Since its establishment in Genroku 7, over 300 years ago, Sekizenkan has been a popular destination for hot-spring cure tourists.
The main building, which is said to be Japan’s oldest bathhouse architecture and where the therapeutic bath culture still lives on, and the mountain villa, which is designated as a national registered cultural property due to its excellent design and construction method using the Momoyama style, are both attractive.
In this article, I will introduce in detail the charm, location, room features, and cuisine of Sekizenkan, a ryokan in Gunma Prefecture that evokes the good old days.
Location of Sekizenkan
Source : https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/
Sekizenkan is located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture.
Shima Onsen is an attractive hot spring resort with a retro atmosphere. Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, famous for its hot springs, is known as one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan, and Shima Onsen, where Sekizenkan is located, is just as popular as Kusatsu. Located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, this hot spring has been loved since ancient times as a “famous hot spring that cures the diseases of 40,000.
There are many popular sightseeing spots in Shima, such as “Lake Okushimako,” a lake with a circumference of about 4 km created by damming the Shima River, “Hinamatami Yakushido,” which originates from a legend that Sadamitsu Usui, a retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, heard a divine message in a dream and woke up to find a hot spring gushing out at his bedside, and “Shima Onsen,” which is said to be the origin of Shima Onsen. Next to the Hyugaumi Yakushido, which is said to be the birthplace of Shima Onsen, there is the Gomuso no Yu, a hot spring made of Japanese cypress, and the Ogura no Taki, a beautiful scenic spot with many white lines running along the rock surface.
Sekizenkan is a ryokan located in the best location to take a leisurely tour of these sights.
Attractions of Sekizenkan
Source : https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/
The Sekizenkan is an inn where you can enjoy the special time that flows when you cross the red bridge in front of the property.
The Sekizenkan is located in a hot spring resort along the beautiful Shiman River, where the sun shimmers on the shallow riverbed and the depths are dyed jade by the light.
The hot spring at Sekizenkan is a hot spring rich in efficacy that is good for all kinds of diseases. It is also said to be one of the three best hot springs for gastrointestinal diseases in Japan, and is said to be effective in stimulating the stomach and intestines when drunk hot, and for constipation when drunk cold.
Shima Onsen has also long been called the “finishing hot spring of Kusatsu,” a term that comes from the fact that people used to stay at Shima Onsen, a chloride and sulfate spring with moisturizing and beautifying effects on the skin, after curing themselves in the highly acidic Kusatsu hot spring.
You can enjoy five hot springs, including the Genroku-no-yu (hot spring of Genroku), which is designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, the Mori-no-yu (indoor and outdoor baths), and the Sanso-no-yu (free private and family baths).
Sekizenkan is also suitable for those who only want to enjoy the hot springs.
Sekizenkan Room
Source : https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/
The rooms at Sekizenkan are available in a total of 26 rooms in three buildings: the Honkan (main building), which is said to be Japan’s oldest bathhouse architecture and where the therapeutic bathing culture still lives on; the Sanso, which is designated as a registered cultural property by the government for its excellent design and construction methods using the Momoyama style; and the Kasshotei, which is located on the highest point in Shima Onsen and is surrounded by the tranquility of old pine trees. You can choose from a total of 26 rooms.
Each room is spacious and relaxing, with all the luxuries and care that only a hot spring inn can offer, and you can stay in a room that suits your style of stay.
The sound of the river coming from somewhere is also a natural effect that only Sekizenkan can provide. While listening to the murmuring of the clear stream, you can enjoy a special time that only this place can offer.
Cuisine of Sekizenkan
Source : https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/
The cuisine at Sekizenkan is simple, yet rich in flavorful Japanese dishes.
We offer exquisite dishes made with local ingredients and seasonal ingredients, in order to let you taste the flavor of the ingredients.
From aperitifs to desserts, the dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail, and once you try them, you will become addicted to them.
For breakfast, you can enjoy the “phantom morning porridge” Japanese set prepared by the chef in three hours.
Wouldn’t you like to stay at a historic ryokan filled with such luxury?
Basic information about Sekizenkan
| Facility Name | Sekizenkan |
|---|---|
| Address | Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma, Japan |
| Phone Number | +81279-64-2101 |
| Budget | Approx. 70,000 yen for 2 persons (tax included) |
| Official website | https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/ |
Summary
In this article, I have introduced the charm of Sekizenkan, an inn that has been in business for more than 300 years since its establishment in Genroku 7, and is constantly visited by bathers.
Sekizenkan is located in a hot spring resort area with an appealing retro atmosphere, and offers luxurious rooms, hot springs, and meals.
Once you step into the inn, you will feel like you are living here, and it will give you a sense of nostalgia, so if you have a chance to visit the area, be sure to stay there.