I came to Kashiwaya Ryokan at the tail end of February, looking for a quiet solo getaway in a small town. Well, I found it! Shima Onsen is truly an oasis of small-town Japanese tranquility, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I explored the nearby town in the afternoon and returned in the evening to soak in the private baths, and let me just say this – it really truly is a little slice of heaven to be in their open-air baths. It’s just you and the mountain and the setting sun.
At night, I’d opted for the beefsteak dinner, and was served a feast fit for a king!
Due to a tight schedule, I only managed to spend one night in Shima Onsen, and would love to come back if possible.