10 Best Summer Things to Do in Gunma: How to Choose
Summer sightseeing in Gunma can feel cooler and more comfortable when you combine highlands above 1,000 m, breezy river gorges, and steam-filled hot spring towns.
For travelers arriving from the Tokyo area by shinkansen or expressway, these destinations are organized around refreshing natural scenery and relaxing hot spring towns.
First, compare the atmosphere of each destination and choose the places that best match your travel style.
| Spot | Atmosphere | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oze | Marsh walk | Nature lovers |
| Mount Tanigawa | Mountain scenery | Scenic photography |
| Fukiware Falls | Powerful waterfall | Waterfall lovers |
| Tambara Highland | Forest & flowers | Highland escapes |
| Mount Akagi | Lake & marsh | Easy walks |
| Lake Haruna | Lakeside time | Relaxed travelers |
| Lake Nozori | Highland lake | Flower lovers |
| Kusatsu Onsen | Yubatake stroll | Onsen lovers |
| Shima Onsen | Blue lake | Lakeside scenery |
| Manza Onsen | Mountain baths | Quiet retreats |
Choose Highlands and Waterside Spots for a More Comfortable Summer Trip
Even in hot summer weather, shaded highlands, lakeshores, and areas near waterfalls make it easier to maintain a comfortable walking pace.
However, weather changes quickly in mountains and marshes, so do not rely on light clothing alone—wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an extra layer.
Cooler Hot Spring Towns Are Ideal for an Evening Soak
Moving to a hot spring town after walking through nature spots makes it easier to balance sightseeing and rest.
In hot spring towns such as Kusatsu, Shima, and Manza, bathing is only part of the experience; steam-filled scenery and evening strolls are attractions in their own right.
Cool Nature Escapes in Gunma: Highlands and Lakes
Gunma's highland areas let you slowly savor summer greenery, marshlands, and lakeside scenery.
Because walking distances and trail difficulty vary widely, choosing destinations centered on easy strolls makes the area more accessible for international travelers.
Oze: A Summer Hike Along Boardwalks Through Scenic Marshlands
Oze is a protected natural area within Oze National Park, which spans Gunma, Fukushima, Niigata, and Tochigi. Ozegahara Marsh, about 6 km east to west and 2 km north to south, is one of Japan's best-known high-altitude marshes.
Boardwalks run across the marsh, letting you enjoy seasonal flowers such as early-summer skunk cabbage (mizubashō) and summer daylilies (Nikkō-kisuge).
On the boardwalks, be mindful when passing or being overtaken, and walk carefully to avoid stepping on the plants.
Tambara Highland: Take a Deep Breath in Beech Forests and Marshlands
Tambara Highland is a plateau in Numata City at about 1,200–1,550 m elevation, where you can enjoy beech forests and the Tambara Marsh, also called "Little Oze."
At the nearby Tambara Lavender Park, about 50,000 lavender plants bloom in summer on a cool highland at about 1,300 m elevation.
It suits travelers who want to enjoy flowers and forest scenery at a relaxed pace, and it fits easily into a nature-focused escape from the heat.
Mount Akagi & Lake Onuma: Explore the Lakeshore and Kakumanbuchi Marsh
In the Mount Akagi area, one way to enjoy it is to combine the lakeshore scenery of Lake Onuma—a caldera lake at about 1,340 m elevation—with a marsh stroll at Kakumanbuchi, also called "Little Oze."
Kakumanbuchi is roughly 1 km in circumference and has well-maintained boardwalks. With lake and marsh scenery close at hand, even a short visit offers a refreshing taste of the mountain air.
Lake Haruna: Enjoy Caldera Lake and Mountain Scenery
Lake Haruna is one of Gunma's signature lakeside destinations, set at about 1,100 m in a caldera formed by Mount Haruna's volcanic activity.
It is ideal for an unhurried visit, whether you stroll along the shore or simply enjoy the surrounding nature.
Lake Nozori: Enjoy Highland Lake and Alpine Flower Scenery at 1,500 m
Lake Nozori is a highland lake at about 1,500 m elevation within Joshin'etsukogen National Park. In summer, visitors come for alpine plants such as Nozori-kisuge daylilies (Nikkō-kisuge) and the expansive scenery.
The daylilies typically peak from early to mid-July. Because public transport and road conditions vary by season, check the latest access information before planning.
Summer Sightseeing in Gunma: Waterfalls and Mountain Scenery
Waterfalls and dramatic mountain rock walls add variety to a summer itinerary in Gunma.
Because trails can be slippery after rain, follow posted signs and keep away from hazardous edges.
