♨ SHIMA ONSEN (四万温泉) ♨
It's been passed around 2 years since I traveled more than 1 night last time, around the time when I welcomed too energetic yet unbelievably adorable JRT, "Renta <蓮大> (a.k.a. Ren)".
He tends to climb on top of his own cart :-)
Jan. 2026, my 2nd vist to "Shima Onsen" in my life, located at Shima, Nakanojyo-Town, Gunma Pref. Shima is written in JP as 四(four) 万(10k), which originated by the legend that its Onsen (Hot Spring) heals 40k illness!
Also the river of Shima (四万川) and Lake Okushima (奥四万湖) are know for the stunning blue water, called "Shima Blue".
<< HIGHLIGHTS >>
- "Okkirikomi" lunch at Sou Sui An (蒼水庵)
- Okkirikomi is a soul food of Gunma Pref. , a type of Udon (noodle made of wheat flour) sliced wider than the regular ones. Interestingly, Sou Sui An serves the Okkirikomi Udon, colored like "Shima Blue"! It's harmless to the health coloring by the flower, "gardenia", and they also serve the regular white one, too. The staff, who is so kind and cheerful gentlemen, said Blue one is smoother and White one is more chewy texture and he is absolutely right! I will definitely visit there and try Blue Okkirikomi again!
- Okkirikomi is a soul food of Gunma Pref. , a type of Udon (noodle made of wheat flour) sliced wider than the regular ones. Interestingly, Sou Sui An serves the Okkirikomi Udon, colored like "Shima Blue"! It's harmless to the health coloring by the flower, "gardenia", and they also serve the regular white one, too. The staff, who is so kind and cheerful gentlemen, said Blue one is smoother and White one is more chewy texture and he is absolutely right! I will definitely visit there and try Blue Okkirikomi again!
- Unforgettable stay at "Nakamuraya"
- It's so hard to find a nice place to be able to stay with a dog in JP, but their room, Onsen, Dinner, Breakfast, and everythings are so marvelous! Here are the great things about Nakamuraya, but it's hard to express all!
- Cuisines: "Baniku (horsemeat)" ( can switch to Tuna) Sashimi<raw>, which is so unique, and Joshu Pork (Joshu is an ancient name of Gunma area), river fish, Tempura, rice individually cooked in a pot, and so many wonderful dishes!
- Private Onsen: Too large enough to enjoy bathing Onsen alone, flowing directly from the source. Actually, their original business is a liqure store (since Meiji Era, around 150yrs ago!), so Japanese sake or other drinks can be ordered and enjoy them in the Onsen!
- Room with a dog (limited 2 rooms): no prohibit area of the dog in the room. Moreover, a dog can also enjoy bathe Onsen equipped with a room! Unfortunately, it's a bit too cold for Ren to take a bath this time, but revenge the next time!
- It's so hard to find a nice place to be able to stay with a dog in JP, but their room, Onsen, Dinner, Breakfast, and everythings are so marvelous! Here are the great things about Nakamuraya, but it's hard to express all!
- Shima / Nakanojyo Souvernir
- Daimaru: Direct store of the bolied "Hanamame (Scarlet runner bean)" manufacturer. The landlady kindly offered some samples before the purchase and I loved them all
There is a package with 3 types of Hanamame, sugar coated, salty sugar, and basic boiled, so I took it for a souvernir
- Tsukada Farm: The winary of Gunma. There are variety of wines at the Japanese traditional type of storehouse. I chose the latest brew red wine, which is too good to stop! However, the wine is around 17% alchole contains, so need to be so careful...
- Daimaru: Direct store of the bolied "Hanamame (Scarlet runner bean)" manufacturer. The landlady kindly offered some samples before the purchase and I loved them all
To access Shima Onsen is a little less convenient comparing to others, but it might be the essence of exploring a real local Onsen Town in JP.
I was a bit worried about driving in the snow, so unable to go to the lake or a dam in upper area to see Shima Blue, and there are more must-to-visit places in Shima Onsen, so will plan the travel again soon!