Shojuen
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 4 reviews
Shojuen is a small single‑storey hot‑spring inn in the Sarugakyo Onsen area of Minakami, set within woodland on roughly 8,000 square metres. Built by relocating a traditional sericulture farmhouse, the ryokan preserves timber construction and tatami interiors; local folklore about a household spirit (zashiki‑warashi) is part of its character. With a limited number of guest rooms the atmosphere is intimate, suited to quiet evenings by a communal hearth and views of the surrounding satoyama.
Bathing is central: Shojuen offers communal indoor and open‑air onsen pools lined with river stones, plus at least one reservable private onsen offered complimentary for guests. Baths draw on Sarugakyo hot‑spring water and are available late into the night; facilities include separate bathing areas and simple changing rooms rather than elaborate spa complexes. This straightforward layout makes Shojuen a classic ryokan with onsen in Gumma, aimed at visitors seeking traditional hot‑spring experiences rather than modern resort amenities.
Rooms range from modest tatami suites with futons and a sunken kotatsu to larger multi‑futon family layouts; many rooms share bathroom facilities while some offer terraces or private options. Meals are prepared in‑house using seasonal, locally sourced produce and are served as set courses or kaiseki‑style dinners; staff provide warm, personal service and English is limited but practical. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, parking and a non‑smoking policy, making Shojuen an accessible ryokan with onsen in Gunma Prefecture for quiet rural stays. Private‑bath bookings are complimentary and typically rotate so all guests can reserve a time.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shojuen
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen options
Multiple reviews praise both the public baths and private onsen (two private baths available), describing them as excellent, well maintained and renovated, with enough space to relax.
Outstanding meals
Guests described the meals as extraordinary or excellent (one specifically praised pre-ordered sukiyaki), highlighting the food as a major positive of the stay.
Friendly, helpful staff with good English
Staff and the owner/manager were repeatedly noted as welcoming, attentive and able to communicate well in English, which made stays easier and more comfortable.
Beautiful, traditional and well-kept property
The ryokan’s traditional house, grounds and common areas were described as beautiful, clean and tastefully furnished; rooms were spacious, bright and comfortable.
Warm, thoughtful touches and good access
Guests appreciated small welcoming details (e.g., greeted at the car park, cute robots) and practical access—one review noted the ryokan is reachable by bus from the shinkansen station.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby amenities
Several guests noted the ryokan is in a secluded area with few or no convenience stores nearby, and that arrival/transport can be inconvenient without a car.
Private onsen procedure
One reviewer mentioned that to use the private onsen you are expected to shower at the public onsen first, which some guests may find inconvenient.
Onsen size
A reviewer noted the public onsens are not large, although they were generally described as clean and having enough space.
Limited online meal selection
One guest pointed out that menu choices were not available via the booking platform and recommended calling the ryokan directly (for example to request sukiyaki) to arrange preferences.
Access may be awkward without a car
A review cautioned that arrival without a car can be somewhat cumbersome, reinforcing that the property is better accessed with private transport or careful planning of public transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Take the JR shinkansen to Jōmō-Kōgen or the JR line to Gokan, then board the Kan-etsu Kotsu bus bound for Sarugakyo and get off at the terminal; the ryokan is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; guests typically use train + bus or taxi from nearby stations—please contact the property if you need assistance arranging transfer.
Yes — there are separate male and female public baths and two reservable private baths named Asahi and Yuhi; check availability at booking or reception.
Rooms range from single tatami-style rooms to large 22‑tatami multi-room layouts suitable for families or small groups; check each room’s listed capacity when booking.
Shojuen serves traditional Japanese meals, including set gozen or kaiseki-style dinners and Japanese breakfast options; meal plans and choices are listed with reservations and should be confirmed in advance.
The staff primarily use Japanese; some basic English support may be available, so contact the ryokan ahead of arrival if you require extra language assistance.
Private family baths are available to reserve, but full-ryokan privatization is not presented as a standard option—please contact the property for special requests; pet policy is not specified online, so confirm directly with the ryokan.
Shojuen sits in the Sarugakyo Onsen area and is close to Naeba Ski Resort (about 18 km) and other nature and hot-spring attractions, making it suitable for skiing, hiking and countryside sightseeing.
The ryokan provides on-site parking and offers Wi‑Fi; there is no large on-site supermarket, but village shops and services are available nearby and the front desk can advise on the closest options.