Gunma is the hot spring capital of Japan — home to more onsen than almost any other prefecture. Nestled in the mountains north of Tokyo, this largely rural prefecture offers steaming baths, historic silk towns, ancient shrines, and some spectacular mountain scenery.
Top Attractions
1. Kusatsu Onsen
Consistently ranked Japan’s number one hot spring resort, Kusatsu is famous for its Yubatake — a wooden hot spring field in the town center where steaming mineral water flows through channels of wood. The water is highly acidic and said to cure all ailments except lovesickness.
2. Ikaho Onsen
Set on a steep hillside, Ikaho Onsen is famous for its 365 stone steps leading up through an atmospheric arcade of shops and ryokan. The brown, iron-rich water is said to be excellent for the skin.
3. Tomioka Silk Mill
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan’s first modern silk reeling factory. Built in 1872, it played a central role in Japan’s industrialization and the global silk trade.
Food & Drink
Gunma is famous for Mizusawa Udon — silky smooth noodles served cold with dipping sauce. Also try Yaki Manju (skewered steamed buns glazed with sweet miso) and locally grown konnyaku (konjac).
Getting There
From Tokyo Ueno, the Shinkansen reaches Takasaki (Gunma’s main city) in about 50 minutes.
