15 Best Things to Do in Gunma: How to Choose the Right Spots
Gunma makes it easy to combine famous hot springs such as Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen, the UNESCO-listed Tomioka Silk Mill, and mountain scenery at Oze and Mount Tanigawa in a single trip.
If it's your first visit, planning separate days for onsen stays and nature hikes helps you avoid feeling rushed between destinations.
Plan Your First Gunma Trip Around Hot Springs, UNESCO Heritage, and Nature
If you want to feel the essence of Gunma, combining strolls through Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen, a visit to the Tomioka Silk Mill, and nature walks at Oze or Fukiware Falls will give your trip a richer, more layered impression.
Since many spots are set in natural surroundings rather than urban tourist areas, part of the fun is how the scenery changes with the weather and season.
Grouping by Area Makes It Easier to Plan a Gunma Itinerary
Thinking by region—such as the Kusatsu/Shima area, the Ikaho/Haruna area, the Tomioka/Annaka area, and the Numata/Oze area—makes it easier to build a manageable route.
On trips that include mountain roads and hot spring towns, transport frequency and road restrictions can change, so it's reassuring to check transport and facility information before you set out.
First, organize the atmosphere of each candidate spot to match the purpose of your trip.
| Spot | How to Enjoy | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kusatsu Onsen | Yubatake stroll | Onsen stay |
| Ikaho Onsen | Stone-step street | Town walk |
| Shima Onsen | Hot spring town | Quiet trip |
| Tomioka Silk Mill | UNESCO heritage | History |
| Megane Bridge | Railway heritage | Photo walk |
| Oze | Marsh walk | Nature lovers |
| Fukiware Falls | Gorge stroll | Waterside walk |
| Mount Akagi | Lake & marsh | Mountain views |
| Lake Haruna | Lakeside stroll | Scenic trip |
| Mount Tanigawa | Mountain scenery | Hiking |
| Mount Myogi | Rock formations | Scenic viewpoints |
| Tambara | Highland flowers | Summer trip |
| Haruna Shrine | Forest approach | Shrine visits |
| Hotokuji Temple | Maple reflections | Photo trip |
| Byakue Kannon | Takasaki stroll | City sightseeing |
Gunma Hot Spring Towns Worth Visiting
If you skip the hot springs on a Gunma trip, you miss a huge part of the prefecture's appeal.
The charm lies in enjoying not just an overnight stay, but the steam-filled townscapes, the culture of public bathhouses, foot baths, and strolls through souvenir shops.
Kusatsu Onsen: One of Gunma's Best Hot Spring Towns Centered on the Yubatake
Kusatsu Onsen is a leading hot spring resort centered on the Yubatake (hot water field), where rising steam and wooden channels create a distinctive hot spring-town atmosphere.
The Yubatake gushes about 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute, and yunohana (mineral deposits) are collected as the water flows through its seven wooden troughs.
The area around the Yubatake is easy to explore on foot and has a different atmosphere throughout the day, from evening illuminations to quiet early mornings.
If you plan to use bathing facilities or foot baths, check the latest rules and operating status on each facility's official website before visiting.
Ikaho Onsen: Enjoy the 365-Step Stone Stairway and Hot Spring Ambiance
Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring town where inns, souvenir shops, and amusement halls line the famous 365-step stone stairway.
Ikaho Shrine stands at the top of the steps, while foot baths and shops selling onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns) line the way up.
Because you can soak up the town's atmosphere while climbing up and down the steps, it's ideal for those who like to walk slowly and take photos.
Lake Haruna and Haruna Shrine are also nearby, making it easy to combine hot springs, nature, and shrines within the same area.
Shima Onsen: A Quiet Hot Spring Town and the Shima Blue Waters
Shima Onsen is a calm hot spring resort spread through the mountains of Nakanojo Town, where you can enjoy riverside walks and the charm of a traditional hot spring town.
At nearby Lake Shima and Lake Okushima, the water surface glows a cobalt blue known as "Shima Blue" depending on the light, making it a great fit for those visiting for natural scenery.
The Shima Blue tends to look most vivid on clear mornings from April to May, when it also pairs beautifully with fresh spring greenery.
The lakes look different with every season and weather pattern, so if photography is your goal, treat the day's sky conditions as part of the experience.
Gunma Landmarks: World Heritage and Modern Industrial Sites
Gunma offers not only hot springs and nature, but also spots where you can sense Japan's modernization.
Beyond simply viewing the buildings and bridges, understanding why these places have been preserved deepens your appreciation even on a short visit.
Tomioka Silk Mill: Learn Modern Industrial History at a World Heritage Site
The Tomioka Silk Mill is one of Gunma's signature historical sites and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Built as a government-run mechanized silk-reeling factory in 1872 (Meiji 5), its preserved main buildings illustrate the development of Japan's modern industry.
It is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), admission is 1,000 yen for adults, and it is closed December 29–31.
