How to Choose from Gunma's 8 Best Hot Springs
The 8 best hot springs in Gunma vary widely in character even within the same prefecture, from lively hot spring towns to quiet gorges, highland sulfur springs, and lakeside baths.
For a first visit, use Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima as your starting points. Minakami works well for nature-focused trips, while Takaragawa, Sarugakyō, and Oigami are good choices for a quieter stay.
To help you choose a hot spring destination based on your travel preferences, here is an overview of how the atmospheres differ.
| Hot Spring | Travel Type | Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Kusatsu | First visit | Yubatake strolls |
| Ikaho | Town walks | Stone-step street |
| Shima | Quiet trips | Clear streams and lake |
| Minakami | Nature lovers | Mountains and rivers |
| Manza | Highland stays | Sulfur springs |
| Takaragawa | Open-air bath lovers | Riverside baths |
| Sarugakyō | Lakeside trips | Lake Akaya |
| Oigami | Legend tours | Mountain village hot spring |
For Liveliness, Choose a Hot Spring with a Town to Explore
Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen offer, in addition to the hot springs themselves, the appeal of townscapes you can enjoy on foot.
You can stroll among snack stalls and souvenir shops, and in the evening take in the atmosphere of the rising steam and lights.
Both can be reached from Tokyo by public transportation, making them convenient starting points for a first onsen trip in Gunma.
For Tranquility, Choose a Hot Spring in the Mountains
Shima Onsen, Takaragawa Onsen, and Sarugakyō Onsen are well suited to those who want to spend time surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Planning a stay centered on relaxing at a ryokan keeps the itinerary from becoming rushed and gives you time to enjoy the atmosphere of the onsen area.
Many inns are located near clear streams and lakes, allowing guests to view gorges or waterside scenery from an open-air bath.
Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Are Easy Choices for a First Hot Spring Trip in Gunma
To experience Gunma's representative hot springs, knowing the differences between Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima makes it easier to build an itinerary.
Each offers a different atmosphere, from photogenic streetscapes and town walks to quiet nature strolls.
Kusatsu Onsen | A Famous Hot Spring Town Centered on the Yubatake
Kusatsu Onsen has the Yubatake (hot water field) at the center of its town, where you can stroll while taking in the scenery formed by the rising steam and wooden channels.
Kusatsu Onsen's natural spring output exceeds 32,300 liters per minute, and the Yubatake alone produces about 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute.
Located on a plateau at an elevation of about 1,200 m, Kusatsu remains relatively cool even in summer, making its seasonal scenery part of the appeal.
At Netsu-no-Yu, the Yumomi and Dance Show introduces Kusatsu's traditional method of cooling hot spring water, adding a cultural experience beyond bathing.
Admission is 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for elementary school students. Performance times may vary, so check the day's schedule before visiting.
Ikaho Onsen | Stone Steps and Two Distinct Spring Waters
Ikaho Onsen is a walkable hot spring town where ryokan and souvenir shops line the Stone Steps.
The stone steps are said to number 365, carrying the wish that "the hot spring town may thrive all 365 days of the year."
Along the steps are shops selling onsen manju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste), shooting galleries, footbaths, and markers for the 12 zodiac animals, making the climb itself part of the experience.
Knowing the difference between the tea-brown Kogane-no-Yu (Golden Water) and the clear, colorless Shirogane-no-Yu (Silver Water) helps when choosing a ryokan or day-use bath.
Shima Onsen | A Healing Hot Spring Trip Amid Clear Streams and Lake Okushima
At Shima Onsen, inns are scattered along the Shima River, and visitors can stroll through a tranquil hot spring town.
Lake Okushima is a reservoir created by Shimagawa Dam, and the blue water known as Shima Blue changes in appearance with the season and weather.
The lake surface looks especially vivid around April to May, when snowmelt flows in, while the surrounding autumn leaves peak around mid-October to early November.
For travelers combining onsen and nature, a stay at a ryokan plus the roughly 4 km lakeside loop and a canoeing experience creates a well-paced itinerary.
Enjoying Mountain and River Hot Springs at Minakami and Takaragawa
The Minakami area in northern Gunma is a region where you can enjoy hot springs together with scenery of mountains, rivers, and gorges.
Hot spring areas with distinct characters are scattered throughout the town, and you can choose according to your travel purpose, from quiet inns to open-air baths with a spacious feel.
Minakami Onsen Area | Combining Nature Experiences and Hot Springs
Minakami is home to 18 onsen areas collectively known as the Minakami 18 Onsen Areas.
They include Minakami Onsen, Tanigawa Onsen, Hōshi Onsen, Sarugakyō Onsen, and Takaragawa Onsen, each with a different setting and atmosphere.
The mineral compositions are also diverse, including simple thermal, alkaline simple thermal, sulfur, and sodium-calcium sulfate springs, allowing visitors to compare different waters within the same town.
Combine Mt. Tanigawa's scenery and river activities with time at an onsen ryokan for either an active getaway or a restful retreat.
Takaragawa Onsen | Enjoying Open-Air Baths Along a Mountain Stream
Takaragawa Onsen is known for spacious open-air baths beside the clear waters of the Takara River.
To make the mixed-gender open-air baths easier to use, dedicated bathing garments (yuamigi) are provided for both men and women.
Bathing rules vary by facility, so check the guidance before a day visit or overnight stay.
Manza, Sarugakyō, and Oigami | Scenic Onsen with Local Stories
For a quieter onsen trip in Gunma, consider destinations known for distinctive scenery or local legends, such as Manza, Sarugakyō, and Oigami.
They suit travelers who prefer mountain air, lake views, and local legends to busier resort towns.
