Did the Samurai venture into Shima’s nature and create the hot spring town?
Today’s topic revolves around the Samurai and Shima Onsen.
It’s a tale that ties the discovery of Shima Onsen and the subsequent establishment of inns (Ryokan) during the Heian Period (around the 10th century) and the Sengoku Period (around the 16th century).
By the way, the 10th century was when the Holy Roman Empire flourished in Europe, and the 16th century was during the Renaissance period.
Surrounded by Nature: Shima Onsen Town
Shima Onsen, situated in the northwest of Gunma Prefecture near the border of Niigata Prefecture, is enveloped by abundant nature, evident from its location within the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park.
The greatest gift of this natural setting is its “onsen” or hot springs.
Along the Shima River, which flows through Shima Onsen, there are 42 sources of hot springs.
While there’s been an increase in artificially pumping hot springs through drilling deep underground lately, one significant feature of Shima Onsen is that among the 42 sources, 40 naturally bubble up, representing nature’s blessings.
To make these blessings accessible to everyone, approximately 35 Japanese style inns (Ryokan) are spread across a 3-kilometer stretch from north to south.
These accommodations vary widely, ranging from small, family-run inns with about seven rooms to larger inns with up to a hundred rooms, each possessing its unique character.
Discovery of Shima Onsen by the Samurai
Despite being a secluded area deep in the mountains blessed with rich natural surroundings, it appears that people lived in the Shima Onsen area even before it flourished as a hot spring destination, dating back to the late Heian Period (from the late 8th to the late 12th century). Legends suggest that the Samurai played a significant role even in the discovery of hot springs in this region.
Towards the end of the 10th century during the Heian Period, a Samurai named Usui Hyuga no Kami Sadamitsu stopped by this area.
As the sun had set, he decided to spend the night here while chanting sutras.
In his sleep, a young boy appeared in his dream and said, “I will bestow upon you a hot spring that can heal 40,000 illnesses.”
When he woke up, hot water was gushing forth by his pillow.
Establishment of Samurai and Shima Onsen’s Ryokans
It’s said that the first inn in Shima Onsen was also established by a Samurai.
During the Sengoku Period (16th century), the road passing through Shima and leading to Niigata was used by the Samurai Uesugi Clan for travel between Kanto and other regions, as recorded in ancient documents. (Reference:Nakanojo Town History by Nakanojo Town, 1976)
When the Uesugi Clan suffered defeat in battle and fled to the present-day Niigata Prefecture, it is said that the Tamura family, retainers of the Clan who remained in this Shima area, started the first hot spring inn in the current Yamaguchi district, marking the beginnings of the inns in Shima.
“Shima Tamura” in the Arayu district of Shima Onsen is said to be the oldest inn in Shima and directly linked to this lineage.
(Reference: Shima Onsen History by Shima Onsen Association、1977)
How was it?
You might have realized the deep involvement of the Samurai in the establishment of Shima Onsen.
Walking through the town with a nature guide like us enables you not only to enjoy the richness of nature and the blessings of hot springs but also to gain deeper insights into history and culture. Please do enjoy walking with a nature guide during your travels!
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