Gunma Prefecture

A hot-spring prefecture in northwestern Kanto with famous baths such as Kusatsu and Ikaho, easily accessible from Tokyo.

Gunma Prefecture is in the northwest of the Kanto region, with mostly mountainous terrain and extremely rich hot spring resources. Kusatsu Onsen is known for its yubatake (hot-water fields) and strongly acidic waters, Ikaho Onsen's stone-stepped street is full of atmosphere, and Shima Onsen and Minakami Onsen each have their own character. The Tomioka Silk Mill is a World Heritage site that bears witness to Japan's modernization, and the Mt. Tanigawa area is good for mountain climbing and rafting. Enjoy hot springs and skiing in winter, highland cool in summer, and autumn foliage in fall. The Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines pass through Takasaki, from where you can transfer to JR trains or buses to the various hot spring towns.

Destinations

• Kusatsu Onsen
• Ikaho Onsen
• Karuizawa

Itineraries

• Ikaho, Kusatsu & Karuizawa Hot Spring Drive – A self-drive trip from Tokyo through Gunma's two major hot spring towns, descending to Karuizawa through volcanic lava…
• Grand Kanto & Shinshu Loop – A loop from Tokyo covering Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, the Snow Monkeys, Kusatsu, and Karuizawa.
• Tokyo City, Kawagoe, Mount Takao and Karuizawa – Spend four days exploring central Tokyo, plus three day trips to Little Edo Kawagoe, Mount Takao and Karuizawa
• Tokyo, Hokuriku, Takayama & Kyoto Northern Route – Skip the Tokaido route and travel via Karuizawa, Nagano, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama to Kyoto.