Hot Spring Town Walking Tour in Shima Onsen

Matsuo was an excellent guide and this was a lovely walk to understand more about the town and see beautiful scenery

We had such a great time exploring Shima Onsen with Masuo San. He was incredibly friendly and shared so many fascinating insights about the area — from local stories to the Biennale that was happening. His spontaneity made the walk feel relaxed and personal, and his excellent English made it easy to connect and learn so much. Truly an unforgettable experience!

This tour allows visitors to get a deeper look at Shima Onsen. It's very relaxing, nothing is hurried. I got to see places which I would have otherwise missed if I just walked alone around town - the oldest Ryokan, an old school, unknown ancient roads. Mr. Masuo, the tour guide, answers every question the best way he can and recommends nice places to eat, buy souvenirs and just enjoy a good cup of coffee. This tour us highly recommended for those visiting Shima Onsen.

The visit with Masuo went very well. He introduced us to Shima Onsen but more (we also asked him a number of questions about Japan). He was very informative and kind. Shima Onsen is a mountain village famous for its Onsen and with breathtaking views. I highly recommend whatever the weather or the season!

Thanks to you, I was able to enjoy walking around the city slowly. We have been with the Inn Owner by the Guide several times, but it is full-fledged(?)This was my first time walking around the city. With our request, the Yamaguchi area, which we had little experience visiting, was given great importance. Now it's a surprising experience that the main Directions used to be alleyways that only residents use, and that there are more ups and downs than you might expect. Although I took fewer photos due to the hot weather in early autumn, I wanted to walk slowly again during the autumn foliage season and cherry blossom season.

We were so happy that we booked this tour. It was our first time visiting Shima Onsen, and this guided walking tour was an absolutely perfect way to get acquainted with the history of the town, to get an understanding of how onsens “work”, and to meet local vendors who have perfected their craft. Mr. Kashiwabara is the perfect guide. A life long resident of the area, he provides tremendous insights to his hometown. His English is perfect, he is a warm and gracious host, and he is a delightful conversationalist. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Shima Onsen for the first time! Thank you Mr. Kashiwabara for a memorable time!

Shima Onsen is highly regarded among onsen aficionados but in my past visits I couldn't get a sense of what makes it so special. So on this visit we joined this Walking Tour to get a professional guide's insight. And the guide, Kashiwabara-san, did not disappoint. He showed us and explained the essence of Shima Onsen's charm, from its historical roots to the unique source of the hot spring water. He also took us into various shops to meet the characteristic owners, and led us down hidden alleyways all of which we wouldn't have been able to do on our own. Nakanojo Town's biennial art festival (highly recommended!) was taking place so we were treated to stops at several of the art installations.

Masuo San was a wonderful guide, whose life in Shima Onsen made his commentary as we roamed the town & surrounding area extremely interesting and fun. A tour well worth taking, I highly recommend it.