2026 Gunma Prefecture Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

1. Visit the Yubatake (Hot Water Field) 2. Enjoy a food tour 3. Stay at a charming inn 4. Watch the Yumomi performance 5. Relax at a café For a summary of food tour spots in Kusatsu Onsen, check out my previous post if you're interested! ♡ *Please note that hotel buffet menus may vary depending on the season, so be sure to check their official website. 🙇♀️ 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰 ♡ Save this post so you can refer back to it later! ✍🏻 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

"Old Taishi Station" looks like an archaeological site, but it is a former station! 🚃 Iron ore was once mined here, so it opened as a station for loading iron ore. It was built about 80 years ago, but it's amazing that it still exists today. 🥹 It was a little inconvenient because it was so far back that the signal was no longer available. 💧 There were no tourists when I went. I was happy to feel the history in a place with clean air. Please visit! #0yentravelFebruary2025 #TaishiStation

AKAGI FARMERS MARKET 📍Address: 1650 Morishita, Showa, Tone District, Gunma 379-1204 Japan https://maps.app.goo.gl/uz4fdstQX6DdC7PQ8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy ⏰Opening hours: Open daily from 10:30-19:00 Farmers' markets in Japan have a variety of agricultural products, and they are fresh and new, and there are many other products to choose from and shop for. There are also food stalls and shops selling a variety of products and snacks. #tripflyingtoprayfornewyear

This is the view around Shibu Pass, one of Japan's most scenic roads. This photo was taken a little past Shibu Pass. The beautiful mountain range was completely covered in autumn leaves, and was shining golden in the light of the sunset. It was truly divine, including the distant mountains. #BeautifulSunset #AutumnFoliage

This time, we stayed at Free Time, a family lodge in the Kitakaruizawa area of ​​Gunma Prefecture! This is a lodge where you can stay and enjoy BBQs and bonfires! The lodge we stayed in this time was on the small side, but it can accommodate 6-8 people! We all slept in a roomy attic-like space, but it was spacious and we enjoyed it perfectly! The kitchen, living room, and bathroom are on the first floor, but they were all very clean and comfortable! There is a place where you can BBQ outside, and there is charcoal! They also lend you a bonfire stand, so all you have to do is bring your food and enjoy! You can also purchase firewood, so you can enjoy it with just your luggage and food! The BBQ, bonfire, and starry sky in nature were amazing! Six of us stayed and it cost 7,500 yen per person! #lodgingreview #greatview #outdoors #bbq

Along the road to Manza Onsen, there are several areas with names. Manzanbou is one of them. The beautiful autumn leaves had just come down to this area, and it was well worth seeing. It was beautiful. #AutumnTravel #AutumnLeafViewing #AutumnLeafSpot

I've put together a 2-day, 1-night trip around Gunma by car 🚗!!! ⁡ I usually go back and forth between my house 🏠 and a hot spring inn ♨️, but this time I did some sightseeing, so I've put together a summary of the route I actually took!!! ⁡ --------- ■Konnyaku Park 📍 161-1 Oaza Obata, Kanra-machi, Kanra-gun, Gunma About 10 minutes by car from Tomioka Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway ⁡ 🎟Free admission and buffet ⁡ OPEN Weekdays: 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00) Weekends and holidays: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30) ⁡ Enjoy a factory tour and konnyaku buffet for free! It's nice to take home the konnyaku you ate at the buffet as a souvenir🍢 --------- ■Tomioka Silk Mill 📍About 20 minutes walk from Tomioka Station East Parking Lot (free)👣 *There are other paid parking lots. Please note that there is no parking lot at Tomioka Silk Mill!! ⁡ 🎟Adults: 1000 yen, High school and university students (student ID required): 250 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen ⁡ OPEN 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:30) ⁡ This was my first time there, but it was bigger than I expected, so if you want to go around the whole place, you'll have to walk quite a bit🚶‍♀️ The bricks and Japanese modern architecture were retro and cute. The admission fee is very cheap for students, so it's a good idea to go while you're still a student. --------- ■Kan KUTUROGI 📍50 Tomioka, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture ※1 minute walk from Tomioka Silk Mill!!! ⁡ OPEN 11:30-16:00 ⁡ You can choose from over 20 types of gelato🍨You can enjoy not only the classics but also rare flavors such as pistachio and praline. --------- ■Mizukamikan 📍573 Kohinata, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ Check-in 15:00- Check-out 10:00 ⁡ There are many baths, so it's very fun to go around the baths in the building!!! The large baths are switched between men and women, so it's recommended to check in early. --------- ■Otoro Milk 📍265-1 Konita, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture ※Only 2 parking spaces available. ⁡ OPEN Weekdays 11:00-17:30 Weekends and holidays 10:00-18:00 ⁡ It's like milk gelato and it's very delicious🐄 It has a refreshing taste, and the toppings such as nuts make it just the right amount of sweet. --------- ■Doai Station 📍Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ OPEN I think it's open when the trains are running! ⁡ You'll have to go up and down 486 steps, so sneakers👟 are recommended. It's also very chilly, so it's a good idea to bring something to put on! --------- ■ Mt. Tanigawa 📍Yubukiyama National Forest, Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture ※The ropeway is about 3 minutes by car from Doai Station🚡 ⁡ Price ＜Ropeway＞ Adult round trip: 2,100 yen Child round trip: 1,050 yen ⁡ There is still snow in May, but it was also beautiful!!! Since it is a mountain, if the weather gets bad, it will stop immediately, so be careful of the weather!!! --------- #East Japan #Hot Spring #Hot Spring Trip #Gunma #Gunma Tourism #Gunma Sweets #Konnyaku Park #Mt. Tanigawa #Tomioka Silk Mill #Minakami Hot Spring

