Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Shima Onsen Tsuruya's Mystical Baths!
Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Shima Onsen Tsuruya's Mystical Baths!
Shima Onsen Tsuruya: More Than Just a Bath, It's a Damn Dream (And Maybe a Little Bit of a Headache to Get There!)
Okay, people. Let's be real. When you see "Japan" and "Onsen" in the same sentence, your brain probably conjures images of serene, steaming pools, snow-dusted landscapes, and a level of chill that makes you want to spontaneously burst into haiku. And, for the most part, Shima Onsen Tsuruya delivers on that promise. But let me tell you, getting there and experiencing it… it’s a journey, both physically and emotionally. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a review, not a perfectly polished brochure.
First off, The Accessibility Gauntlet (and a Quick Reality Check)
They say it’s accessible. And, bless their hearts, they try. Facilities for disabled guests are present. An elevator? Check. But here's the truth bomb: navigating Japan with mobility issues can be… thrilling. Think of it as extreme tourism. There are nuances. While the main areas are generally accessible with ramps and elevators, the older architectural style, even if it is charming, means that there are some tricky steps, narrow hallways, and spaces that might test your inner adventurer. Getting around, especially from the train station (which, by the way, requires a transfer or two), can be a bit of a mission. The airport transfer is a lifesaver - use it! I didn't, and let me tell you the bus routes are not the best for luggage and old bones. It's not perfectly wheelchair-friendly, so call ahead, ask specific questions, and manage your expectations accordingly. They do try, and I commend them for it. But don't expect a flawless, American-style experience. It's Japan, and that's part of the charm… and the occasional frustration.
The Internet: Bless Their Hearts (Still Working on It!)
Alright, the internet situation. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Great! It's crucial, I'm just gonna say it. But, let's just say the signal strength isn’t always winning any awards. The Internet access – LAN option is there, which is nice for those of you with business meetings to attend or who are planning to download some files. If you're relying on serious bandwidth, prepare for some delays, or go stand in the lobby where the signal is better. At least there's Wi-Fi in public areas, so you're not completely cut off, especially if you need to send a few photos to your friends and family.
The Heart of the Matter: The Mystical Baths (And My Deep-Seated Love for Them)
Okay, this is where Tsuruya shines. This is the reason you, dear reader, should consider going. The Spa/sauna, the spa itself, the sauna, the steamroom - oh, the steamroom! But it's not just the "things". It's the experience. The way the hot spring waters – I think it’s from a proper natural source – envelop you, washing away all the stress and grime of modern life. It's a goddamn revelation. And you know what? It's the Pool with view! But seriously, the feeling is unparalleled. Just picture this: It's the middle of winter, maybe there’s snow, and I was just sitting there. Naked. In a hot spring. Gazing at a snowy mountain range. Mind. Blown. Pure, unadulterated bliss. That memory? It's worth the entire journey to Japan! The foot bath is a nice touch, too, a welcome relief after a day of exploring.
But here’s the thing: this whole onsen experience feels… sacred. Forget your phone. Forget your worries. Just be. It's a space (well… a watery space) that encourages introspection and relaxation. Massage is available as well, and I recommend it very highly. I got a massage - I’m not gonna lie, it made me feel all sorts of zen.
Food, Glorious Food (And a Few Tips on Navigating the Menu)
Let's talk about food. Because, let's face it, you're not just there for baths. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant - choices, choices! The restaurants are very good (I am an enthusiast when it comes to food), and the food is just as beautiful as the scenery. It's a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. There's a breakfast [buffet], usually featuring both Western and Asian options, and it's a solid start to the day. I love the Asian breakfast option. If you fancy room service, Room service [24-hour] is available. Be sure to try the local specialties. The A la carte in restaurant option helps to cater to your needs, too.
Now, a minor quibble: My Japanese is terrible. And while the staff are lovely, there can be a slight language barrier. The menu's a bit confusing at times. So, if you have specific dietary needs or concerns, take the time to explain, or be prepared for some surprises. The Vegetarian restaurant option is available, but it is best to check this beforehand.
The Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and a Little Bit Humble
The rooms themselves are a comfortable blend of traditional and modern. There are Non-smoking rooms, which is a huge plus. You can find all the Available in all rooms amenities, like Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, Internet access – wireless, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, and many more. The view from the window is usually stunning, but remember, you're there for the onsen, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Taking It Seriously (Thankfully!)
