Shima Tamura

The Japanese-style breakfast was good, and next time I’d choose the Japanese dinner served at the ryokan instead of the buffet. The buffet dinner is at the Shima Grand Hotel, a 3-minute walk away. Note that the walk up to the ryokan is very steep. There are six onsens in total, and most visitors seemed to be locals. We loved the authentic ryokan feel, the onsen and the view, along with the Japanese hospitality. It’s near the famous Sekizenkan Kashoutei!

The food and onsen were top-notch, and my room looked out over peaceful, scenic countryside. They provided quality tea and a snack too. The real tatami rooms and old-Japan feeling were there from the moment I walked in. The staff were so friendly they made me feel like family. I wish I could stay every year.

We spent three nights here in November 2019, and the food was amazing. They did a great job accommodating our no-meat diet. Service at reception and during meals was everything we could ask for. I especially enjoyed the view of the river and waterfall from the baths, and there’s a nice range of indoor and outdoor options. Shima Tamura is a real gem, a fairly large, quirky hotel built up over a long time. I think its oldest section dates from the 1600s. It’s definitely worth the detour to get here!

I enjoyed five kinds of onsen and hardly saw anyone, so I often had them nearly to myself. The place is beautiful, quiet, and spacious. The Shima-onsen spring, known as 40,000 hot spring, is said to help with stomach problems and all sorts of other illnesses. The water is clear and odorless, and felt silky and soft. I liked the basement steam bath too. It was less hot than a sauna, just right for me. Dinner had a little originality to it, and I enjoyed it. I’d be happy to visit again :)