This time, we will feature must-see spots in Gunma☺️ ⁡ We travel 365 days a year, and we have compiled a list of places we are glad to have visited, and recommended places from our followers✨ ⁡ Gunma is one of Japan's leading hot spring powerhouses♨️✨, with Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima, and more. You are sure to be soothed by the high-quality hot springs😊 ⁡ It is also nice to slowly visit each of the places depicted in the "Jomo Karuta" karuta, a local karuta that represents Gunma✨ ⁡ I hope this will be helpful when you visit Gunma, which is full of tourist spots😊 ⁡ [𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𓏗𓏗] ❶ Otoro Milk 📍265-1 Onita, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❷ Sekizenkan 📍 Shima, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❸ Lockheart Castle 📍 5583-1 Nakayama, Takayama-mura, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❹ Ikaho Onsen 📍 76-5 Ikaho, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❺ Bukkou-san Hosui-ji Temple 📍 637-43 Ikaho, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❻ Konnyaku Park 📍 204-1 Obata, Kanra-cho, Kanra-gun, Gunma Prefecture ⁡ ❼ Furukawa Kuremokutsu Aioi Store 📍 2-735-15 Aioi-cho, Kiryu-shi, Gunma Prefecture #Hot springs #Great views #Shrine

I found a very stylish Italian restaurant in Shima Onsen town, Nakanojo, Gunma prefecture. It's called PUBLIC LANGOLINO. This Italian restaurant uses ingredients from Gunma and the seasons, so it's a must-try♡ There's also a hot spring town nearby, so be sure to visit it as well. #ShimanOnsen #HotSpring #SummerShortTrip

📍 Lake Shima It's located deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture. I was impressed by the beautiful blue color. Shima has two lakes, Lake Shima and Lake Okushima. This is Lake Shima. The surface of the lake is basically blue, but when it rains or the weather is bad, it turns a color closer to turquoise blue. Lake Okushima is a deeper blue. #hiddenplace #japan #breathtakingview

This is an inn called Kanaguya in Shibu Onsen. It is said to have been the motif for Spirited Away! It has been over 80 years since it was founded, but the building is still the same as it was back then 😳 The hot springs are interesting, with outdoor baths scattered around the hot spring town. There are nine in total, and guests can enter for free. It also has the atmosphere of a hot spring town, so you can wander around in a yukata. This hot spring town is still lively. I would definitely like to come again. #SpiritedAway #HotSpringTrip #ShibuOnsen #BreathtakingView

One of Japan's 100 famous mountains, located on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures Tanigawadake is famous for being the mountain with the highest number of deaths in the world⛰ This may give you a scary image, but the general route using the ropeway has almost no dangerous spots, so even beginners can climb it^ ^ You can enjoy the scenery that only a high mountain can offer! #Breathtaking views

Look everyone, this is a "station" 🚃 Isn't it too scary!? There is a passageway before you reach the stairs, and the atmosphere there is completely horrifying 😇 It looks like this, but when I went there were a lot of tourists ✌️ You can enter without a ticket, so it's probably best to go for sightseeing purposes. 📍 location: "Doai Station" Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture #Free Spot #Doai Station #Summer Trip #Amazing View