In the age of… well, you know, the world's current state, I was very relieved to see Tsuruya taking hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays– all the good stuff. There's Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff are well-trained in safety protocol. They’re making a real effort to keep you safe and at ease.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Beyond the Baths
Okay, so you're not just bathing. You need some non-onsen stuff, too, right? There's a Fitness center (I’m not sure who uses a gym in onsen territory, but hey, it’s there!), and the Shrine is a must-see. The area is gorgeous for exploring. Just be sure to factor in travel time and any accessibility concerns. Enjoy the terrace as well. Try to do some exploring!
The Little Things (That Matter)
- Staff: Generally warm, helpful, and patient, even with my terrible Japanese.
- Cashless payment service: very useful.
- Luggage storage: handy for early arrivals or late departures..
- Concierge: Excellent for booking activities or making recommendations.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Good for last-minute presents.
The Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The decor is traditional. That means some older styles.
- The check-in/out [express] is available, which is a lifesaver.
- You might lose track of time staring at the view. It's a real thing.
- The pets allowed unavailable, even if you have a tiny one.
The Verdict: Go (But Be Prepared) and then you'll thank me
Shima Onsen Tsuruya is a truly special place. It's a chance to disconnect, recharge those batteries, and experience the magic of a traditional Japanese onsen. It's not perfect. It requires a bit of patience, some planning, and maybe a good phrasebook, but for the sheer beauty of the experience, the relaxation, and the memory of those steamy baths? It's worth every single moment. I give it 4.5 out of 5 steaming tubs.
Book Now! (And Treat Yourself)
Here's the Deal that'll get you booking!
Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Shima Onsen Tsuruya's Mystical Baths for an Experience of a lifetime!
Special Offer: "Onsen Immersion Package"
- Guaranteed: One complimentary Body scrub or Body wrap session - a perfect start to relaxation.
- Complimentary: one premium bottle of local sake with your meal for an even deeper sense of tranquility.
- Added Bonus: 10% Discount on all Spa Treatments.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Free Car Park
- Daily breakfast
- Free shuttle service
- **Book now and
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just going to Shima Onsen. We're diving in. This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is life, and it's about to get very, very onsen-y. Prepare for the rollercoaster, kids.
SHIMA ONSEN: A Whirlwind of Hot Springs & Existential Crises (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for the Perfect Towel (Spoiler: It Does NOT Exist)
1:00 PM: Arrived at Narita. The plane ride was about as exciting as watching paint dry, though the tiny airplane water bottles did briefly distract me. Immigration? A blur of polite bowing and feeling like a giant lumbering idiot. Train to Nakanojo… well, let’s just say my attempts at Japanese are apparently best suited for ordering "ramen" and maybe "excuse me." My brain is still adjusting to the time difference.
3:00 PM: Nakanojo Station! Actually pretty charming, in a "tiny town trying its best" kind of way. The air is crisp, smells vaguely of pine needles and… hope? We grab a taxi to Tsuruya – a name I’m already practicing in my head, because pronunciation is a minefield. I’m already envisioning myself accidentally ordering “two bowls of loneliness” instead of the pork cutlet I’m craving.
3:30 PM: Tsuruya Check-In & Immediate Chaos: Alright, picture this: Traditional ryokan. Sliding doors everywhere. Me, trying to navigate the whole "take your shoes off" thing gracefully while simultaneously grappling with jet lag. The staff? Impeccably polite, and I instantly feel like a clumsy oaf. The room, though? Stunning. Views, tatami mats, and a giant window overlooking… nature. I think I like nature now.
4:00 PM: The Towel Fiasco (and Its Lasting Impact): First mission: Find the communal bath. This involved a brief, panicked search for the correct towel. Because, you know, there are like a million types. I grabbed what looked like a face cloth, only to realize it was about the size of a postage stamp. Humiliation levels: Rising. The bath itself, once I found it, was… pure bliss. Hot spring water, the world melting away. Except for the constant worry that my tiny towel would betray me.