Fukiware Falls: Feel the Spray at the "Niagara of the East" on a Gorge Walk
Fukiware Falls is Numata City's signature waterfall, about 7 m high and 30 m wide, and its grandeur has earned it the nickname "the Niagara of the East."
The surrounding trail takes about an hour to walk, and three observation decks offer different views of the falls.
Near the falls, keep an eye on your footing, follow off-limits signs, and do not let photography distract you from safety.
Ichinokurasawa Deai at Mount Tanigawa: Summer Snow and Dramatic Rock Walls
Ichinokurasawa Deai at Mount Tanigawa is a scenic spot in the Minakami area, known for an imposing mountain landscape that includes one of Japan's three great rock faces.
From the Doaiguchi Station side of the Tanigawadake Ropeway, the route is about 3.5 km each way and takes roughly 1 hour on foot. Along the way, you can enjoy the contrast between the rock walls and snow that lingers into midsummer.
Prioritize a Safe Distance When Photographing Waterside Scenes
At waterfalls and gorges, watch out for wet rocks, drops, and swift currents.
Drones, commercial filming, and extended photo shoots may require advance permission, depending on the area, so follow local guidance.
Summer Gunma Sightseeing at Cool Hot Spring Towns
Gunma's hot spring towns make convenient bases for resting after a day of nature sightseeing.
Choosing hot spring towns where you can enjoy the Yubatake, a lake, or mountain scenery makes the time outside of bathing pleasant too.
Kusatsu Onsen: Yubatake Steam and a Hot Spring Town Stroll
At Kusatsu Onsen, the Yubatake at the center of town is beloved as its symbol, and its natural spring output is said to be the highest in Japan.
The Yubatake gushes about 4,000 liters of hot spring water per minute. Its rising steam and compact, walkable center make Kusatsu an accessible introduction to Gunma's hot spring towns.
Shima Onsen and Lake Okushima: Enjoy the Hot Spring Town and the Shima Blue Waters
At Shima Onsen, you can combine the calm atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town in Nakanojo with the blue waters of Lake Okushima.
The surface of Lake Okushima, a reservoir formed by the Shimagawa Dam, is known for its "Shima Blue" color. Its appearance changes with the weather and light, so allow time to enjoy the shifting scenery.
Manza Onsen: A High-Altitude Onsen Stay in Joshin'etsukogen National Park
Manza Onsen is known as a mountain hot spring resort at about 1,800 m elevation within Joshin'etsukogen National Park, characterized by milky-white waters with a high sulfur concentration.
It suits travelers who prefer mountain quiet and time at a ryokan over the bustle of a lively hot spring town.
Nature and Onsen Etiquette for International Travelers
In summer, paying attention to nature conservation and basic safety checks can make a Gunma trip safer and more enjoyable.
At hot spring towns, following Japanese bathing etiquette helps you enjoy your time comfortably alongside locals and other travelers.
The table below summarizes common dos and don'ts.
| Situation | Good Action | Action to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Boardwalks | Stay on the path | Stepping into plants |
| Near waterfalls | Read the signs | Crossing barriers |
| Lakeside | Photograph quietly | Blocking the area for too long |
| Hot springs | Wash first | Swimming in the bath |
| Changing room | Dry off before entering | Walking while wet |
On Mountain Trails, Prioritize Weather and Footing
In highlands and marshes, fog or rain can appear suddenly even on clear days.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry rain gear and drinks, and plan to return before dark.
Keep Noise Down and Pack Out Your Trash
At Oze, lakeshores, and waterfalls, visitors are expected to minimize their impact on plants and wildlife.
Avoid making loud noises, carry out your trash, and use the designated paths and facilities.
At Hot Springs, Check Each Facility's Rules
Tattoo policies, photography rules, and day-use bathing hours and reception procedures differ by facility.
Check the facility or inn's official information, and ask at the reception desk if anything remains unclear.
Summary: Enjoy Summer Gunma with Highlands, Waterfalls, and Hot Spring Towns
Summer sightseeing in Gunma feels cooler when you build it around highland and lake scenery such as Oze, Tambara Highland, Mount Akagi, Lake Haruna, and Lake Nozori.
Adding Fukiware Falls and Ichinokurasawa Deai at Mount Tanigawa creates a varied itinerary of waterside and mountain scenery.
If you finish your trip with Kusatsu Onsen, Shima Onsen, or Manza Onsen, you'll have a quintessential Gunma summer trip that balances strolling and rest.
Check transportation, access, bathing, and photography conditions, then enjoy Gunma's nature and hot springs at a relaxed pace.
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