Onioshidashi Park is a magnificent lava belt formed by the great eruption of Mt. Asama in 1783. It is counted as one of the three most scenic spots in the world, and covers an area of ​​approximately 6.8 square kilometers. There are many things to see in the park, such as the central plateau lined with huge rocks taller than a person and seasonal alpine plants! The standard course from the main approach to the Kannon Hall and around the back approach is about a 30-minute walk. It is about a 45-minute drive from the Usui-Karuizawa IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway, or about a 25-minute bus ride from Manza-Kawazawaguchi Station on the Agatsuma Line. If you want to see the lava art created by the energy of nature, please come and visit us! ! #breathtakingview #travelwithchildren #shrine #JapanGenkiProject2021 #breathtakingview #travelwithchildren

Gozan no Okuribi (五山送り火, 5-mountain farewell fire) is a bonfire arranged in kanji, and in the shape of a boat, and torii on 5 mountains surrounding the city of Kyoto, Japan. This tradition is the highlight of the Obon celebration in Kyoto, and is held every August 16th. The tradition of lighting okuribi (fires to bring spirits home) is intended to usher in the return of spirits who are believed to visit the homes of family or children during Obon celebrations. Gozan no Okuribi is also known as Daimonji no Okuribi (大文字の送り火), because fire is ignited to form the character (moji or monji) for "dai" (大, large). Besides Kyoto, Daimonji no Okuribi is also held in several other places in Japan. In the Edo period, okuribi were not only lit in 5 locations. Back then there were still bonfires arranged in the hiragana letters for "i", and the kanji for "ichi" (one), "hebi" (snake), and "naginata" (machete-edged spear). Gozan no Okuribi is one of the 4 major celebrations in Kyoto, along with the Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri. #camping#themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#infinitypool

An athletic course that goes around the forest inside the Karuizawa Toy Kingdom facility. Cute wooden houses are scattered here and there, which makes kids excited. Recommended for elementary school students. Adults might have a hard time chasing after them 😁 #Amazing nature#Traveling with kids

I went to Oizumi Falls, located downstream of the Shima River in Gunma! Famous for its Shima Blue color, this waterfall has a fantastic blue pool where the clear water flows from the Shima River Dam. There are signs along the road and a walking path, so you can get close to the waterfall! Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Shima Onsen#Amazing view#Cool travel experience#Summer trip

I went to Gunma's Shimagawa Dam! Located at the very back of Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Okushima Lake is a reservoir lake created by the Shimagawa Dam. The lake changes its appearance depending on the season and weather, and can only be seen here. It is called "Shima Blue" and has become a popular tourist spot! Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma #ShimagawaDam #AmazingView

I went to Shima Onsen in Gunma! The retro hot spring town is lined with nostalgic signs and pinball shops. Why not have some fun in this charming town? ? Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Shima Onsen#Hot Spring

I went to "Spa Guesthouse " in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture! This is a "hot spring x guesthouse" located in Shima Onsen, a famous hot spring in Gunma that started as a famous hot spring spot in the Edo period and was visited by many travelers by horse-drawn carriage and rickshaw in the Meiji period. Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Shima Onsen#Hot spring#Hot spring trip

"DOAI VILLAGE" is located in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. Directly connected to JR Doai Station, there are 462 steps leading from the platform to the ground. Perfect for those who want a different outdoor experience, with a luxurious BBQ, campfire, sauna, and more! Also, since you'll be staying in an instant house instead of a regular tent, you can stay comfortably even in winter 🏕 #camping #trip to enjoy spring #Gunma #Minakami Town #unmanned station glamping #amazing nature #spectacular scenery #trip to enjoy spring

Tanigawadake Drive-In is located at the foot of Mt. Tanigawadake in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture. It is about a 200m2 minute walk from Doai Station. The spacious parking lot, the variety of souvenirs, and the snow igloos were impressive.

The torii gates you can see on the way to Haruna Shrine blend in with the beautiful sky, making you feel like you're in the sky. You can enjoy the best sightseeing experience by visiting Haruna Shrine afterwards. Recommended in the summer!! It's cool. #Couple trip#Historic site

#Overseas Travel The original meaning of Karuizawa Onioshide-en is "a place built by demons". In fact, it is the lava from the eruption of the nearby Asama volcano that solidified into strange black rocks on the ground. When you come here, you can experience the whole mountain covered with black rocks, but it is less spectacular than the park at the foot of Sakurajima volcano. #Overseas Travel