Tour formats, guide availability, and areas open to photography may vary during events or maintenance, so check the facility's official information before visiting.
Usui Third Bridge (Megane Bridge): A Historic Brick Railway Bridge
The Megane Bridge (Usui Third Bridge) in Annaka City is a brick four-arch bridge that preserves the railway history of the Usui Pass to this day.
Completed in 1892 (Meiji 25), it is about 91.1 meters long and about 31 meters high, and is considered one of the largest surviving brick arch bridges in Japan.
In 1993, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property as part of the "Usui Pass Railway Facilities," and the former rail line is now part of the Abt Road walking trail.
When taking photos, it's important not to block pedestrian traffic or enter off-limits areas.
Things to Do in Gunma's Mountains and Marshlands
Gunma's nature ranges from gentle lakeside strolls to dramatic mountain scenery.
Rather than forcing yourself to walk long distances, choosing spots to match the season and your fitness lets you enjoy the views at a relaxed pace.
Oze: Walk the Boardwalks to Experience Marshland Scenery
Oze is a carefully protected natural area containing one of Honshu's largest high-altitude marshes.
Skunk cabbage (mizubashō) peaks in early summer, while Nikkō-kisuge daylilies bloom in summer, giving the marsh a different character in each season.
Strolling the boardwalks while gazing at the wetlands and plants offers a stillness quite different from urban sightseeing.
When you enter, be sure to follow nature-protecting behavior: stay on the boardwalks, don't pick plants, and carry out your trash.
Mount Akagi: Mountaintop Scenery of Lakes and Marshes
Mount Akagi, rising over Maebashi City, is a nature spot where you can enjoy lakes, marshes, and mountain scenery all together.
Kakumanbuchi, at an elevation of about 1,360 meters, is also called "Little Oze." Together with nearby Lake Onuma, it offers an easy way to enjoy mountain air on a short stroll.
At Kakumanbuchi, azaleas (renge-tsutsuji) reach their peak from mid to late June, spreading early-summer color.
Because temperatures at higher elevations can differ from the city, it's reassuring to choose clothing you can easily adjust.
Lake Haruna: Lakeside Strolls and Views of Mount Haruna
Lake Haruna is a spot where you can enjoy the scenery of Mount Haruna and the calm atmosphere of the lakeshore.
It's easy to combine with Ikaho Onsen and Haruna Shrine, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nature before or after a hot spring stay.
The wind can feel strong along the lakeshore, so bringing a layer to suit the season makes for a more comfortable visit.
Mount Tanigawa & Ichinokurasawa: Feel Mountain Scenery Up Close
Around Mount Tanigawa, at 1,977 meters, you can encounter powerful scenery formed by rock walls and mountain ridges.
The great rock wall of Ichinokurasawa is counted among Japan's "Three Great Rock Walls," and in autumn the fall foliage colors it like a folding screen.
The Ichinokurasawa area has traffic restrictions and seasonal conditions, so checking the relevant authorities' information before walking is essential.
Even if you're not aiming to climb, it's important to prepare for changing weather in mountain areas and avoid pushing yourself.
Since the scenery changes greatly by season, choose according to the purpose of your trip.
| Season | Scenery | Best Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fresh greenery & flowers | Akagi & Haruna |
| Summer | Cool highlands | Oze & Tanigawa |
| Autumn | Fall foliage | Myogi & Fukiware |
| Winter | Onsen stay | Kusatsu & Shima |
Nature Spots: Waterfalls, Rock Formations, and Flower Scenery
Gunma's nature spots include places you can approach on foot and places best enjoyed from a distance.
Since some areas have slippery footing or mountain trails, choosing with walkability in mind—not just photos—is reassuring.
Fukiware Falls: A Gorge Walk Beside a Dramatic Waterfall
Fukiware Falls (Fukiware-no-Taki) in Numata City is a waterfall with a unique landscape created as the river carved through the rock.
Its water splits and cascades over a width of about 30 meters and a height of about 7 meters, earning it the nickname "the Niagara of the East."
Because you can view the gorge's many faces while walking the trail, it suits travelers who want to feel nature up close.
Trail conditions change with water levels and weather, so follow the signs and keep a safe distance from hazardous areas.
Mount Myogi: Dramatic Views of Jagged Rock Ridges
Mount Myogi (Myōgi-san) is one of the Jōmō Three Mountains alongside Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, known for sharp rock faces and dramatic ridgelines.
Even without a serious climb, viewing the mountain from Myogi Roadside Station or Nakanotake-jinja Shrine gives you a strong sense of its scale.
If you walk the trails, difficulty varies widely, so take care not to wander onto advanced routes with a casual sightseeing mindset.
Tambara Lavender Park: Enjoy Flowers on a Summer Highland
Tambara Lavender Park in Numata City is a seasonal spot where you can enjoy flower-field scenery on a highland at about 1,300 meters elevation.
