Top 30 things to do in Gunma, according to TripAdvisor

Gunma, one of the main prefectures of Honshu Island, landlocked with famous hot springs and ski areas. The small town of Kusatsu has more than 100 hot springs, most famously Yubatake, a large pool fed by steaming mineral water gushing down a wooden chute. Set 1,200 meters above sea level, Kusatsu also has skiing and hiking trails. Gunma specializes in the high-quality hot springs and beautiful mountains, such as Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, Minakami Onsen and Manza Onsen. Let's check out the best 30 places to go and things to do in Gunma.

Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen can be easily enjoyed on a day trip, as it is only 2.5 hours from Shinjuku by express bus. The mood of the good old days of the Showa Era still remains, and there is that distinct atmosphere of a Japanese hot springs village surrounding the famous stone steps in the center of town.

Tomioka Silk Mill

The mechanized industries in the Meiji Era were highly praised from beyond Japan’s borders. And due to the well-preserved living environment within the facility representing these industries, Tomioka Silk Mill was registered as a World Heritage site in 2014.

Manza Onsen

This is Japan’s highest hot springs at 1800m and the water quality has the country’s highest concentration of sulfur. This double impact that Japan’s No. 1 Manza Onsen has, is great in the summer as a relaxing resort and in the winter as a snowboarding resort.

Fukiware-no-Taki Falls

“Fukiware-no-Taki”, nationally designated as a Natural Monument, is also called the Niagara of East Asia because of its spectacular appearance. It is a popular spot you can enjoy along with the beauty of the surrounding rugged valley.

Gunma Safari Park

On the tour, you can see about 1000 different animals from about 100 species, up close and personal. There is also a plaza for petting the smaller animals. And there is even an amusement park with a Ferris wheel.

Usui Raw Silk Manufacturing Agricultural Cooperative Association

This the center of Japan’s silk industry, where approximately 70% of the nation’s silk is manufactured. Even now, the same machines that were used at the World Heritage Site, Tomioka Silk Mill, are mainly used.

Yokokawa Station

The final station on the Shinetsu Line which has one of the most famous ekiben (station box lunch) in the country, Toge-no-Kamameshi(Japanese Pilaf of the Pass) which has even been given a Royal Warrant of Appointment. From here, the beautiful landscape of the undeveloped woodland can be seen.

Mt. Myogi

The powerful sight of the rocky Mt. Myogi is unusual even in Japan and is a place to behold. In spring, there are cherry blossoms and fresh leaves while in autumn, the mountain is famous for the changing leaves. The area also has a shrine, an onsen and an art museum.

Harada Farm

You can enjoy harvesting various fruits and vegetables in this spacious farm all throughout the year. There is also a store and a restaurant as well as the products of popular homemade Baum Kuchen cake and apple juice which are ideal as souvenirs.

Usui Lake

Usui Lake is just 10 minutes away from the old Nakasendo Route and Megane Bridge. You can relax while taking in the view of the beautiful lake which is popular with hikers on Abt Road as a famous place for the changing colors.

Megane Bridge

Japan’s largest arched brick bridge. Walking along an abandoned railway line is fun with the best times being in spring and fall. Very closely located to the Nakasendo route.

Myogi Shrine

Worship of Mt. Myogi centers upon the harmony between the beauty of Japanese traditional architecture which includes aspects such as the splendid main building carrying the gist of Edo Era architecture and the huge mossy stone walls, and the rough landscape of the mountain.

Usuitoge Railway Bunkamura (Culture Village)

In addition to the display of valuable trains, you can also try operating Japan’s sole electrical locomotive. This is a facility famous as the Mecca for train fans.

Daruma no Furusato Daimonya

Takasaki daruma dolls, which have a history of about 200 years, are handicrafts that have continued to be cherished by people as lucky charms to make wishes come true. At Daimonya, you can tour the studios of the craftsmen as well as try your hand at painting the dolls.

