Shima-Onsen Toshimaya

“The Most Amazing Ryokan Experience”

My husband and I checked out of Toshimaya last week, and it was one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. We had decided to take a break from our Tokyo honeymoon by checking out a more rural area in the mountains, and I was lucky enough to stumble across Toshimaya. The pictures looked … more

My husband and I checked out of Toshimaya last week, and it was one of the most incredible experiences we’ve ever had. We had decided to take a break from our Tokyo honeymoon by checking out a more rural area in the mountains, and I was lucky enough to stumble across Toshimaya. The pictures looked too good to be true, but once we were there, it was even more beautiful than photos can convey. Once taking the bus from Nakanojo Station up to Shima Onsen (the whole trip was much easier than I’d initially anticipated), we walked into the ryokan and were greeted by the staff. An amazing employee named Yuki introduced us to the inn and went over the basics before she showed us to the Japanese-style Tsuwabuki room. Yuki is an asset to the Toshimaya team, and she made us feel so welcome and at home! The rooms were clean and smelled very good! The views of the river are gorgeous and you can crack the window if you'd like a breeze or more of the beautiful river sounds. The futons that were laid out while we ate dinner downstairs were very comfortable. The tatami floor mats feel so good under your socked feet after a long onsen soak. We also had a humidifier in our room. A beautiful tea set is provided, along with a hot water kettle, and all the tea you can drink. There's a TV in the room with basic cable, but we never used it as we were preoccupied with soaking, sleep, and the occasional reading of a book. Wifi is of course available! In the dresser, you'll find your yukata (in a Shima Blue shade), jacket, and a fresh pair of socks. The yukata was so soft and relaxing, I almost offered to buy it. As we have tattoos, it was important for us to have an onsen in our room. The onsen tub here was magnificent, but even more so, the trees by the river that you view as you soak.The river rushing underneath never ceases, and lulls you to sleep on your futon after your delicious kaiseki meal. For smokers, the tiny smoking room was very pleasant, continuously kept clean, and located in the lobby. Kaiseki is served at the bottom level of the inn and you are assigned a table for the duration of your stay. The employees bring out each course and explain what everything is. If you would like something to drink, please ask the employee. We were served an array of sashimi, lots of local fish, the most amazing and rich broths and miso, many local vegetables boiled and steamed, fresh hot rice, fruity desserts, pickles, konnyaku, etc. Westerners should be adventurous, as this is a great way to try delicious and traditional Japanese food. Everything was locally sourced as far as we could tell, and we tried some foods we wouldn’t have normally had the guts to order, like horse sashimi. It was fresh and delicious! Breakfast was laid out each morning around 8am, and equally as delicious as dinner. We had one full day there and went to check out the town of Shima Onsen, which was absolutely charming. We tired ourselves out shopping for souvenirs, eating the most amazing udon, photographing the nearby bathhouse that inspired Spirited Away, drinking with other guests at the nearby convenience store, learning about the local legend of Princess Maya, praying at the shrine, and marveling at the river and waterfalls. There is nothing like taking a late afternoon soak in the tub and putting on that comfy yukata afterwards. For folks worried or complaining about bugs, you’ve got to remember that you’re in nature out there. We had to help a stink bug escape our bathroom, but we’re sure he was very grateful for the assistance. It did not detract from our experience at all. If you don’t book at Toshimaya, you’re missing out. This was a vacation that I’ll remember for the rest of my life! We hope to come back one day! I also want to thank Toshimaya for the kind anniversary gift they bestowed upon us at dinner. They gifted us a gorgeous set of chopsticks, which Yuki deemed lucky, and we agreed. Thank you for the thoughtfulness. We will cherish our lucky Toshimaya chopsticks forever!

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“Most amazing onsen on the river with spectacular view and incredible meals”

Fantastic staff really made the difference with our wonderful stay at this traditional Ryokan Onsen. All were so helpful especially with meal service and recommendations. Can't say enough about how great the owner and staff are at this onsen. We had modest room with partial open air onsen the first… more

Fantastic staff really made the difference with our wonderful stay at this traditional Ryokan Onsen. All were so helpful especially with meal service and recommendations. Can't say enough about how great the owner and staff are at this onsen. We had modest room with partial open air onsen the first night and then upgraded to a river view and open air onsen the second night. Would highly recommend the room with river view and private onsen on the same floor as the meals are serviced. The public onsen was incredible with an amazing river view. Thought I was dreaming and was picture perfect. Not to be missed! We are in Japan for 5 weeks and this was by far the most expensive place we stayed. Location, location, location... you are paying for the great public onsen right on the river, the great service and food, but it is expensive and kind of blew our budget. They charged an extra 2000 yen a day for the vegan option for dinner and breakfast for one person. Other places we stayed did not charge extra but we can see that they put in a major effort making extra dishes. The beds are traditional futons on the floor so was not the most comfortable and some of the futons were a little flattened out, but the closet had extra pillows, etc. so that helped. Overall VERY happy and would recommend if you have the budget... worth the splurge for the onsen location on the river and the food but there are better deals if you are tight on funds.

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“Overpriced for average experience”

The best thing about this Ryokan was the staff who were very friendly and helpful. They were excellent. At just under £400 for a one night stay with dinner & breakfast this certainly did not match up to other Ryokan experiences we have had in Japan for less money. Ryokan looking tired. Food averag… more

The best thing about this Ryokan was the staff who were very friendly and helpful. They were excellent. At just under £400 for a one night stay with dinner & breakfast this certainly did not match up to other Ryokan experiences we have had in Japan for less money. Ryokan looking tired. Food average re taste although beautifully presented. Room average. Tiny private onsen with only a small hand held shower, nothing in the bathroom. Great views on to river from room. WIFI only available in reception. We regret spending this money, the only time so far during 2 weeks in Japan

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