Visiting Gunma: Hot Spring Towns, Mountains and Silk Heritage

Gunma lies north-west of Tokyo and is a prefecture of mountains and valleys. Its hot springs have been popular for centuries, and access is easier than many expect, since the shinkansen stops at Takasaki. It suits travellers who want a hot spring stay without going all the way to Tohoku or Hokkaido.

Who it suits and how many days

Two days and one night is enough for one hot spring. With three days and two nights you can add the Tomioka Silk Mill or Minakami. If you dislike shared baths or need nightlife, consider using the city of Takasaki as a base instead.

Best time to go and the weather

Autumn and winter are classic hot spring seasons, especially in high-altitude Kusatsu where the air is cold. Summer is cooler than Tokyo in the mountains, and Minakami offers rafting during the snowmelt season. Snow on some roads can cause closures or changes to bus services.

Getting there and getting around

Take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki in about an hour, then the JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and a bus to Kusatsu. For Ikaho, take a bus from Takasaki or Shibukawa. For Minakami, get off at Jomo-Kogen or Minakami Station. Local trains and buses are less frequent than in big cities, so plan ahead.

If you will be connecting to local buses and searching for lodging in the mountains, mobile data is very handy, and a Japan eSIM is one option.

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Main sights

• Kusatsu Onsen and the Yubatake, a hot water field in the town centre with rising steam
• Ikaho Onsen, a hillside town with a famous stone staircase
• Tomioka Silk Mill, a World Heritage site of the silk industry
• Minakami and Mount Tanigawa, with hiking trails and outdoor activities

Quieter stops and hidden gems

Shima Onsen is a small, old hot spring village with a nostalgic feel. Lake Haruna and Mount Akagi suit easy mountain walks. Shorinzan Darumaji in Takasaki is a temple famous for daruma dolls, and the Oze area, which spans several prefectures, partly lies in Gunma.

Areas to know and where to stay

Kusatsu suits a full hot spring town feel with evening strolls, Ikaho has inns along the stone steps and photographs well, Takasaki is a base for restaurants and easy transport, and Minakami suits outdoor lovers.

Food and souvenirs

Budget thinking

Most costs go to the hot spring lodging, especially the dinner and breakfast included in the package. Prices vary with season and holidays, and admission fees and transport costs can change. Compare several options and check cancellation rules before booking.

A sample 2-day plan

1. 1Day 1: Takasaki to KusatsuRide the shinkansen to Takasaki, connect by train and bus to Kusatsu, stroll around the Yubatake and soak in the baths.
2. 2Day 2: Ikaho or TomiokaVisit Ikaho and walk the stone steps, or stop at the Tomioka Silk Mill, then return to Tokyo from Takasaki.

Good to know and common questions

Hot spring etiquette means washing before entering the bath, keeping towels out of the water and taking no photos in bathing areas. Anyone with a medical condition or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before long soaks. Water in some places, such as Kusatsu, is strongly acidic, so people with sensitive skin should rinse off afterwards. Book a room with meals early in busy seasons, and tell the inn about food allergies in advance, since set dinners are usually prepared ahead. Allow time for a slow evening, because the appeal of these towns is the unhurried walk between baths, not a packed sightseeing list, and check-in usually happens in the afternoon with fixed meal times that are hard to change once you arrive.