Gunma Travel Guide

Quick Facts: Gunma, Japan

Destination Overview

Why Visit Gunma?

Gunma is where Japan unwinds. The prefecture bubbles with mineral-rich springs from volcanoes around Mount Kusatsu-Shirane. Trails roll through high marshlands in Oze, while river valleys carve out steam-filled outdoor baths in Minakami. Culture runs deep too, from the living silk heritage at Tomioka to graceful shrine approaches under cedars at Haruna. The best part is how close it all is to Tokyo, yet how refreshingly local it feels once you arrive.

Best Time to Visit Gunma

• Spring – Fresh greens in April and rhododendrons in late May. Still-chilly nights make onsen dips delicious. Crowds are moderate outside Golden Week.
• Summer – Warm to hot in basins, pleasantly cool in highlands like Minakami and Oze. Best for rafting, canyoning, and night sky viewing. Afternoon storms possible.
• Autumn – Peak foliage from mid October to mid November across Haruna, Akagi, and Tanigawa. Stable weather and crisp air. Book onsen stays 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
• Winter – Powder in Minakami and Tanigawa. Outdoor rotenburo with snowflakes is the signature experience. Some alpine lifts pause for maintenance late autumn, then reopen for ski season.

Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate for first timers, public transport is reliable and English friendly at key hubs.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for a tasting menu of onsen and one hike. Nature lovers can stretch to 7 to slot in Oze or multi-day ridge walks.

Essential Travel Information

Visa & Entry

Japan offers visa-free entry to many nationalities for short stays. Always confirm requirements with your home country’s Japanese embassy and with official government portals. See official immigration guidance.

Money & Realistic Daily Costs

• Budget: ¥7,000-12,000 with business hotel or hostel, simple meals, local buses, one public bath.
• Mid-range: ¥15,000-28,000 for comfortable hotels or modest ryokan with dinner and breakfast, admission to 1-2 attractions.
• Luxury: ¥35,000-80,000 for high-end ryokan with kaiseki meals, private baths, spa add-ons, private transfers.

Language & Communication

eSIMs from major providers work well across Gunma. Pocket Wi-Fi is reliable for rural buses and trailheads. Download transit apps and offline maps. Staff in onsen towns often speak basic English, and menus commonly include photos.

Getting There & Around

Air, Rail, Bus: From Tokyo, ride the Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki or Jomo-Kogen, then connect to local JR lines or buses to onsen towns. The JR TOKYO Wide Pass can reduce rail costs for 3 consecutive days. Direct highway buses also link Tokyo to Kusatsu.
Local transport: Town buses cover Ikaho and Kusatsu. In Minakami, taxis from stations to lodges are common, and many ryokan provide shuttles by reservation. Ropeways and chairlifts open seasonally at Tanigawa.

Top Things to Do in Gunma

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites

• Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO)
  Admission and timing: Adults typically around ¥1,000. Plan 60-90 minutes for the brick reeling halls and exhibitions.
  Best visiting time: Mornings on weekdays for quieter photos.
  Tour Japan’s first modern silk reeling factory from 1872. It anchors Japan’s industrial heritage and is an easy day trip from Takasaki. Official overview: Visit Gunma page.
• Haruna-jinja Shrine, Takasaki
  Admission and timing: Grounds free. Shrine office 9:00-16:00. Allow 45-60 minutes for the cedar-lined approach and cliff-hugging halls.
  Best visiting time: Early morning or late afternoon, especially in late October foliage season.
  An atmospheric mountain shrine with sculpted rock outcrops and mossy stone lanterns.
• Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps
  Admission and timing: Free to stroll at all hours.
  Best visiting time: Evening when lanterns glow and bathhouses steam.
  Climb 365 timeworn stone steps lined with inns, arcades, and footbaths in one of Gunma’s classic hot spring towns.
• Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, Takasaki
  Admission and timing: Grounds free. Museum hours vary. Set aside 30-60 minutes.
  Best visiting time: January 6-7 for the Daruma Market Festival, or autumn for foliage.
  Birthplace of iconic red daruma dolls. Choose a daruma, paint in one eye for your wish, and return next year to complete it.
• Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake & Netsunoyu
  Admission and timing: Yubatake free any time. Netsunoyu Yumomi performance usually several times daily, tickets commonly around ¥700-¥1,000.
  Best visiting time: Evening for steaming wooden channels and night photography.
  The town’s heart where acidic waters cool in wooden flumes, paired with the traditional Yumomi paddle show.
• Oze National Park
  Admission and timing: Park access is free. Visitor centers and boardwalks operate seasonally. Allow a full day or more.
  Best visiting time: Late May for skunk cabbage blossoms, late June for daylilies, early October for gold grasses.
  Japan’s most celebrated high marsh with immaculate wooden boardwalks and hut trails.
• Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira
  Admission and timing: Round-trip ropeway fares generally a few thousand yen. Chairlift extends to higher viewpoints in green season.
  Best visiting time: October for fiery ridgelines, or winter for deep snow panoramas.
  Ride from Minakami into the heart of the Tanigawa massif for sky-high promenades and views.
• Lockheart Castle, Takayama Village
  Admission and timing: Adults about ¥1,000, 9:00-17:00. Last entry 30 minutes before close.
  Best visiting time: Midweek late morning for fewer photo crowds.
  A transplanted 19th century Scottish castle with whimsical exhibits and wedding photo spots.
• Gunma Safari Park, Tomioka
  Admission and timing: Pricing varies by vehicle or bus. Day and seasonal night safari options. Plan 2-3 hours.
  Best visiting time: Mornings for active animals and cooler air.
  Drive-through habitats bring you face to face with giraffes, rhinos, and big cats.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

