Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 139 reviews
Kashiwaya Ryokan is a compact, traditionally styled inn at the entrance to Shima Onsen, offering a calm riverside setting and rooms laid with tatami and modern Japanese touches. The property maintains a small number of guest rooms configured for privacy and views over the surrounding woodland, and guests can expect a quietly refined atmosphere rather than a large resort feel. This ryokan with private onsen Gumma highlights intimate bathing options and seasonal, multi-course meals that emphasize local produce and regional ingredients.
The bathing facilities combine communal indoor baths and several bookable open-air private baths; a subset of rooms also feature in-room open-air baths, allowing uninterrupted use outside public hours. Private outdoor baths are available for guests to reserve without strict time slots in many reports, and the property notes accommodation for dietary requests including vegetarian and vegan options. The spa setup and meal presentation aim to reflect seasonal change, with an emphasis on fresh, local sourcing and a measured presentation that complements the onsen experience.
Located within the Shima Onsen district in the Kanto region, the ryokan is reachable by a direct highway bus or a combination of train and local bus from Tokyo, making it a practical escape for a short trip from the capital. The inn sits beside the Shima River and mountains, offering straightforward access to riverside walks and nearby sights; staff provide English support for international visitors and the property explicitly permits private bathing for guests with tattoos, which some travellers prefer. Practical arrival information and transport options are outlined by the property for planning purposes.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Outstanding private onsen experience
Multiple reviewers highlight the three private open‑air onsens as a major highlight — well maintained, immersive, and a relaxing feature that can be enjoyed as a couple or privately without extra fees.
Attentive, friendly and accommodating staff
Staff repeatedly praised for warm, personal service — very attentive, helpful with arrangements, accommodating dietary needs when possible, and many speak English, making the stay welcoming and smooth.
Exceptional, beautifully presented meals (including vegan kaiseki)
Dinner and breakfast are frequently described as outstanding, gastronomic and abundant. Several guests appreciated the vegan kaiseki options and the careful presentation and variety of dishes.
Authentic traditional ryokan atmosphere and comfortable rooms
Guests enjoyed the traditional Japanese rooms, yukata experience and the overall authentic ryokan ambience. Rooms are described as clean, comfortable and offering beautiful river/mountain views from balconies.
Peaceful, scenic setting with convenient bus access
The ryokan’s location in the countryside is valued for its tranquility and scenic views. Many guests noted the bus stop close to the property and the option to explore the nearby town and surroundings by foot or bicycle.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby amenities
Multiple reviews point out the ryokan is quite isolated with no nearby shopping streets; this is great for peace but may be boring without a car or for stays longer than one or two nights.
Transport can be time‑consuming
Some guests mention a long bus or drive from the train station (one said ~40 minutes) and that reaching the ryokan from major hubs can require planning or additional charges for arranged transport.
Meal policy inflexibility regarding mixed diets
At least one reviewer reported the property would not serve one vegan and one non‑vegan meal at the same table, which caused disappointment for mixed‑diet parties despite advance knowledge of the policy.
Breakfast overly elaborate for some tastes
A few guests found breakfast very elaborate with many small dishes and would have preferred fewer dishes with more meat — personal preference that may not affect all travellers.
Minor room nuisances reported
Isolated minor issues were mentioned, such as a door light that wouldn’t turn off which disturbed sleep; these appear occasional rather than systemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kashiwaya is a small ryokan with 14 rooms; room types include twin and triple layouts, so check the specific room description for the exact maximum occupancy.
Yes — the property offers a public bath plus three traditional open-air private onsen that guests can use during their stay, and some room types include an in-room open-air onsen.
Yes — the ryokan welcomes tattooed guests and the private onsen and some in-room baths provide discreet options for tattooed visitors.
There is no dedicated airport shuttle; the nearest JR station is Nakanojo, and local buses serve the Seiryu-no-yu stop right by the ryokan; the property also offers package options that include direct highway bus service from Tokyo.
Typical routes take about three hours: use the direct express bus (Kusatsu-Shima-go) from Ueno to Nakanojo or take shinkansen to Takasaki then the JR Agatsuma Line to Nakanojo, followed by a local bus to Seiryu-no-yu; driving is also an option.
Check-in is between 15:00 and 17:00 and check-out between 08:00 and 12:00; the property’s entrance is closed overnight (approximately 18:30–07:00), so please arrive before the closing time.
Pets are not allowed, and the property’s policy states that children are not permitted, so bookings are generally for adult guests only.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese meals including kaiseki-style dinner and Japanese breakfast, and it offers vegan meal options or other dietary requests if notified in advance.
The ryokan has three private outdoor onsen available for use by guests without extra charge and certain room types include private in-room open-air baths; guests should check room inclusions and speak to staff on arrival for use details.
Shima Onsen offers a tranquil, nostalgic hot-spring town with river views, local public baths (like Seiryu-no-yu) and nature activities nearby; there are few or no full supermarkets or convenience stores in the immediate onsen area, so plan to buy essentials in Nakanojo or bring them with you.