I’ve now visited Kashiwaya Ryokan twice, and am looking forward to the next opportunity I can return! I first found out about this onsen through a colleague as I was looking for a tattoo friendly onsen. The first time I went, I took the Shima Onsen bus package from Tokyo to Shima Onsen – it was a very comfortable and easy experience. Gunma and Shima Onsen are absolutely gorgeous in the autumn! Staying at Kashiwaya Ryokan during the cooler months was so cozy and lovely! The various private onsen were clean and private, and I left feeling incredible relaxed. The fresh mountain air is always so reinvigorating. The trails and views around the onsen are fantastic if you enjoy hiking. The autumn colours against the incredible blue of lake Shima is incomparable, and is one of my favorite views. Shima Onsen itself is a charming town, the locals are friendly and the food is very delicious! I could not recommend visiting Kashiwaya Ryokan and Shima Onsen enough! I greatly look forward to my next visit!