• Hoshi Onsen Chojukan – A remote wooden ryokan with historic baths in a forested valley. Reachable by bus and short walk, best in snow or new green season.
• Lake Onuma, Mount Haruna – Calm waters for boating and winter ice fishing. Combine with Haruna-jinja and scenic drives.
• Shima Onsen Riverside Walks – Gentle river paths and turquoise pools, plus retro cafés. Perfect for a slow afternoon after bathing.
• Mizusawa Udon Street – A cluster of time-honored shops serving translucent, chewy noodles near Mizusawa Kannon Temple.
• SL Gunma Steam Train – Weekend heritage runs out of Takasaki toward Minakami or Yokokawa. Nostalgic atmosphere with countryside views.
• Akagi Highlands – Larch-lined roads, farm stands, and quiet trailheads for crowd-free foliage.
• Konnyaku Park, Kanra – A quirky stop dedicated to Gunma’s konnyaku culture with tastings and factory views.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss

• Yumomi performance at Netsunoyu, Kusatsu – tickets commonly ¥700-¥1,000, 25-30 minutes. Reserve weekends if visiting in foliage season.
• Private rotenburo session at a Minakami ryokan – day use plans from about ¥1,500-3,500 per person for 60-90 minutes, advance booking recommended.
• Rafting or canyoning on the Tone River, Minakami – half-day tours typically ¥6,500-9,500 including gear, spring through autumn.
• SL Gunma steam ride from Takasaki – fares vary by seat and date. Book early for weekends and holidays.
• Soft hike on Oze boardwalks – budget ¥1,000-2,000 for bus segments and snacks. Start early to beat day-trip crowds.
• Mizusawa udon tasting flight – many shops offer small sets around ¥900-1,300. Try sesame and soy dipping sauces side by side.
• Daruma eye-painting at Shorinzan Daruma-ji – souvenirs from around ¥800-2,500 depending on size.

Best Photo Spots

• Yubatake at blue hour in Kusatsu, steam drifting over wooden flumes and retro lamps.
• Tenjindaira boardwalks near the ropeway upper station in peak foliage, wide-angle lens recommended.
• Haruna-jinja’s rock corridor and vermillion bridge after rain for saturated colors.
• Ikaho Stone Steps at dusk with shop lanterns and motion blur from passersby.
• Oze’s Ozegahara marsh with Mount Shibutsu reflected in calm pools at sunrise.
• SL Gunma crossing rural fields. Pre-scout from level crossings near the route for dramatic steam plumes.
• Snowy riverside rotenburo in Minakami, mindful of privacy and no tripods inside bathing areas.

Where to Stay in Gunma

Best Areas or Neighborhoods

• Kusatsu Onsen – Iconic highland spa town. Best for non-stop bathing, Yumomi show, and walkable dining. Some slopes in winter, bring grippy shoes.
• Ikaho Onsen – Classic steps town with easy access to Mizusawa udon and Haruna-jinja. Good for first timers and families.
• Minakami – Mountain base for rafting, canyoning, snow, and gorgeous riverside ryokan. Car free is manageable with shuttles.
• Takasaki City – Rail hub with many business hotels. Efficient for day trips to Tomioka, Ikaho, and Shorinzan Daruma-ji.
• Shima Onsen – Retro river valley with photogenic bridges and quiet inns. Perfect for slow travel and couples.

What & Where to Eat in Gunma

Must-Try Dishes

• Mizusawa Udon – Glossy, springy udon near Mizusawa Kannon. Typical bowl ¥800-1,300. Try cold with sesame dip.
• Okkirikomi – Wide noodles stewed with seasonal vegetables in a comforting broth. Bowls around ¥900-1,400.
• Yakimanju – Skewered buns brushed with sweet miso and grilled over charcoal. One skewer ¥200-350.
• Onsen Manju – Steamed buns popular in Kusatsu and Ikaho. Boxes from ¥600-1,200.
• Joshu Beef – Local wagyu for sukiyaki, steak, or yakiniku. Set meals from ¥2,000-4,500 at mid-range eateries.

