroku and is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn still standing in Japan. Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Sekizenkan#Forest bathing#Summer trip

Echoes of Edo: My Stay at Sekizenkan Ryokan When people talk about traveling back in time, they usually mean it figuratively. But during my stay at Sekizenkan Ryokan in Shima Onsen, it truly felt like stepping into another world—a quieter, simpler Japan that still lives on in this historic inn. A Ryokan Steeped in History Sekizenkan isn’t just any ryokan—it holds the title of Japan’s oldest existing hot spring inn, with roots going back to 1691. The moment you enter, you can feel the weight of history in every detail: the worn wooden corridors, the dim ambient lighting, and the classic red bridge that has become iconic. It’s said that Sekizenkan even inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. As I wandered through the lantern-lit hallways, it was easy to see why. The place feels almost enchanted. Staying in the Sanso Wing I chose to stay in the Sanso Wing, which is surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of flowing streams. The room was minimalist yet warm—tatami floors, sliding shoji doors, and a view of the tranquil garden. Time slows down here, and that’s exactly the point. There’s the natural beauty of the surroundings and the soothing atmosphere of traditional Japan which makes me feel inner peace. The Onsen: Bathing in Nature Sekizenkan is famous for its natural hot spring baths, and they lived up to the hype. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) was a personal favorite. Sitting in steaming mineral waters while breathing in the crisp mountain air was the perfect way to unwind. The indoor baths, with their retro design and wooden beams, added to the feeling of nostalgia. These aren’t just baths—they’re a chance to reconnect with yourself. The Kaiseki Dining Experience Dinner at Sekizenkan was another highlight. The kaiseki meal was a beautifully presented multi-course dinner featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Each dish—from delicate sashimi to simmered mountain vegetables—reflected the essence of Gunma’s countryside. It wasn’t just food; it was a culinary journey, thoughtfully crafted and paced to encourage mindfulness. Why I’ll Return Sekizenkan isn’t about luxury in the modern sense—it’s about authenticity, history, and peace. It’s for travelers who want to experience Japan’s cultural roots, away from the usual tourist paths. For me, it was more than just a ryokan stay. It was an opportunity to pause, reflect, and soak in the spirit of old Japan—both literally and figuratively. If you ever find yourself longing for a slower, quieter experience, I highly recommend visiting Sekizenkan. Trust me, you won’t forget it.

🏯【Shima Onsen Sekizenkan】Step into a Ghibli-like world. A hot spring inn where history and relaxation intertwine, offering a retreat for the soul. Located in Gunma Prefecture's Shima Onsen, "Sekizenkan" is Japan's oldest wooden hot spring inn, established in 1694 during the Genroku era. With its enchanting architectural beauty and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Ghibli film "Spirited Away," this therapeutic inn continues to rejuvenate both body and mind. ⸻ ✨ A stay that feels like time travel • The main building, constructed in the early Showa era, is a registered cultural property. • The red bridge you cross after passing through a tunnel feels like the entrance to the "Spirited Away" world. • Tatami corridors and retro lighting inside the inn invite you into an extraordinary experience. ⸻ ♨️ Savor the renowned waters of Shima • 100% natural hot spring water, free-flowing. • Shima Onsen, known for its gentle touch on the skin, is also called "the hot spring for digestive health." • The "Genroku no Yu" bath, made of marble, offers a museum-like aesthetic beauty. ⸻ 🍱 Cuisine that nourishes both body and soul • Traditional Japanese kaiseki meals featuring local ingredients. • Dishes are delicately flavored, using mountain vegetables, river fish, and seasonal produce. • The view of the garden from the dining area adds to the healing experience. ⸻ 📍 Access & Highlights • 【By Train】About 40 minutes by bus from Nakanojo Station (get off at Shima Onsen). • 【By Car】Approximately 60 minutes from the Shibukawa Ikaho IC on the Kanetsu Expressway. • Day-use bathing is available (fees and time restrictions apply). ⸻