Manza Onsen | Enjoying a Highland Sulfur Spring
Manza Onsen is a high-altitude hot spring village at an elevation of about 1,800 m within Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.
Its sulfur aroma, cloudy white water, and spacious open-air baths create a distinctly alpine onsen experience, whether you visit for a cool summer escape or snowy winter scenery.
Because of the high elevation, weather and road conditions can change quickly, so check traffic information before departure.
Sarugakyō Onsen | A Quiet Bath Overlooking Lake Akaya
Sarugakyō Onsen lies between the Tanigawa and Mikuni mountain ranges. The area once flourished as a post town on the Mikuni Kaidō route.
It is easy to combine an onsen stay with views of Lake Akaya, walks along the lakeside trail, and activities such as canoeing.
The area is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, combining a ryokan stay with walks around the lake.
Oigami Onsen | A Serpent Legend and Nearby Natural Scenery
Oigami Onsen is a mountain-village hot spring area associated with a legend about a great serpent believed to be the deity of Mt. Akagi.
According to legend, the great serpent of Mt. Akagi fought a giant centipede from Nikko, giving rise to the area's name. Every May, the Great Serpent Festival features a giant serpent-shaped mikoshi (portable shrine).
Oigami is also a convenient stop on the way to Oze or Nikko, with nearby natural attractions such as Fukiware Falls.
Staying overnight at an onsen ryokan before the next day's nature walk can make the itinerary less tiring.
How to Enjoy a Gunma Hot Spring Trip as the Seasons Change
The best way to enjoy Gunma's onsen changes with the season, even within the same resort area.
Include mountain scenery, river sounds, and evening streetscapes alongside bathing to create a more memorable trip.
The table below highlights seasonal experiences to consider when choosing an onsen area.
| Season | How to Enjoy | Suited Hot Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh-green strolls | Shima, Sarugakyō |
| Summer | Highland retreat | Kusatsu, Manza |
| Autumn | Autumn leaf trips | Minakami |
| Winter | Snow-view baths | Manza, Oigami |
Combine Waterside and Highland Areas in Spring and Summer
From spring through summer, Shima's lakes and rivers, Minakami's gorges, and the highland air of Manza and Kusatsu are major highlights.
Shima Blue looks most vivid in April to May after the snow melts, while the high-elevation Kusatsu and Manza stay cool even in midsummer, making them good for a summer retreat.
In hot weather, take shorter baths and alternate them with strolls and rest breaks.
Spend More Time at Your Ryokan in Autumn and Winter
Autumn foliage and, in winter, rising steam against snowy scenery enhance the onsen atmosphere.
Autumn leaves in northern Gunma generally peak from mid-October to early November, when the gorges of Minakami and Shima take on color.
In cold weather, leave extra time in your schedule and relax indoors after an open-air bath so you do not get chilled.
Onsen Etiquette for International Visitors
At Japanese onsen, bathers wash before entering and share communal bathwater.
Rules differ by facility, so check the notices at the entrance and changing room, and when in doubt, it is safest to ask the staff.
Understanding these basics helps first-time visitors enjoy an onsen with confidence.
| Situation | OK | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Before bathing | Wash your body | Entering without washing |
| Bathtub | Enter quietly | Swimming |
| Towel | Keep it out of the tub | Putting it in the water |
| Photography | Check signs or ask staff | Taking photos in bathing areas |
Wash Your Body Before Entering the Bath
Once you enter the bathing area, first wash your body at the washing station and rinse off the soap and shampoo before getting into the bath.
The tub is for soaking, not washing, so everyone can share clean water.
Keep Towels and Hair Out of the Water
Use the small towel to cover yourself or wipe away water, but keep it out of the bathtub.
If you have long hair, tie it up so it does not touch the water and the shared bath stays clean.
Check Facility Rules for Tattoos, Swimwear, and Bathing Garments
Policies on tattoos, swimwear, and bathing garments vary by facility.
Some facilities, including Takaragawa Onsen, provide designated bathing garments. Follow the facility's instructions rather than bringing your own.
Refrain from Taking Photos in the Bathing Area
In the bathing area and changing room, protecting the privacy of other users is important.
Before taking photos, check posted notices or ask staff, and photograph only in permitted areas.
Tips for Combining Gunma's Hot Springs
Gunma's onsen areas are spread across a wide region, so trying to visit too many can turn the trip into a series of transfers.
Choose one base and explore its surroundings at a relaxed pace, or combine two onsen areas with contrasting atmospheres while leaving plenty of downtime.
For a First Visit, Split Kusatsu and Ikaho Across Separate Days
Kusatsu rewards time spent strolling around the Yubatake, while Ikaho is best enjoyed by walking the Stone Steps; both deserve time on-site.
Because traveling between Kusatsu and Ikaho takes time, visit them on separate days when possible rather than rushing through both in one day.
For Nature Lovers, Consider Shima and the Minakami Area
For a nature-focused trip, combine Shima's lake and clear streams with Minakami's mountains and rivers.
Leave time for bathing, resting at the ryokan, walking along the river, and adjusting plans for the weather.
Summary | Expanding a Gunma Hot Spring Trip from Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima
Choosing among Gunma's 8 best hot springs is easier when you begin with lively Kusatsu, Ikaho's atmospheric Stone Steps, and Shima's clear streams.
Adding Minakami, Takaragawa, Manza, Sarugakyō, or Oigami brings mountain, river, lake, and highland scenery together with historic ryokan traditions.
For a first onsen experience in Japan, review bathing etiquette and facility rules, then plan a relaxed itinerary with enough time to enjoy Gunma's distinctive hot spring culture.
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