What kind of onsen ryokan is Shima Onsen Hinatamikan?
This is a small cozy and modern onsen ryokan. The location is in Shima Onsen. I wouldn’t recommend Shima Onsen as a destination for overseas travelers, but for those living in Tokyo, it’s a great getaway. If you are a hot spring freak, you should stay here. There are awesome private family hot springs in-house. On top of that, the property has good value for money. The property would be nice for couples, solo travelers, or families, not families with small kids. Children under 12 years old cannot be accommodated but if you want to bring small children, it would be negotiable. The ambiance is serene, tranquil, and cozy. There are 6 rooms only. No smoking is allowed inside all rooms.
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Is the location easy to access?
Yes, it would be easy by bus from Tokyo. It takes around 4 hours, though. You can get an express bus at Tokyo Station Yaesu street and get off at Shima Onsen Bus Stop.
Free shuttle service is available from Shima Onsen Bus Stop between 8:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00. You don’t need to book it in advance. Just call at upon arrival at the Bus Stop.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a private hot spring as you can enjoy it while listening to white noise from the river. You may want to check-in in the early afternoon. Then if you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses on tatami mats, you should book others. This ryokan has no room with western beds.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including toiletries, yukatas, a green tea set, a humidifier, etc. Also, a DVD player is available if you request. Room service is available. Free Wi-Fi reception was good in our room. There is a vending machine for drinks on 1F such as beer, wine, Japanese sake, water, etc.
How about In-house Facilities?
Facilities tend to be the latest, modern, and very clean. There are three private family hot springs that you can use for free whenever they are not occupied. The spring quality is perfect, like skin lotion. They are open between 15:00 and 11:00 the following morning. There are no communal hot springs.
Also, there is a small cozy lounge. You can relax here while drinking. Please note that there is no convenience store nearby. You may want to buy your necessities before coming here.
Then the property is not a universal design. There is no wheelchair for borrowing. There are some steps in the building. If you bring people with weak feet, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the reception.
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How about meals?
The unique kaiseki cuisine was just divine. If you are a gourmet, you should stay here. The food presentation and taste were simply wonderful. If you love Japanese beef, I would recommend ordering “special sirloin steak” at an additional charge. You need to inform the staff by 5 days in advance. All meals are served in a private room or your room. After dinner, the staff prepared some rice balls for a night snack. The portion tends to be big. Don’t forget to bring an empty stomach. *Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies.
Then, as far as I know, there is no restaurant around the property. The location is out of the way. Local papa-mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a room including meals. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare if you request it on that day.
My impressions
All staff is excellent. They are so welcoming and helpful. There are so many return guests here even on weekdays. It seems that the property is often fully booked. If you want to relax while soaking in hot springs, this is the perfect place. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. *If you check-in after 18:00, inform staff in advance. **The payment is CASH only. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Shima Onsen Hinatamikan
| Style | Small modern ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 35,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Shima Onsen Hinatamikan’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle service from Shima Onsen bus stop |
| Address and TEL | |
| Official Homepage | Shima Onsen Hinatamikan’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.