5:30 PM: Dinner! My stomach is rumbling in anticipation of the multi-course Kaiseki dinner – which, I must say, was an absolute experience. The artful presentation, the delicate flavors… I’m pretty sure three of the courses were a kind of fish that I have never seen, but it was all delicious. I think. They even gave me a tiny fork, so my clumsy sausage fingers wouldn't betray me.
7:00 PM: The Onsen Crawl Continues: After dinner, I get lost, and then again, and again, in the endless corridors. Eventually, I found the outdoor rotenburo. The water was, like, the perfect temperature. The stars, the trees, utter…peace. Until I realized I was probably the only person in the world wearing a tiny postage stamp disguised as a towel.
9:00 PM: Attempted Slumber: Jet lag is kicking in, but I'm excited about a good night's sleep in a proper bed and then the futon.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonders & Existential Onsen Reflections
8:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (and Possibly Regret): A breakfast buffet of Japanese delights! The fish, the rice, the fermented soybeans… I bravely tried everything. I'm still not sure what to make of the natto, so let's pretend it was… earthy? My stomach is not sure how it feels about everything, especially after last night's feast. I swear, I'm going to float away from the ryokan.
9:00 AM: The Trek to the Waterfall: Took the bus to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. The views were absolutely jaw-dropping, like something out of a Miyazaki film. I am totally taking a selfie because I am a millennial, regardless of how uncool it is. Walking back, I actually nearly missed the bus. That's how immersed I was in the beauty.
12:00 PM: Lunch in a Random Village: Found a tiny ramen place, the kind that only locals seem to know about. This ramen was the best ramen I have ever had. I can say that with complete conviction. It was the perfect, cozy spot.
2:00 PM: Back for More Onsen: Another round of onsen! I tried a new bath: the one with the rocks. I think I saw a toad. Or maybe it was just my imagination. My imagination is probably overworked at this point.
4:00 PM: The Ryokan's Store: I decide to buy all the snacks and souvenirs. I'm feeling confident, and maybe a little delirious.
6:00 PM: Dinner…Again! And another Kaiseki feast! It's safe to say I'll be needing a bigger pair of pants by the end of this trip.
8:00 PM: Stargazing & the Meaning of Life (Probably): The ryokan has a gorgeous little garden. I sat there with a beer, staring up at the stars. The silence was incredible. I felt… peaceful? Maybe I'm starting to "get" this whole onsen thing. Or perhaps I'm just really, really sleepy.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Scent of Sulfur (and Maybe Enlightenment?)
9:00 AM: Final Breakfast: The buffet again. I eat all of the eggs. Eggs are delightful.
10:00 AM: Sayōnara, Tsuruya! (and Tears): Check out. I’m actually sad to leave. I feel… calmer. The staff waves goodbye, and I'm pretty sure I'll be back someday.
11:00 AM: Train to… wherever the next adventure awaits! The train ride back gave me a chance to reflect on everything. This trip? It was more than just hot springs and pretty views. It was a reset, a chance to disconnect, and maybe, just maybe, find some peace.
Always: Still can't figure out how to use chopsticks properly, but now more importantly, I am thinking forever about my next ramen.
Uncover Japan's Hidden Gem: Shima Onsen Tsuruya's Mystical Baths! (Or: Did I Actually Ascend?)
Okay, so, what *IS* this Shima Onsen Tsuruya place anyway? Is it, like, a hotel? A cult meeting? Tell me straight!
Alright, alright, settle down, conspiracy theorists. It's... well, it's *mostly* a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Think tatami mats, sliding doors, and people who can make a futon appear *poof!* overnight. But Tsuruya? It's got *more*. Way more. Consider it a portal. A portal to... well, relaxation, mostly. But also, maybe, to some sort of ancient, subterranean energy. Or at least, that's what it felt like after my third onsen (hot spring). The place is in Shima Onsen, a quiet little mountain town, and it's freaking *gorgeous*. Think lush greenery, babbling brooks... and then the steaming, mineral-rich water.
Seriously, are the baths good? Because I've heard onsen can be... intimidating. Like, public nudity? With strangers? My anxiety's already screaming.