Find the legendary cat guardian at Myoyi Shrine in Tokyo, Japan! 😸 Myogi Shrine is located in Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, Japan 〒379-0201 Gunma, Tomioka, Myogi-cho, Myoyo 6, and is open all day long. However, there are not so many people on weekdays, and you can really feel the tranquility of the mountain shrine. There was still some cloudy rain on the day we arrived. Looking down from the front gate of the shrine, the old stone steps and trees next to the shrine were washed by the rain. The most famous one here is the Cat Guardian, which is limited to 5 per person, and can only be exchanged on site! Sometimes the guards are sold out in minutes! The on-site vending machines and wooden shelves are super distinctive. The guard is really cute, designing a cat motif, some people say it brings good luck and protection, with a little bell, the whole day hanging in a backpack to hear the sound feel at ease. TIPS: 1. Myoyi Shrine will be closed on Wednesday (not available at Goshou), remember to choose the right day! But the shrine itself is open year-round, so you can go up on Wednesdays, just without the guardian stall. 2. It is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers, because there is a walk up from the station, the stone steps will be a bit slippery. 3. If you want to take pictures, the shrine in front of the old and new buildings blend, rainy days can still take pictures of the scene, especially the vending machine and wooden frame with Japanese palace feeling, how to take pictures is very beautiful. 4. The number of guards is limited, don't hesitate, remember to queue up as soon as you enter the venue! Don't think about buying in the second round. Myoyi Shrine is not a popular tourist attraction, so the overall atmosphere is gentle and comfortable. Walking on the rainy children's road, listening to the sound of dripping leaves, plus the original quietness of the mountain shrine, the whole person reset. This time, in addition to harvesting 5 cute cat guards, I also feel that my mood has been healed by this quiet place. If you have planned to play the Kanto route for a few days, you might as well take a day to come up and feel the charm of the shrine at the foot of Myoyi Mountain, and then bring a lucky cat guard back, whether you are giving away or for your own use. #Myogi Shrine #Gomori #Gunma Prefecture Photo #Near Kyoto #Healing Trip

Lord Buddha statue 🙏

A tour of legendary hot springs and autumn flavors. A road trip to Oigami Onsen. Morning markets, hot springs, and apple picking! We fully enjoyed autumn at Oigami Onsen. On the weekend, we took a little trip a little further to Oigami Onsen, a famous hot spring in Gunma Prefecture. This is a record of a journey filled with nostalgic scenery and delicious encounters, all surrounded by abundant nature. ♨️ 1. Hot Springs: The "Beauty Bath" Healed by the Gods First, we visited this famous hot spring, where legend has it that it healed the wounds of the gods of Mount Akagi and Mount Futara in Nikko. The "Beauty Bath," with its pleasant sulfurous scent, is gentle on the skin and warms you from the inside out. ☀️ 2. Morning Market: A Vibrant Local Kitchen The next morning, we headed to Oigami's famous morning market. This market, open daily from April to November, is lined with rows of fresh vegetables and homemade pickles grown by local farmers. Casual conversations with the vendors also added a wonderful spice to my trip. 🍎 3. Apple Picking: Preserve the Sweetness of the Season The Numata/Oigami area is one of the prefecture's leading apple-producing regions! I enjoyed picking ripe apples. The freshly picked crispness and the juicy flavor that fills your mouth are exceptional. 🚗 4. Roadside Station I stocked up on fresh local ingredients and local sake to bask in the afterglow of my trip. A great advantage of driving is that you don't have to worry about heavy souvenirs. 🍩 5. Local Confectionery Shop Sweets are a must. I bought some cream puffs at a confectionery shop. They really blew away the fatigue of driving! My mind and body were refreshed, and I felt ready to tackle the next day! Why not head to Oigami Onsen during your next long weekend? #OigamiOnsen #GunmaTourism #HotSpringTrip #MorningMarket #ApplePicking #RoadsideStation #DomesticTravel #TripMoments

Stepping into Yokotekan (横手館) felt like traveling back in time. This beautifully preserved onsen ryokan is registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (登録有形文化財), showcasing elegant traditional architecture and timeless craftsmanship. The ryokan features three different baths, each offering a unique atmosphere, and the classic tatami rooms truly complete the nostalgic experience. Everything about this place invites you to slow down and savor old-world Japan. The Ikaho Onsen town itself is also a joy to explore — strolling around the famous stone steps lined with souvenir shops and small cafés is part of the experience. ❄️ Tip: In winter, wear snow boots as the stone steps can get quite slippery. 
🚆 Access: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, then transfer to a bus to Ikaho Onsen. (Only about 1 hour from Tokyo) A perfect stay for anyone who loves history, hot springs, and atmospheric onsen towns. #ryokan #Onsen