Restaurants & Cafés

• Budget Eats – Mizusawa Udon Mizusawa-tei, 233-8 Mizusawa, Ikaho, Shibukawa • ¥800-1,300
• Local Specialty – Mizusawa Udon Kaido shops near the temple • Various menus and prices
• Street Snack – Orita Yakimanju, 108 Tamachi, Takasaki • Skewers ¥200-350
• Hearty Noodles – Sosui An, Shima Onsen • Okkirikomi bowls around ¥1,000-1,400
• Ryokan Dining – Takaragawa Osenkaku and Sekizenkan • Seasonal kaiseki included in stay plans
• Café Break – Retro cafés along Ikaho Stone Steps and in Shima Onsen serve puddings, chiffon cakes, and pour overs • ¥600-1,200

Street Food & Dietary Tips

• Yakimanju stalls appear near stations and festival grounds, order by skewer count.
• Vegetarians can rely on okkirikomi or cold udon. Confirm fish stock if strict.
• Gluten free is challenging in noodle country. Carry translation cards and aim for grilled proteins and rice sets.
• Tap water is safe. In onsen towns, many cafés offer house-made ginger ale and yuzu drinks.
• For late dinners, city centers like Takasaki have longer hours than onsen towns, which tend to close early.

Local Culture & Etiquette

• Norms – In ryokan, wear yukata to dinner and baths. Keep voices low at night and in corridors.
• Do’s & Don’ts – Rinse before entering communal baths. Towels stay out of the tub. Photography is not allowed inside bathing areas.
• Tipping – Not customary. If service astonishes you, a small gift from your home country is appreciated by some hosts.
• Festivals & Events – Daruma Market at Shorinzan on Jan 6-7. Summer fireworks in Minakami. Autumn foliage drives around Haruna and Akagi from mid October.

Practical Tips & Safety

• Health & Safety – Emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire. In winter, carry traction aids for icy lanes in onsen towns.
• What to Pack – Quick-dry layers, compact umbrella, sandals for ryokan corridors, swimsuit not required for Japanese baths.
• Money Saving – Use the JR TOKYO Wide Pass for Takasaki and Jomo-Kogen runs, then buses to onsen. Many ryokan offer weekday discounts.
• Emergency Phrases – “Tasukete” (Help), “Byouin wa?” (Where is the hospital?), “Kouban wa?” (Where is the police box?).

Gunma Itineraries

3-Day Express Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Tokyo to Takasaki. Visit Shorinzan Daruma-ji and Haruna-jinja. Overnight in Ikaho. Dinner on the Stone Steps, footbath soak.
2. Day 2 – Morning Mizusawa Kannon and udon tasting. Transfer to Kusatsu. Yubatake stroll, Yumomi show, Sainokawara Park outdoor bath.
3. Day 3 – Bus back to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi. Detour to Tomioka Silk Mill on the way to Tokyo, or continue north to Minakami for a half day ropeway view if time allows.

7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary

1. Day 1 – Arrive Takasaki. Daruma-ji and local izakaya.
2. Day 2 – Haruna-jinja and Lake Onuma. Transfer to Ikaho. Stone Steps at night.
3. Day 3 – Mizusawa Udon Street lunch. Transfer to Kusatsu. Netsunoyu Yumomi and evening town walk.
4. Day 4 – Kusatsu bathing day. Optional hike to Sainokawara Park and hot river foot soaks.
5. Day 5 – Travel to Minakami. Afternoon ropeway to Tenjindaira or rafting in season. Riverside rotenburo at dusk.
6. Day 6 – Shima Onsen day trip for cafés, bridges, and river walks. Return to Minakami or overnight in Shima.
7. Day 7 – Tomioka Silk Mill en route back to Tokyo. Lunch near the retro streets around the mill.

Off the Beaten Path Route

Loop Takasaki – Haruna Highlands – Ikaho – Shima – Minakami – Akagi Highlands – Tomioka. Use buses for Haruna and Ikaho, then train to Nakanojo for Shima, and onward to Minakami for mountain air. Finish at Tomioka by local lines. Two to four hours of travel spread across a week keeps the pace relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Miss

• Watching steam curl over Kusatsu’s Yubatake at night after a quiet soak.
• Strolling the cedar approach to Haruna-jinja and listening to mountain water underfoot.
• Riding Tanigawadake Ropeway to Tenjindaira for skywalk views in peak foliage.
• Tasting glossy Mizusawa udon near the temple, then a footbath on Ikaho’s steps.
• Tracing Japan’s industrial leap at Tomioka Silk Mill and browsing retro streets nearby.
• Boarding the SL Gunma for a whistle-blowing run through fields and rivers.
• Walking Oze’s boardwalks at sunrise when marsh pools mirror the peaks.

Your Gunma Story Starts Here

Picture steam rising into a starry sky, cedar forests whispering around shrine paths, and boardwalks stretching into gold marshlands. In Gunma, the pace resets. Soak in onsen that have restored travelers for centuries, ride a ropeway into the clouds, then end your day with noodles perfected over generations. Choose a base, mark two or three towns, and give yourself time between trains to simply breathe. Book your stays, reserve a Yumomi seat, and let Gunma unwind you.

Useful Links / Official Sources

• Gunma Official Tourist Guide
• Kusatsu Onsen Official Guide
• Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association
• JR TOKYO Wide Pass
• SL Gunma, JR East
• Tomioka Silk Mill, Visit Gunma
• Oze National Park, Oze Foundation
• Lockheart Castle Access and Hours
• Haruna-jinja Shrine, Visit Gunma
• Kusatsu Destination Overview