A Trip to Shojin Onsen: Discover Gunma’s Hidden Gems
Hello Private Wisdom readers! In search of a special experience to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reset my mind and body, I visited Shojin Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. Although not as well known as Kusatsu or Ikaho, this hot spring resort is a charming place with rich nature and historic hot springs. I myself first visited a few years ago to get away from the stress of work, and it has become a favorite spot that I visit regularly. Roujin Onsen is located in Numata City, and the quiet environment surrounded by mountains makes it feel like a private retreat space. Official tourist information can be found at the Numata City Tourist Association website for more details. Here, I will tell you more about its charms based on my actual visiting experience.
The trip began with a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo. As we got off the highway and proceeded along a mountain road, we could feel the air gradually becoming clearer. The townscape of Oojin Onsen upon arrival has a nostalgic atmosphere. In the center of the hot spring resort area are scattered spots where one can sense the origin of the name “Shorojin,” which comes from the legend of Akagi Mountain. At the time of my first visit, it was the fall foliage season, and the surrounding trees were dyed bright red and orange, creating a picturesque scene. The gradation of colors shone in the sunlight, and the texture of the leaves was so vivid that one could imagine them crisp and dry to the touch. The air was cool and cool, and the rustling of the trees sounded like pleasant background music. The visuals have the power to leave visitors with a quiet sensation and make them forget their everyday lives.
As a related article, we also recommend Private Wisdom’s experience of hidden hot springs around Japan.
Luxurious Time Spent at a Hot Spring Hotel in Shojin Onsen
The best thing about Oojin Onsen is the quality of the water. It is an alkaline simple hot spring that is gentle on the skin and effective in relieving fatigue. I stayed at a ryokan called “Oojin Onsen Sengo,” which has a good reputation among the locals. The official website can be accessed here. After checking in, I immediately went to the open-air bath. As I soaked in the bathtub, the soft water enveloped my body and I felt the pleasant sensation of the stiffness in my shoulders melting away. The open-air bath at dusk is exceptional, with the surrounding mountains becoming silhouettes and the starry sky spreading out beyond the steam, a fantastic sight. The texture of the water is smooth, and the faint scent of sulfur adds to the mystique of the atmosphere. The visual is so luxurious that one can almost imagine being in a private spa as the steam rises up under the dim lighting.
Here is a list of practical advice to enhance your stay at the inn
- Don’t forget to make reservations in advance. Rooms tend to fill up during popular times of the year.
- Choose a dinner with local ingredients. Fresh river fish and wild vegetables are recommended.
- Take advantage of the morning bath. The fresh morning air doubles the effect of the hot water.
- Walk along the surrounding walking trails. Refresh your body and mind with a light hike.
In my experience of putting these tips into practice, the walk after dinner was particularly impressive. Walking while recalling local legends told to you by the ryokan staff adds depth to your trip.
Nearby Activities: A Special Time to Become One with Nature
The charm of Oojin Onsen is not limited to its hot springs. There are many activities that take advantage of the surrounding nature, and I recommend a one-day trek to the Fukiwari Falls. This waterfall is about a 30-minute drive from Shorojin, and access information can be found on the Numata City Tourist Association page. There is a well-maintained promenade around the falls, which even beginners can enjoy. When I visited, it was during the lush summer season. The rainbow of water splashing from the falls and the contrast between the rugged texture of the rock surface and the clear brilliance of the water are breathtaking. The air is humid and a refreshing coolness envelops you, as if you are being showered by nature. This visual combination of lush moss and white splashes of water is so beautiful that you will want to capture it in your photos.
We have included a Q&A section to help you plan your activities. We answer questions that readers are likely to have.
Q: How difficult is the trek? A: Suitable for beginners. Most of the trails are flat, but there are some slippery spots, so be sure to bring sturdy shoes.
Q: What is the best season to go trekking? A: The fresh greenery in spring and the changing leaves in fall are recommended. Summer is cool and winter offers snowy scenery, but the road may be closed.
Q: What do I need to bring? A: Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen. Don’t forget insect repellent.
The highlight of my experience was having a picnic near the falls. We listened to the sounds of nature while eating sandwiches from a local bakery.
The Marriage of Local Gourmet Food and Onsen
Another enjoyable part of my stay in Rōgami Onsen was the local gourmet food. Gunma is famous for its Jyoshu barley pork and konnyaku, but in Shojin, the river fish dishes are superb. At the “Shokudo” restaurant I visited in the Shorojin hot spring resort area, I tasted grilled rockfish with salt. For details, please refer to the review on the food log. The fish was plump, and the added aroma of the charcoal fire was perfect for the body after a hot spring bath. The diner’s atmosphere is rustic, with a warm, woody interior. The visuals of the dishes are vibrant, with the golden grilled surface of the fish reflecting the light and the greens of the accompanying wild vegetables. Overall, the warm lighting creates an appetizing atmosphere. This description gives the reader an immersive experience as if he or she is actually tasting the food.
Advice for enjoying gourmet food is given in the form of a list.
- Pair locally produced sake. Check out information on sake breweries in hot spring resorts.
- Buy fresh vegetables at morning markets. Have them cooked for you at a ryokan.
- Check in advance if you have allergies. Be aware that many of the dishes are made with wild vegetables.
- Local fruits for dessert. Apples and grapes are the best depending on the season.
In my case, I enjoyed local sake after dinner and soaked in the afterglow of the onsen. This is the kind of upscale relaxation that is typical of Private Wisdom. Related article : Exploring Gunma’s Local Gourmet.
A Private Wisdom-style Summary
My experience at Shorojin Onsen was not just a trip, but a place of renewal for body and soul. The natural surroundings, quality hot water, nearby activities, and local gourmet food combine to create an exquisite retreat. For those who, like me, live a stressful daily life, this place is truly a hidden gem. On my next visit, I would like to try the snow baths in winter, and Private Wisdom shares information to help readers build a richer life through these special experiences. Why don’t you visit Shojin Onsen once? It will surely be an unforgettable memory.
Finally, please check Google Maps for a detailed map of Shojin Onsen.
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