鹿覗きの湯つるや
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 25 reviews
鹿覗きの湯つるや (Tsuruya) sits high in the Shima Onsen area of Nakanojo, Gunma, offering a compact, nature‑framed ryokan experience. The property operates ten guest rooms across a main building and an annex, and each room features its own source‑fed open‑air or semi‑outdoor bath, allowing private soaks with uninterrupted spring water. These in‑room baths, together with reservable kashikiri (private) baths and larger public baths, define its appeal as a ryokan with private onsen Gumma while keeping the setting quiet and woodland‑lit.
The bathing facilities combine different scales and atmospheres: a hilltop open‑air bath, an enclosed main onsen with terrace views, two dedicated private‑use baths, a dry rock‑bed steam (ganbanyoku) and a sauna. Water is delivered directly from the Shima hot spring source, and staff can arrange exclusive time slots for the private baths. Communal spaces include a modest lounge, a gallery, and a small library in the private‑bath wing where guests can relax with tea between visits to the pools.
Rooms are appointed in a restrained, contemporary take on Japanese style, with tatami areas, local timber detailing, flat‑screen entertainment and small fridges; many units open to balconies that face the surrounding forest. Meals follow regional practice: multi‑course Japanese dinners with seasonal produce and options from an on‑site soba menu, with breakfast offered in‑room or in the dining area. Practical amenities include complimentary parking, lobby Wi‑Fi and a shuttle on request, making this compact retreat a focused choice for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen Nakanojo that emphasizes private soaking and quiet natural surroundings.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 鹿覗きの湯つるや
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff
Multiple guests praised the helpful and attentive service at check‑in/out and during their stay, noting staff responsiveness and warm hospitality.
Peaceful, scenic location
Reviewers highlighted the ryokan’s quiet, serene setting at the end of the onsen street, which provided a relaxing, restorative atmosphere away from daily life.
Excellent onsen experience
Guests repeatedly enjoyed the baths — semi‑private and open‑air onsens received strong praise, with several mentioning the beauty of the water and the option to reserve private baths.
Clean, high‑quality facilities and stylish lounge
Visitors commented on the hotel’s cleanliness, sense of luxury, and tasteful lounge; rooms were described as well equipped and comfortable even in smaller room types.
Delicious, well‑prepared meals
Many reviewers appreciated the food, especially the gentle‑flavored Japanese breakfast and overall dining quality, describing meals as tasty and satisfying.
Negative Reviews
Occasional maintenance issues (hot water / A/C)
One guest reported no hot water in the private‑onsen washing area and a non‑working A/C in part of the room late at night, preventing timely assistance and impacting comfort.
Private bath booking system can be inconvenient
A reviewer felt the reservation system for the family/chartered baths was not ideal and would prefer more flexible access, even if shared with other guests.
Insects on balconies/outdoor areas
At least one guest noted that balconies had many insects, making outdoor spaces difficult to use during their stay.
Noisy air conditioning in some rooms
A guest mentioned that the air‑conditioning produced bothersome noise, which detracted from the otherwise calm environment.
Dimly lit roads and wildlife caution
Visitors coming from urban areas were warned that the approach and surrounding night paths are dark; guests advised caution when walking or driving due to low lighting and possible encounters with wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
The property has 10 rooms (5 in the main building and 5 in the annex); room types vary and typically accommodate between 2 and up to 6 guests depending on the room — check the specific room’s maximum occupancy when booking.
Yes — every room includes its own private onsen bath (open-air or semi-open-air) fed by the natural source; the property also offers additional reservable private baths, a rock-bed therapy area and a sauna.
The ryokan has public baths plus named kashikiri (private) baths that can be reserved; private-bath reservations should be requested in advance or at check-in and staff will confirm available times.
A free shuttle is available from the Shima Onsen bus stop/Nakanojo area by prior reservation; the property operates set pickup slots (advance notice required) and return shuttle can be arranged at check-in.
From Tokyo you can take the train to Nakanojo then the local bus to Shima Onsen and use the ryokan’s shuttle, or take a highway bus from Tokyo/Haneda to Shima Onsen; by car use the Kanetsu Expressway to the Shibukawa/Ikaho or nearby IC and follow local routes (about 1–2 hours depending on route).
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (booking may show an arrival window) and check-out is by 10:00; guests are asked to notify the ryokan of their expected arrival time in advance.
Whole-property hire is not listed as a standard option; private baths can be reserved but full privatization is subject to the property’s policy — pets are not presented as accepted on the property, so please contact the ryokan directly for any special requests or exceptions.
The ryokan is in a quiet, more remote part of Shima Onsen with limited immediate shops; the nearest convenience stores and supermarkets are in Shima Onsen village or Nakanojo town a short drive away, and staff can advise on nearby options.
Meals are traditional multi-course Japanese dinners (kaiseki-style) with Japanese breakfasts, often served in-room or in the dining area; please notify the ryokan in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies so they can accommodate where possible.
Nearby highlights include the Shima Onsen village, forest walking trails, scenic Okushima Lake (奥四万湖) and local temples; the area is well suited to nature walks, seasonal foliage viewing and short scenic drives from the ryokan.