About Gunma
Located almost directly in the center of the Japanese archipelago, Gunma Prefecture is a picturesque place filled with bountiful nature that is perfect to visit any time of the year. Thanks to its refreshing summers, gorgeous autumn foliage, and winter ski resorts, the prefecture is a popular getaway destination, especially among Japanese travelers.
Gunma is particularly famous as one of Japan’s greatest hot spring areas and the prefecture is dotted with onsen resorts that have long been loved by many people, including well-known scholars and other people of culture. The prefecture is also home to a bounty of delicious foods, from regional dishes that make use of locally-produced flour such as udon noodles and manju, to fresh local vegetables and top-brand wagyu beef.
How to Get to Gunma
It’s incredibly easy to get to Gunma Prefecture from Tokyo. You can take a direct train to Gunma’s largest terminal station, Takasaki Station, from major Tokyo stations such as Ueno Station, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku Station. If you choose to take the shinkansen, you can reach Takasaki Station from Tokyo Station in just under an hour.
Furthermore, many of Gunma’s popular hot spring areas are easily accessible from Tokyo by bus!
Gunma's Attractions
While easily accessible from Tokyo, Gunma is full of lush nature, hot springs, and delicious cuisine. This page will introduce spots to enjoy all these bounties, along with recommended accommodations! (Reservations can be made immediately by clicking the reservation button).
Onsen
Gunma is home to 453 onsen sources scattered all across the prefecture, as well as many of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. This includes Kusatsu Onsen, the largest natural hot spring in Japan by volume; Ikaho Onsen, where you can fully take in the Japanese hot spring resort atmosphere; the nature-rich Shima Onsen; and Minakami Onsen, known for its gorgeous valley. Try out a wide variety and discover the onsen of your dreams by visiting Gunma Prefecture!
Nature
There’s far more to Gunma than just hot springs, like its gorgeous nature destinations! For example, there’s Mt. Asama Magma Stone Park with its stunning natural beauty created from a volcanic eruption; Fukiware no Taki Falls, known as the Niagara Falls of the East; or Takatsudokyo Gorge, where visitors can take in a breathtaking views of a vast forest surrounding a river. Other recommended activities to try in Gunma include canoeing on a gorgeous, calm lake and admiring the local scenery surrounded by clouds from a peak high above in the sky.
Food
Don’t miss out on all the great food when visiting Gunma! There’s a wide selection to savor, from traditional Japanese cuisine to local delights. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer: Joshu Beef, which boasts a robust flavor packed with umami perfect for steaks, hotpots, and more; Yaki Manju, a dish of skewered rice cakes slathered in a savory miso sauce before being grilled; Himokawa Udon, Kiryu City's famous noodle specialty; and Mizusawa Udon, another noodle dish with centuries of history. Plus, the popular “ekiben” train station lunch box Toge no Kamameshi is also a Gunma creation!
Stay in Gunma
In Gunma, accommodations that aim to provide a stress-free stay with utmost hospitality for international guests are awarded the Gunma Excellence certification. Let us introduce you to some of these amazing facilities. We hope you’ll consider staying with them when in Gunma!
Get the latest info on Gunma Prefecture at the Visit Gunma website!
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