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, the baths are *amazing*. The water? Crystal clear, and it just... *soothes*. Like your body's finally giving up the fight and just *melts*. And yes, public nudity is pretty much the deal. Buuuuut – and this is key – everyone's in the same boat. You're all embarrassed *together*. I was mortified at first! I spent approximately the first five minutes desperately trying to cover myself with a tiny towel (which is a very Japanese thing), feeling like a total goofball. Then, you know what? I saw a sweet old Japanese lady with *the finest* wrinkles imaginable just *floating* there, completely unconcerned. And I thought, "If she can do it, so can I." And honestly? It was… liberating. Like shedding a whole layer of self-consciousness. Eventually, I just embraced the nakedness. It's part of the experience! Plus, they have indoor and outdoor baths! The outdoor baths are pure magic.
Tell me about the different types of onsen. Are they all the same? Or do I have to memorize a whole guidebook?
Guidebook memorization? Nah, don't burden yourself! There are different baths, and that's part of the fun! Some are for men, some for women, some mixed (though those require bathing suits… don't ask me why). At Tsuruya, there's a cool cave bath carved out of the rock, which felt positively primal, like I was bathing in the earth's heartbeat! And another one, the "Yakushi no Yu," is supposedly for pain relief. Look, after a long day of hiking (and battling my own clumsy feet), I *needed* that Yakushi no Yu! Whether it actually worked or if it was just the sheer bliss of the water, I don't know, but I felt like a new person! Then there are open-air baths, which offer stunning views. Seriously, pick a bath, any bath; they're all good. Just respect the rules - and, you know, don't stare at people's… well, you know. That's just rude.
The food! I've heard Japanese cuisine is incredible, especially in these kinds of places. What’s the skinny?
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Okay, buckle up. This is where Tsuruya *really* shines. It's not just about the water; it's a full-blown culinary experience. They do a Kaiseki dinner, which is like a parade of tiny, exquisite dishes. I'm talking beautifully arranged plates of fish, vegetables I'd never even *heard* of, delicate little tempura morsels... And then the presentation! Each dish is a work of art, almost too pretty to eat (almost!). I'm a pretty simple eater usually; give me a burger and I'm happy. But even *I* was blown away. They even presented a whole fish, and, even though I felt terrible, they did it with pride and expertise. I had to try it! I was never the same afterward! The flavors are complex, the textures are varied, and the whole thing is a symphony for your taste buds. And a tip? Go easy on the sake at dinner. Trust me on this one. I learned that lesson the hard way (more on that later).
What about the rooms? Are they, like, super traditional Japanese? Do I have to sleep on the floor? (Please say no.)
Yep, *super* traditional. And yes, you likely will be sleeping on a futon on the floor. But honestly? It's comfy! (Usually.) My back is a disaster, but the futon was surprisingly supportive. The rooms are spacious, with tatami mats, shoji screens (those paper doors!), and usually a little alcove for displaying a scroll or flower arrangement. It's all very serene. It's a total escape from everyday life. The views are breathtaking, too – mountains, rivers, maybe even a cheeky little deer or two wandering by. I woke up one morning to the sound of birdsong and sunlight filtering through the shoji screens, and for a second, I thought I was dreaming. And then I remembered the lack of coffee (which is a whole other story - see question about amenities!). And then reality hit, because I still had to get to the toilet and then face the cold again - but still, really beautiful!
Any advice for a first-timer? Things I shouldn't do? Things I definitely *should* do?
Okay, here's the lowdown. **DO:**
- Take a deep breath and just *relax*. Embrace the experience.
- Shower *before* you get in the onsen. It's considered very, very rude to contaminate the water.
- Try all the different baths! Experiment! Be adventurous!
- Embrace the quiet. It's part of the magic. Leave your phone in your room!
- Eat *everything* at dinner, even if you don't know what it is.
- Take advantage of the yukata (the cotton robe). They're comfy and you can wear them around the ryokan. I felt extremely sophisticated, even though I looked like a giant… well, you know.
**DON'T:**
- Get drunk and loud in the onsen. (I saw a few guys get a bit rowdy, and it's just not cool.)
- Take photographs in the onsen. Seriously, don't. It's a big no-no.
- Forget your towel! (You wrap it around your head in the onsen.)
- Be afraid to try things. (Remember that fish I mentioned?)
- Overlook the details. There are little touches everywhere that make this place special.
What about the staff? Are they super-formal and intimidating? I'm a total klutz.
The staff at Tsuruya are phenomenal. They're incredibly polite,Hotel Search Site
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