Usuitoge Pass

Usuitoge Pass has been a very harsh route to traverse during its time as a pass road for the Nakasendo Route in the Edo Era, as the most difficult terrain for railroads since the Meiji Era, and as a vehicular road to the point that it has become the lore of popular manga.

Toge-no-Yu

While enjoying the open-air bath at this natural onsen with a wonderful view, you can also savor cuisine using local ingredients.

Isobe Spa

The long-established Isobe Spa which is famous for being the birthplace of the onsen icon is located between Tokyo and Karuizawa and is the ideal hot spring area to get that feeling of a regional city. You can also enjoy foot baths for free.

The Statues of the 47 Ronin of Ako

The stone statues of the 47 Ronin along a rock wall in a cave which seems ideal as a training ground for Buddhist monks were built over a period of 20 years by one man as a memorial tribute.

Shinto Winery

This is the renowned winery located in Shinto Village which is famous as the prominent grape-growing area in the northern Kanto district. The wine using the locally grown grapes has an invigorating flavor. Not only can you sample the wine there, but you can also observe the manufacturing process.

Ichinomiya Nukisaki Shrine

The shrine has been worshiped since ancient times as Gunma Prefecture’s highest-ranking shrine. Its downsloping sando path whose precious construction is considered to be unusual even in Japan brings to the fore a dignified atmosphere.

Lake Haruna

Lake Haruna is located at an altitude of 1000m and was created from volcanic activity on Mt. Haruna (Haruna-Fuji). Fishing, boating and camping can all be enjoyed within the natural surroundings. The December illumination festival which uses approximately 500,000 light bulbs is popular as a winter event.

Usaburo Kokeshi

Tour the landscape for the creation of Usaburo kokeshi, a traditional handicraft of an area blessed with trees at the foot of Mt. Haruna. In addition to the display of 1000 dolls, each with its own personality, you can also enjoy a workshop painting kokeshi.

Old Maruyama Transformer Substation

First built in 1912, this large brick building which has been designated as a National Important Cultural Asset helped to electrify rail travel for the first time in Japan.

Nakanotake Shrine

Nakanotake Shrine is famous for Japan’s largest golden statue of the God of Wealth which stands 20m tall. It is also a shrine that has held the Kinoene Festival for hundreds of years in which prayers are given late into the night.

Apt Road Walking Trail

A 6km-long trail which evokes the history of Japan that modernized after the influx of Western culture through structures such as the country’s largest arched brick bridge.

Kumano Shrine

With a borderline that goes straight through the center of the grounds, Kumano Shrine exists on the Gunma Prefecture side while Kumano Kotai Shrine exists on the Nagano Prefecture side as this most unusual shrine. The sacred tree known as the Shinano Tree is popular as a power spot for matchmaking.

Sakamoto-shuku

Even now, the signboards for the old stores are still seen outside, and the town evokes that feeling of an ancient Japan. Within the town, there are flowing canals and you can feel the lifestyle of the local citizens.

Tsukiyono Vidro Park

This is the theme park for Joetsu Crystal, a top manufacturer of Japanese glassware. Along with a glassworks tour and a display of glass art masterpieces, there is also a varied list of workshops where you can make your own glassware.

Canyons Minakami

This canyoning facility is just 2 hours away from Tokyo. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy canyoning and rafting while in winter, there are snowboarding and other sports so that you can have fun in all seasons.

Ichigo-no-Ie (Strawberry House)

You can pick and eat these strawberries with plenty of sweetness, grown on the snowmelt from Mt. Tanigawa known for its water. Along with being able to make your own strawberry smoothie, you can also enjoy a variety of strawberry desserts including pancakes at the café.

Koshinkan Kura Café

You can enjoy meals and sake within the former Nagai Brewery which was founded in 1886 and now has been renovated. Along with the sampling set of 4 different brands of sake, the coffee and sweets that can only be found at the Kura Café are also well regarded.

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