highlights and activities All You Can Eat Apples! Apple-picking in Japan’s Countryside
In Japan, there are fresh seasonal fruits you can eat during any time of year. Apples, grapes, tangerines, strawberries,...
Shima Onsen
highlights and activities 
highlights and activities Shima Onsen by Bike! Who Knows What New Encounters Await
Shima Onsen is a sprawling hot spring (or onsen) town located along the Shima River. The town area covers about 3km nort...
Kashiwaya Ryokan The Perfect Spot for the Last Night of Your Trip to Japan: A Country Onsen Ryokan
When you come to Japan, where would you like to go? Maybe to Tokyo, one of the biggest cities in the world. Or to Kyoto,...
Shima Onsen Shima Onsen and Spirited Away – a Surprising Connection
Did you know that right here at Shima Onsen, there is a building said to be have inspired the setting for the famous ani...
Shima Onsen Shima Onsen Ale, Shima’s Original Craft Beer
Many of us enjoy travelling all around the world, and there's one drink you can find just about anywhere you go. That's ...
Shima Onsen Winter in Japan: Open-air Onsen, Scenic Snowscapes, Skiing and More!
As we’ve written before on our blog (see links below), the Japanese take pride in the distinct charm of each of the four...
highlights and activities Nakanojo Biennale , Contemporary Art Exhibition
Nakanojo Biennale is a big contemporary art festival held once in two years at Shima Onsen and it’s around town, Nakanoj...
Ryokan Dinner Menu for Winter is now available.
There are lots of delicious vegetables in Gunma. Including those vegetables, lots of prefecture's and winter ingredients...
Shima Onsen Torioi Matsuri (Bird Catcher Festival) and Dondo Fire Festival
There are some traditional festivals that have spread around at Shima Onsen and around Nakanojo. As for them, I will int...
Shima Onsen Drive trip in a car. Watch out road closures during winter.
In my previous blog, I wrote an article to recommend using a rental car for traveling areas close to airports and major ...