What kind of onsen ryokan is Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso?
This is an authentic onsen ryokan with a long history in Shima Onsen. If you want to get much an immersive “authentic onsen ryokan” experience, I would recommend it. On the other hand, if you are an international traveler, you wouldn’t need to visit here unless you are a hot spring freak. Shima Onsen as a destination wouldn’t be for overseas travelers, but for those living in Tokyo, it’s a great getaway. The property would be nice for families, groups, couples, or solo travelers. The ambiance would be serene, cozy, and friendly.
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Is the location easy to access?
Yes, it would be easy by express bus from Yaesu Central Exit of Tokyo station or Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, but It takes around 4 hours. Get off at Shima Hot Spring Bus Stop, and then just a 5min walk to the property. The bus fare is JPY5,500 for a round-trip.
Then if this is your first visit to Shima Onsen, you may be worry about where to get off a bus. If so, when you get on a bus, you might want to show the below Japanese sentence to a bus driver. You wouldn’t miss the bus stop even if you fall asleep.
四万温泉のバス停に着いたら、教えてください。
Kindly let me know when you reach Shima Onsen bus stop.
*If you are still concerned about the above information, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time in the space below.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend rooms with private hot springs. We spent a lot of time jumping in and out of our private one until check-out time. The property has 3 buildings called the main building, the Sanso building, and the Kashotei building. If you want to experience traditional ryokans, you should stay in the Sanso building. If you prefer to stay in modern ryokans, you should book rooms in the Kashotei building. Facilitates tend to be the latest. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend rooms in the main building as facilities tend to be worn out.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, pajamas, drip coffee bags, and a complimentary minibar, etc. if you stay in Sanso or Kashotei building. If you stay in the main building, the amenities tend to be very limited. There is no complimentary minibar, no coffee, no pajamas, etc. Then you can request a baby crib if you need it. Free Wi-Fi reception was good. Also, room service is available for guests who stay in Sanso or Kashotei building only. There are some vending machines for drinks, instant noodles, and snacks in-house. There is no convenience store nearby. You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are amazing large indoor and outdoor communal hot springs. One of them is tangible cultural property. All of them are open from 5:00-11:00, 14:00-25:00. Also, there are 3 private family ones in-house. One of them in the Sanso building is open from 5:00-25:00. All guests can use it for free whenever it’s not occupied. Two of them are located in the Kashotei building. They are open from 15:00-22:00. They cost JPY3,240 for 45min You need to book in advance if you want to use them. The spring quality is really awesome. Once you try them, you must be a hot spring freak. *If you have tattoos and want to use the communal hot springs, use the private family ones or book a room with an outdoor private one.
Then the property is almost universal design and there are lifts. A wheelchair is available for borrowing. I noticed that there were some steps on the way to the communal hot springs. If you bring people with weak feet, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift. The property is like a maze and large.
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How about meals?
The Japanese kaiseki food experience was wonderful. If you are a gourmet, I would recommend staying in Sanso or Kashotei building. Depending on the level of the room you stay in, the level of food is different. The portion tends to be average. Dinner starts from 18:00-19:00. Breakfast starts at 8:00. All meals are served in a private room or your room. Then if you stay in the main building, the box-style Japanese cuisine for dinner and breakfast is served at a banquet hall unless you order special food. Then you can order meals for small kids by 3 days in advance if you stay in Sanso or Kashotei building. If you stay in the main building, no children’s meals are prepared. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request it on that day. Then there wouldn’t be restaurants around here. Also, local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals.
My impressions
All staff would be excellent. If you want to experience signature Japanese hospitality with a personal touch, you should stay here. The best season to stay here would be in spring or fall. You can see peaceful mountain views and beautiful autumn leaves from the historical property. It’s truly worth a visit. At last, don’t forget to join a free tour of the buildings from 16:00. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog. *If you check-in after 17:00, you need to inform staff in advance. Check Availability and Pricing for the onsen ryokan on Agoda
Info about Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso
| Style | Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
14:00/10:00 or 11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 60,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso’s MAP |
| Access | 2min walk from Shima Onsen bus stop |
| Address and TEL | |
| Official Homepage | Sekizenkan Kashotei Sanso’s HP |