What other travelers are saying about Kawahara no Yu
We were available to use the free hot spring( donation ¥200) , it is well maintained, large enough for 4-5 person in both men or women side. It is the best bath in the morning... love this offer from Shima Onsen town . Wish to be here each day
This is one of the few free public baths in Shima Onsen Village, open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM. It's small and has only one bath, but very pleasant and cozy, regularly cleaned and maintained. The bath has quite strong sulfurous odor, which I assume is similar to that of the other hot spring waters in northern Gunma region.
It's right in front of a bus stop, so travelers who arrive at the Shima after a long bus ride can warm themselves up right away. I arrived in the rain, and it felt like heaven to have a hot spring right in front of me. This would be a great place to start your Shima Onsen trip.
Plus, the scenery is gorgeous. A capsule made of cobblestones stands right alongside a flowing stream, providing a great view. Given its proximity to the river, the water from the hot springs, drawn from underground bedrock, seems to flow directly through the drainage ditch into the river.
I stopped by on a weekday morning ♨️
There were quite a few tourists there, but I had the public bath all to myself ♪
The bathtub was small, maybe big enough for two or three people.
The water was so hot, I just added cold water and poured it over myself.
I sweated a lot, and it felt so good ♡
It was a scorching hot day, so I was drenched in sweat, but it felt so refreshing ✨
Even the changing room was steamy, so it was actually cooler outside.
Watching the fish swimming in the Shima River right in front of me was somehow soothing ♪
As the name suggests, this is a public bath in Shima Onsen located on the riverbank. If you're visiting a hot spring resort, you might as well take a bath in the local public bath instead of just soaking in the inn's baths.
It's a free bath, and there is no reception, with the changing rooms right behind the separate doors for men and women.
As with all public baths, the temperature is quite hot. However, the water feels good. Anyway, it's not the kind of place you'd want to soak in for long, so it might be enough to just get in and out quickly.
It's not that large, so it's a bit difficult for more than three people to bathe at once. If you're lucky, you can have the bath privately.
You must bring your own bathing essentials including towels, soap, and shampoo as the facility does not provide these items. Basic lockers are available for storing your belongings. It's recommended to bring a small plastic bag for wet items and flip-flops for walking around the bathing area.
Yes, Kawahara no Yu is an excellent introduction to authentic Japanese onsen culture. As a free public bath with a simple stone cave-like structure, it offers a genuine traditional experience without the complexity of larger resort facilities. However, visitors should familiarize themselves with basic onsen etiquette, particularly the requirement to wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath.
Take the JR Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki Station (50 minutes), then transfer to the JR Agatsuma Line to Nakanojo Station (55 minutes). From Nakanojo Station, take the bus to Shima Onsen (40 minutes, ¥1,050). Kawahara no Yu is located directly in front of the Shima Onsen bus stop, making it easily accessible upon arrival.
Kawahara no Yu is unique for its rustic stone cave-like construction and its location at the confluence of two rivers. Unlike commercial onsen facilities, it maintains a completely natural, uncommercialized atmosphere with free admission. The stone bathhouse design creates an intimate, grotto-like bathing experience that reflects the area's 1,200-year history.
The facility operates daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM only, so plan your visit accordingly. As a communal bath, proper onsen etiquette is essential, including thorough washing before entering and maintaining quiet, respectful behavior. The facility is basic with minimal amenities, so it may not be suitable for those seeking luxury spa experiences or those uncomfortable with traditional communal bathing practices.