About 50,000 lavender plants are grown here, with lavender best enjoyed from early July to late August, and summer's average high of around 25°C keeps things cool.
Seasonal opening dates, bloom conditions, ticket details, and transportation options vary by year and weather, so check the latest official information before planning.
Since peak bloom depends on natural conditions, it's best not to focus only on full bloom—enjoy the highland air and the walk itself too.
Cultural Stops: Shrines, Temples, and Town Landmarks
Gunma also has temples, shrines, and town symbols that are easy to visit alongside its mountains and hot springs.
At places of worship and sightseeing, checking the posted notices before taking photos and valuing the quiet atmosphere makes for a pleasant visit.
Haruna Shrine: Walk a Forested Approach Among Giant Rocks
Haruna Shrine has a striking approach that winds through the forests and rock formations of Mount Haruna.
The walk among giant rocks and trees is a highlight in itself, and the shrine is easy to combine with Ikaho Onsen and Lake Haruna.
Availability of goshuin (shrine and temple seal stamps) and religious items can vary by season, so check the shrine's notices before visiting.
Hotokuji Temple: A Zen Temple with Floor Reflections
Hotokuji Temple in Kiryu City is a Zen temple famous for its "floor maple" (yuka-momiji), where the garden scenery is reflected in the polished floor.
Special viewing periods are typically held during the fresh greenery of spring (late April to mid-May) and the autumn foliage season (mid-October to late November).
Because this is a special-viewing event, check the viewing period, admission fee, entry procedures, and photography rules on the temple's official website before visiting.
During crowded periods, being considerate about where you stop and taking turns for photos helps other visitors enjoy their time too.
Byakue Dai-Kannon: The Statue Overlooking Takasaki
Byakue Dai-Kannon (Takasaki White-Robed Great Kannon) is a 41.8-meter-tall statue and a beloved symbol of Takasaki.
The interior has nine floors, and climbing the stairs lets you look out over the Takasaki cityscape and the Jōmō Three Mountains from windows on each level.
It's easy to combine with sightseeing around Takasaki Station or a stroll toward Shorinzan Darumaji Temple, making it ideal for those who want to experience the town's culture.
Check current opening information and interior access details before visiting.
How to Get to Gunma and Transport Overview
Gunma is easy to reach from the Tokyo area by shinkansen or expressway, making it easy to plan anything from a day trip to a multi-night stay.
Since buses or rental cars are often used to reach each sightseeing spot from the hub stations, choose your transport to match your destination.
Reach Major Hubs by Shinkansen and Local Lines
The fastest Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen services take about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station, the main gateway to Gunma sightseeing.
To reach Kusatsu Onsen, travelers typically transfer from a limited express train to a bus. For the Tomioka Silk Mill, take the Joshin Dentetsu Railway, while Ikaho Onsen is accessible by bus from Shibukawa Station.
For Nature Areas, Check Rental Car and Bus Frequency
Nature areas such as Oze, Mount Tanigawa, and Shima Onsen have limited public transport, so a rental car can be convenient.
In mountainous areas there can also be seasonal road restrictions and bus service suspensions, so check transport operating information before you set out.
Etiquette and Key Points to Know Before Your Trip to Japan
When sightseeing in Gunma, the rules and precautions differ among hot springs, shrines and temples, and nature parks.
Rather than memorizing complicated manners, the key is to follow the basics: read the posted notices, stay quiet, and avoid harming nature.
Check Photography and Usage Rules at Hot Springs and Shrines
At hot spring facilities, rules on photography in the baths, swimwear, and towel handling differ by facility.
At shrines and temples, photography may be restricted inside the main hall or around the offering areas, so check the notices at the entrance or on display.
In Nature Areas, Prioritize Traffic Restrictions and Weather
At Oze, Mount Tanigawa, Fukiware Falls, Mount Myogi, and similar spots, the areas you can walk may change with weather and season.
Even during your trip, check notices from the relevant authorities and avoid overexerting yourself or entering off-limits zones.
The basic etiquette for each situation can be organized as follows.
| Situation | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Hot springs | Check notices | Photos in baths |
| Shrines | Worship quietly | Blocking the path |
| Marshland | Stay on boardwalks | Picking plants |
| Mountain trails | Check restrictions | Entering restricted areas |
| Photos | Mind your surroundings | Photos in restricted areas |
Summary
Gunma sightseeing becomes memorable even on a short trip when you combine the hot springs of Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima; the history of the Tomioka Silk Mill and Megane Bridge; and the nature of Oze, Fukiware Falls, Mount Akagi, Lake Haruna, Mount Tanigawa, and Mount Myogi.
If you're visiting Gunma on your first trip to Japan, it's easiest to first decide on the hot spring town where you want to stay, then add nature and cultural spots nearby.
Check opening hours, fees, viewing periods, traffic restrictions, and photography rules on official transport and facility websites, then enjoy a relaxed trip suited to the season.
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