3reasons why I recommend taking the direct bus, “ Shima Onsen Go”, from Tokyo.

Highway Bus, Shima Onsen Go
Highway Bus, Shima Onsen Go

There are many different ways to get to Shima Onsen from the Tokyo area.I recommend using the direct bus, “Shima Onsen go”, over any of the other ways.

“Shima Onsen Go” is a highway-travelling bus that runs between Shima Onsen and Tokyo station’s Yaesu street.It runs once per day, but the time is set so as to be the perfect time for tourists.

To Shima Onsen :
Leave from Yaesu street, Tokyo station at 9:00am
Arrive at Shima Onsen at 12:30pm

To Tokyo :
Leave from Shima Onsen at 1:45pm
Arrive at Yaesu street, Tokyo station at 5:30pm

However, from Winter to Spring (which in most years is from December until the beginning of May) there will be one additional bus running, so during this time there will be 2 round trips (by the bus) per day.

To Shima Onsen :
Leave from Yaesu street, Tokyo station at 10:40am
Arrive at Shima Onsen at 2:30pm

To Tokyo :
Leave from Shima Onsen at 10:45am
Arrive at Yaesu street, Tokyo station at 2:45pm

The times scheduled are set to leave some extra time, so generally, the bus will arrive earlier than the scheduled time.
The price for a return trip is 5200 yen, and for a one-way trip is 3150 yen.
Listed times and prices are set for October 2019, please check the latest information on your own to ensure you know the current schedule and prices.
Yamaguchi Bus Stop

I recommend using “Shima Onsen Go” to get to Shima Onsen due to the 3 reasons that I have stated below.

1. Go to Shima Onsen directly without transit.

I know you get worried about using public transport such as a train or a bus while overseas, I also know it’s normal to get nervous about changing trains and buses, especially when carrying large baggage.

The trip from Yaesu street, Tokyo station to Shima Onsen is a direct trip if you use “Shima Onsen Go”. So, you do not have to worry about making a mistake or getting it wrong when catching multiple buses, trains, etc.

Additionally, there are 4 different bus stops in the Shima Onsen area, as such, you do not have to walk too far to get to your accommodation, especially when with heavy luggage.

2.Reasonable price.

“Shima Onsen Go” only costs 5,200 yen for a return trip, so it is set at a reasonable price.
If you use normal JR trains or buses, the trip costs 7,180 yen for return tickets, and if you use a bullet train, it costs 11,780 yen.

3.There is a plan which includes both accommodation and bus rides.

It is difficult to book ‘reservation-required’ bus tickets from overseas, because it can be very complicated.
However, for “Shima Onsen Go”, some Ryokan hotels, such as Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, sell a package plan including both bus tickets and accommodation.
If you book a package at a Ryokan hotel, you do not have to worry about getting a bus ticket, you can save the time otherwise required for complicated booking processes.

Usually, it can be daunting to book tickets to go to an onsen in the countryside, however, you can access Shima Onsen with ease and at a reasonable price with “Shima Onsen Go”.

Please give it a try!

Bus Information : Shima-Onsen-Go Operation Center

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