Shima Potholes: A Natural Sculpture
Discover the mesmerizing turquoise waters and unique rock formations of the Shima Potholes, a natural wonder sculpted over millennia by the Shima River.
The Shima Potholes are a series of eight unique geological formations carved into the Shima River over thousands of years. The river's currents, carrying stones and sand, have gradually eroded the bedrock, creating smooth, rounded depressions filled with mesmerizing turquoise waters.
A brief summary to Shima potholes
- 3520 Shima, Nakanojo, Shima, Agatsuma District, Gunma, 377-0601, JP
- +81279-26-7727
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in April or May for the most vibrant blue water, or during late October to early November for stunning autumn foliage.
- Check for alerts about water releases from the Shimagawa Dam and be prepared to leave the riverbed immediately if the siren sounds.
- Wear appropriate footwear as the riverbank can be uneven and slippery.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Momotaro Falls, a short hike upstream.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From JR Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for Shima Onsen. Get off at the Shima Ōketsu-mae bus stop, which is directly in front of the Shima Potholes. The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs around ¥500.
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Walking
If you are staying in Shima Onsen, the Shima Potholes are approximately a 30-minute walk (2 kilometers) south of the town center. Follow Route 353 south and look for signs leading to the potholes. The walk is scenic and offers views of the surrounding landscape.
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Car
From central Shima, head south on Route 353. Continue for about 5 kilometers until the intersection with Route 145. Turn right onto Route 145, and follow it for another 3 kilometers. Turn left onto the access road leading to the potholes, which will take you directly to the parking area. Parking is free.
Discover more about Shima potholes
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kashiwaya Ryokan
1.3 km
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Shima Yamaguchikan
2.0 km
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality at Shima Yamaguchikan, a traditional inn in the serene Agatsuma District of Gunma, Japan.
Toshimaya
2.0 km
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Kashiwaya Café
2.6 km
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Shima Onsen
2.9 km
Discover the tranquility of Shima Onsen, where serene hot springs meet breathtaking natural beauty in Japan's Agatsuma District.
Shima Grand Hotel
2.9 km
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Sekizenkan Kashoutei
2.9 km
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Shima Tamura
3.0 km
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温泉グランピング シマブルー（Shima Blue Cafe）
3.5 km
Discover the serene Shima Blue Cafe, a cozy cottage retreat in Nakanojo, perfect for enjoying local delicacies amidst stunning natural beauty.
Nakanojomachi Sight Seeing Information Center
9.5 km
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Naeba Ski Resort
14.1 km
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Lockheart Castle
17.8 km
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Kusatsu Hot spring Tourist Association.
18.3 km
Your information center for exploring Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, offering guidance, maps, and event details.
Highest Point of Japan’s National Routes
23.0 km
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日本最高所 水準点標石 (No.10809)
23.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shima Onsen Public Baths
1.3 km
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Musical Road – “Always with Me” (Spirited Away OST)
1.7 km
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Shima Hinatami Park
3.6 km
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Shimagawa Dam
3.7 km
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Lake Okushima
4.1 km
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Shima Lake
4.3 km
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Yubatake
18.2 km
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Kusatsu Onsen Netsunoyu
18.2 km
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West Riverside open-air bath
18.8 km
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Sainokawara Open-Air Bath
18.8 km
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Okky Museum
20.4 km
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Kokuya Ryokan
21.7 km
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Kiriake Hot Spring
22.2 km
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Mount Kusatsu-Shirane
23.6 km
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Shiga Kogen
27.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Ichiriki Sushi
1.9 km
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Sosuian
2.4 km
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JUPITER’s kitchen
2.6 km
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Shima Terrace
2.6 km
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Kaneichi Hanare
2.9 km
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Maya
3.3 km
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Hinatami-Kan Ryokan
3.9 km
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Chalet Christiania
27.0 km
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Oshokujidokoro Nakasato
27.1 km
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Restaurant Kitaguni
29.1 km
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Sumibi Yakitori Ikeya
30.0 km
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Uonuma Cuisine Murangozzo
30.1 km
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Vitraux
30.1 km
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Echigo tsuke men (ishin) Yuzawa gan gidoori-ten
30.1 km
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Fukuwarai
30.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
BOO SPORTS かぐら・みつまた店
25.4 km
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SNOW WOOD Angel
27.1 km
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Hotel Angel Grandia Echigo Nakazato
27.1 km
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nMaYa
30.1 km
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CoCoLoYuzawa Gangidori
30.2 km
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Ippon Sugi Ski Resort
30.2 km
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SOUQ越後湯沢
30.3 km
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青達雪具 CHENDA RENTAL（チェンダスキーレンタル）
30.3 km
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ビアラボ ジョークン Beer Labo Jokun
30.3 km
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Sierra Resort Yuzawa
30.4 km
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Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort
30.5 km
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Botanical Café THE SPOT
30.6 km
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Benri Ski Rentals Nunoba Shop
30.8 km
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Snow Monkey Resorts Info & Gift Shop
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Uonuma Sweets Garden NATURA
36.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ryokan ＆ Cafe Little Japan Echigo
20.1 km
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Little Japan Echigo
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越後湯沢 農家レストラン縁
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Sansan Yuzawa -Backpackers-
30.3 km
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Music Bar 1800/ミュージックバー1800 越後湯沢
30.3 km
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地酒bar 山新
30.4 km
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ＳＷＩＮＧＢＡＲ
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helmsdale karuizawa
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Tap That!
49.3 km
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Peppermint Blues
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End Bar
49.3 km
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Drop Off Bar
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Madarao Jazzy
49.3 km
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The Sundeck
49.5 km
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The Avenue - Restaurant & Bar
49.6 km
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