Founded in the Genroku period, stay at Japan's oldest wooden hot spring inn building✨ ⸻ ⏳ A journey through history and time • The main building, built in 1691 (Genroku 4) and opened for business in 1694, is the oldest wooden hot spring inn building in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property . • It is said to be the model for the "red bridge and bathhouse" in the fantasy film "Spirited Away," giving you a time-traveling feeling . ⸻ 🛁 Hot spring therapy and bathing style • The main building is a self-service "modern hot spring therapy building," where you can experience the old-fashioned way of putting your futon in and using the shared facilities . • **"Genroku no Yu"** is a Taisho-era Romanesque building built in 1930, with an arched window bathroom, and is a famous hot spring heritage that evokes the luxury of the time . ⸻ 🍽 "Shokuji" meals that are kind to the body and mind • Simple, nutritious seasonal meals that soothe travelers are served in bento style . • The appeal is the "daily meals like medicinal food" that enjoys the famous waters of Shima and local wild vegetables and miso. ⸻ 🌿 Choose from three different buildings • Main building (Toji building): For those who want to enjoy a self-stay in a historic environment . • Sanso (built in 1936): A pure Japanese-style inn registered as a cultural property, with kumiko shoji screens that highlight the craftsmanship . • Kashotei (built in 1986): A high-altitude inn that is perfect for those looking for modern and luxurious facilities . ⸻ 💡 This is special! • A rare inn where you can easily experience the traditional "Toji" half-self-care. • Shima Onsen, said to cure 40,000 illnesses, is a famous hot spring where you can drink the spring water. • You can spend your time learning about the background of the buildings and hot springs through a historical tour and a guided tour of the building. ⸻ ✅ Recommended for: • People interested in history and architecture • People who want to experience the good old hot spring culture at a modern inn • People who want to heal their mind and body in nature and are looking for a quiet adult trip ⸻ ✍️ Stay plan (example) 1. Lunch: Cross the red bridge and check in at the main building 2. Afternoon: Tour the hot springs & drink the spring water, stroll around the building on a historical tour 3. Dinner: Taste a delicious bento, enjoy the hot spring futon & Taisho Romantic bath 4. The next morning: Check out after an early morning bath and drink the spring water to heal your mind and body ⸻ A deep journey at Sekizenkan where you can experience history, healing and tranquility all at once. Why not choose "Beyond the Red Bridge" for a little trip back in time? ✨ #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Gunma #GunmaTourism #GunmaTrip #Sekizenkan #ShimanOnsen #HotSpring

Sekizenkan, a historic onsen escape in Gunma Prefecture, might be the most spectacular place I’ve ever been to. Tucked away in the forested mountains of central Japan, this isn’t just a traditional ryokan — it’s a step into another world. Founded in 1691, Sekizenkan is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring inns, and walking through its red bridge and wooden halls feels like entering a scene from a Ghibli film (it’s often said to have inspired Spirited Away). What makes it special? Timeless atmosphere. The moment you arrive, you're surrounded by forested hills, fresh air, and architecture that has stood the test of centuries. Inside, the ryokan offers tatami-mat rooms, peaceful hot spring baths (onsen), and the kind of calm that only comes from slow, quiet places. You can enjoy a truly unforgettable onsen experience with both indoor and open-air baths, all fed by natural hot springs. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. 🍱 If you stay, traditional kaiseki meals are served — multi-course Japanese dinners made with seasonal, local ingredients, beautifully prepared and presented. 📸 Don’t miss the chance to take photos of the iconic arched red bridge and the historic wooden corridors — especially in autumn or winter, when the scenery feels extra cinematic. 🌙 And when night falls, Sekizenkan becomes even more enchanting. With the lights glowing and steam rising from the baths, the whole place transforms — you genuinely feel like Chihiro stepping into the world of Spirited Away. 🗺️ Sekizenkan is located in Shima Onsen, reachable by train and bus from Tokyo in about 3 hours. It’s well worth the journey if you’re looking for authentic onsen culture, deep rest, and a sense of timeless Japan.

