Shima Grand Hotel
8/10 Excellent - Based on 2 reviews
Shima Grand Hotel sits within the forested slopes of Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park, presenting a hybrid hotel-ryokan experience that balances communal hot-spring bathing with modern family facilities. The property is notable for its Hello Kitty partnership—accented rooms and an on-site Hello Kitty Cafe Floresta offer themed menus—while its accommodation lineup ranges from tatami-style family rooms to suites with mountain views, private bathrooms, and in-room conveniences such as tea and coffee makers and air conditioning. Guests encounter a spacious lobby, banquet facilities and seasonal programming that emphasize local produce and traditional Japanese hospitality.
Thermal offerings include multiple hot-spring areas, an indoor public bath and an open-air onsen that showcase the local mineral waters; one themed bath is dedicated to the character collaboration. The hotel operates a seasonal heated pool, a foot bath, a selection of spa treatments and provides services commonly expected at a ryokan with onsen in the Kanto region—public bathing hours and family-friendly bathing options are organised to accommodate groups. Practical amenities include the themed café, a souvenir shop, free parking, Wi‑Fi and a shuttle bus service from Tokyo Station.
Dining centers on buffet-style breakfast and group-friendly meal plans that draw on mountain and river ingredients, while a neighbouring sister property handles formal kaiseki for guests seeking a traditional multi-course dinner. With meeting spaces, a large banquet hall and flexible room configurations, the hotel suits families, character fans and event organisers looking for a ryokan with onsen in Gumma that still offers modern meeting and leisure infrastructure. Staff services include 24-hour reception, luggage storage and arrangements for local excursions into the Shima Onsen area.
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Review summary for: Shima Grand Hotel
Positive Reviews
Three large public onsen baths
Guest noted the property has three large public hot-spring baths, which was mentioned as a positive feature.
Perfect overall rating from another guest
One reviewer gave a perfect score (10) and labeled the stay 'Exceptional', although they did not leave any written comments.
Negative Reviews
Limited buffet variety and poor quality
A guest reported the meal buffet had few choices and that the food quality was poor.
Reviewer would not return
The same guest explicitly stated they would not want to use the property again, signaling overall dissatisfaction with the stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from small Japanese-style rooms to family suites; many Japanese-style rooms sleep up to five guests on futons and the suite can accommodate larger groups.
Yes — the hotel features 24-hour kakenagashi (free-flowing) hot springs with multiple public baths, an open-air bath, and a Hello Kitty–themed bath; a nearby sister ryokan also offers additional bathing options.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; guests typically travel to Nakanojo Station and continue by local bus or taxi to Shima Onsen.
From Ueno take the limited express toward Nakanojo (around 130 minutes), then a 25–30 minute local bus or taxi to Shima Onsen; driving via the Kanetsu Expressway is also common.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; English support is limited, so guests are advised to prepare basic phrases or use a translation app if needed.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and check-out is from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Some premium rooms include a private outdoor onsen and private baths are offered in select room types; contact the hotel directly for availability and room specifics.
Pets are not allowed on the property; the hotel provides meeting and banquet facilities for private events—please inquire with the hotel for arrangements.
Yes — the property has an on-site restaurant with buffet breakfast and a Hello Kitty café serving themed items, with child-friendly dining options available.
A convenience store is located on the property; larger supermarkets and additional services are found in Nakanojo town, reachable by bus or taxi.