📍Address: 〒377-0601 Shiman Hot Spring 4236, Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma County, Gunma Prefecture 💰Average consumption per person: NT$10,000 per night with two meals Built in 1691, Jishan Hall is located in the four hot springs. The hotel is divided into the new building and the old building. The hotel has a nearly 100-year-old Genroku-no-yu, with Roman-style architecture. It feels like traveling back in time with Abe Hiroshi to the Roman baths. The hot spring town is small and full of nostalgic atmosphere

#0yentravelJanuary2025 🔥Recommended points A historic hot spring that is designated as an important cultural property as the oldest wooden hot spring inn in Japan ♨ 📝Travel record I used it for a day trip! Genroku no Yu has a Taisho-era modern atmosphere, with large windows and a bright space. The tiled floor was cute. The changing room and bathroom are in the same space, so be careful not to get sweaty. 🍴Sosui-an I had the local dish of okkirikomi udon. Eat while looking out at the Shima River. The owner has some quirks, but he doesn't seem like a bad person lol -------------------------------------------- 📍Sekizenkan 4236 Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-0601

⁡Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture Sekizenkan I went to Sekizenkan, an inn that is said to have been the setting for Spirited Away, and consists of three accommodation buildings: the main building, the mountain lodge, and Kashotei. The main building is a historic inn known as the oldest existing hot spring lodge building in Japan. It is apparently officially recognized by Ghibli as one of the image models for the bathhouse "Aburaya" 🤫! The atmosphere is different during the day and at night, so I hope you enjoy both! By the way, on the road to Shima Onsen, there is also a melody road where "Always With Me" plays 🤭 Address: 4236 Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture #tripdomestictravel #gunma #shimaonsen

🇯🇵 [Gunma Prefecture] The setting of "Spirited Away"! Sekizenkan! Shima Onsen "Sekizenkan" (Nakanojo-cho, Gunma Prefecture) was founded in 1694 (^^) Japan's oldest hot spring inn building and a long-established inn designated as an important cultural property! It is also famous as the model inn for the movie "Spirited Away" (^^) You can enjoy four hot springs, including the retro-modern "Genroku no Yu" and the "Mori no Yu" where you can feel the four seasons (^^) Please go and check it out (^^)♪ [Location] Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 377-0601 #0 yen trip January 2025

Fantastic, authentic and traditional #旅行灵感

#JapanKorea Spring Good Places The original scene of Chihiro ❤️ The 300-year-old 40,000 hot springs Yasuzenkan Founded in 1694 (Genroku 7), Jizenkan is the oldest surviving wooden hot spring inn in Japan and is designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture After lighting up, the Jak Sin Pavilion is more beautiful than we imagined ❤️ The appearance of 40,000 Hot Spring Jishan Pavilion is very beautiful In fact, the room view is also as beautiful as a painting ❤️ This room in addition to attached private bath also has a large terrace in the morning and the other half after soaking in the bath and then while drinking tea while sunbathing to enjoy the scenery life is a great pleasure! ️

This is a river fish restaurant in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. I just popped in, but the food was delicious. The seating is on the premises, and it was crowded at lunchtime, so I had to wait a little. The interior of the restaurant was warm and very comfortable. You can see the Shima River from the window. I ordered grilled salted yamame trout, which was interesting because the skewer was stuck into a pumpkin. This restaurant is also famous for its popular unagi-ju (eel rice bowl), which I ordered, and it was fluffy and very delicious. #Sakura2024 #KurenaiRiverFishCuisine

#AccommodationReview The Sekizenkan Main Building is a historical building located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, and is a tourist attraction in the area along with the Keiun Bridge. Sekizenkan is known as one of the masterpieces of modern Japanese architecture and is an important cultural asset built during the Meiji period. The building was built in 1895 and incorporates the Western-style design and technology of the time. In particular, its elegant exterior and beautiful interior decorations attract visitors. In addition, the beautiful arched bridge, Keiun Bridge, combines with Sekizenkan to create a scenic landscape. The Sekizenkan Main Building and Keiun Bridge are important buildings that symbolize the history and culture of Takasaki City, and are popular tourist spots for locals and tourists alike. When you visit, you can not only enjoy its historical value and beautiful scenery, but also participate in the exhibitions and events inside the building to fully enjoy the charm of Takasaki.

Founded in 1694, this modern hot spring resort appears beyond the red bridge. The main building is said to be the oldest wooden hot spring inn in Japan and is designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture. This famous spot is reminiscent of the bathhouse in the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away"✨ You can also stay overnight There is no changing room, so you can soak directly in the hot spring water The retro Meiji atmosphere and the quality of the hot spring water will soothe your mind and body🌿 📍Shiman Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

I wonder which cartoon of Hayao Miyazaki is your favorite❓ When planning your trip to Tokyo, remember to visit #Chiyoshi's "Scenery" As the first hot spring place in Japan designated as a national maintenance hot spring ♨️ 40,000 hot springs are said to have the effect of curing 40,000 kinds of diseases💆 the real scene is even more beautiful than on camera Arrange in your list 🏃🏻‍♀️💨 Grab your friends and go out together ~ 。 "#40,000 Hot Springs | Jak Shan Pavilion" 📍〒377-0601 Gunma, Shiman Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Tsumari County ☎️+81-279-64-2101 ————————————————— #HongKong #JapanTravel #JapanSelfTravel #JapanFreeTravel #FreeTravel #Self-SelfTravel #JapanTravelStrategy #JapanSwitch #JapanEatDrinkFun #JapanTravel #HongKongTravelStrategy #PhotoStudy #HongKongFun #JapanFun #HongKong #Japan #Japantravel

I stayed at Sekizenkan, a place I've always wanted to go to. 🫠❤️ Photography is prohibited in the hot springs, so I can't post about them, but the room, the building, and the food were all very good, so I'll post about them! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Recommended points ⚫︎You can try out three different baths in the building! ... It's cold in the hallways, so bring a jacket!!! ⁡ ✔️Points to note If I had to say one thing, the rooms at Kashotei and Sanso start at about 24,000 yen per person, so if you want to stay on the weekend, it will cost over 30,000 yen👀 (You can stay at Toujikan for about 10,000 yen per person!) ⁡ ------ 📍Access 🚃Limited Express Kusatsu Ueno Station - Nakanojo Station, about 2 hours 🚌Kanetsu Kotsu Nakanojo Station - Shima Onsen, about 40 minutes ⁡ 🕰Stay time Check-in 14:00 Check-out 11:00 *Main building (check-out at Toujikan is 10:00) ⁡ 🍧Price Kashotei/Sanso: from about 24,000 yen per person Main building (Toujikan): from about 10,000 yen per person ------ #Hot spring #Hot spring inn #Sekizenkan #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing

[Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture] This time, we visited Sekizenkan, one of the most popular hot springs in Shima Onsen. Even those who are not staying at the hotel can enter the cafe on the first floor, and the cafe offers a menu that can be purchased as a set with a day trip ticket to the hot springs. The Shimanto River right in front of you is crystal clear and beautiful no matter when you visit. My personal recommendation is the ice cream with sweet potato on top. The soft serve ice cream had a strong milk flavor and was very delicious!

Address: Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-machi, Tsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-0601 Atmosphere/Facilities: Calm Recommended points: Exterior, hot springs, atmosphere Average price: 20,000 Budget per person: From 20,000 Evaluation: It is said to be the sacred place of "Spirited Away". The exterior is quaint. There are three types of hot springs. A hot spring registered as a cultural heritage site, a hot spring where families can bathe, and a hot spring with an open-air bath. All are recommended. #Hot springs #Sekizenkan #Ghibli #Sacred place #Breathtaking view