- Sights by Region -
Hot-spring legends, alpine vistas, and a World Heritage icon—Gunma’s essence in one compact hit list.
Kusatsu Onsen
One of Japan’s most celebrated hot springs, Kusatsu gushes over 30,000 liters per minute of strongly acidic waters (around pH 2).
Steam billows around the photogenic Yubatake “hot-water field,” which is dramatically lit at night. Don’t miss the vigorous yumomi
paddling performance—a traditional way to cool the scalding source without diluting it.
Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO)
Founded in 1872 as a pioneering government-run mill, Tomioka imported French reeling technology and blended it with Japanese craftsmanship.
The timber-frame brick architecture remains astonishingly intact, telling the story of Japan’s rapid modernization.
Mt. Tanigawa
A Japanese Hundred Famous Mountain. Ride the ropeway to Tenjindaira (~1,300 m) and step into big-mountain scenery with
beginner-friendly ridge hikes. In autumn, fiery foliage rolls beneath cloud inversions—sunrise can be otherworldly.
Japan’s highest natural flow rate of intensely acidic waters. The steamy Yubatake is a must-see day and night.
Feel the energy of the Yubatake and the rhythmic yumomi
Kusatsu’s source waters hover around pH 2.0—so powerful locals once said they cure everything “except love sickness.”
More than 4,000 L per minute cascade through the central Yubatake 24/7, filling the town with steam and the tang of sulfur;
at night, dramatic lighting turns it into a living stage.
The yumomi show—paddling the scalding spring with long wooden boards to cool it without adding water—is a uniquely Kusatsu tradition.
At “Netsu-no-Yu,” you can watch and even try the chanting, board-paddling routine yourself.
There are 19 public baths around town, many free. Hop between retro favorites like “Jizo-no-Yu” and footbaths such as “Yukemuri-tei”
for the full onsen-town vibe. In winter, soak under snow at Sainokawara Park; summers are cool (~1,200 m elevation), and spring/fall mornings
often fill the Yubatake with mist for moody photos.
A 300 m-wide, surreal emerald crater lake whose color shifts with weather and season.
Acid and sulfur sculpt this cobalt monster
Yugama’s water is extremely acidic (around pH 1.2) and rich in sulfate and iron ions.
The dissolved minerals scatter sunlight to produce hues ranging from teal to milky jade depending on the conditions.
Because access varies with volcanic activity, the 2025 setup allows close views from the Shiga-Kusatsu road observatory.
The contrast of fumarole steam and liquid gemstone below screams “volcanic Japan.”
On calm summer dawns the surface becomes a mirror—“upside-down Yugama”—reflecting sky and clouds.
In winter the road closes, but from the ski area you can still capture snow-buried Shirane’s silhouette under rime “snow monsters.”
Climb the retro 365-step slope lined with inns and snack shops. Soak in both “Golden” and “Silver” springs.
The Manyoshu once praised Ikaho’s “golden” waters
Ikaho’s signature “Golden” spring is iron-rich; exposure to air turns it a warm, tea-brown. The Manyoshu poetry anthology even referenced its color.
You can see the source near the top of the steps where steam and ocher flows bubble from the stones.
The steps were set at 365 to symbolize “one step for every day of long life.” Along the way, old-school shooting galleries and manju
bun shops ooze Showa nostalgia. Reaching Ikaho Shrine at the summit is a small victory—sunset lights bathe the stones in amber
and yukata strolls become pure cinematic charm.
Ropeway access to big-mountain scenery at 1,977 m. A Hundred Famous Mountain with beginner-friendly ridge walks.
Cloud-sea hikes on the Tenjin Ridge
Known for the sheer cliffs of Ichinokura-sawa—a mecca for alpinists—Tanigawa also offers easy access via the Tenjindaira Ropeway.
From the upper station, it’s under two hours to “Toma-no-Mimi” summit for most hikers. Summer trails brim with alpine flowers,
including carpets of delicate komakusa in June.
Autumn brings blazing reds; late fall often produces cloud inversions; mid-winter transforms the ridge into a world of frost ogres.
Dawn light sets the serrated ridgeline aflame—a social-media darling.
Train geeks: nearby Doai Station (with its legendary 486-step underground stairwell) and the NATM-pioneering Shin-Shimizu Tunnel
testify to Japan’s engineering battles with this massif.
One of Japan’s largest high moors. Boardwalk treks among skunk cabbages and water lilies.
“When summer comes, we remember Oze” — a living wetland museum
At ~1,400 m, Ozegahara spreads some 760 ha in a wind-cooled basin. From late May, skunk cabbage (mizu-basho) blooms in white drifts;
summer brings daylilies; autumn paints a golden carpet of grass.
The boardwalk loops exceed 9 km; even local high-schoolers help replace planks to protect the fragile bog.
Early mornings can see mist drifting with Mt. Shibutsu looming—an ethereal “marsh above the clouds.”
Even in summer, bring a light layer for the chill and consider a hut stay for stargazing.
A government model factory from 1872. Timber-frame brick halls that launched modern Japan’s silk industry.
Walk the living witness of Japan’s industrial revolution
Established in 1872, Tomioka adopted state-of-the-art French reeling machines under engineer Paul Brunat.
Its hybrid construction—wooden pillars with brick infill—ventilates naturally and has survived for 150+ years.
Guided tours visit the dormitory and the three-story cocoon storehouses, with CG projections that demystify
how silk thread is drawn from cocoons—kid friendly and fascinating.
Souvenir picks include cocoon charms and silk soap. “Silk Beer,” brewed with sericin extracted from cocoons,
is a cult favorite for its rounded flavor.
A classic healing spring said to cure “40,000 ailments.” A retro townscape famed for Ghibli-like vibes.
Retro romance meets cobalt river
Flowing since the Heian era, Shima’s clear sulfate spring is even drinkable at some spots. The Shima River runs a striking cobalt,
nicknamed “Shima Blue.”
The wooden, four-story Sekizenkan (founded in the 1690s) is among Japan’s oldest inns; its red bridge and steam are often said
to resemble scenes from Spirited Away.
Upstream, the 30 m “Maya Falls” throws rainbows on sunny days. The color of Lake Oku-Shima shifts from emerald to deep indigo
with the seasons, and canoeing there has taken off.
Dubbed the “Niagara of the East,” this V-shaped chasm looks like the riverbed has been ripped open.
Nature’s mega rock-splitter
The Katashina River chewed through tuff to carve a dramatic V. In the May–July melt season,
white spray and thunderous sound fill the gorge.
Trails let you peer right into the plunge, but rocks can be slick—free helmet loans are increasingly popular.
In autumn, red leaves and misty rainbows draw photographers; nearby Fukiware Onsen is perfect for hot-cold contrast bathing after the walk.
1,400 years of mountain worship. Sanctuaries seemingly fused into sacred cliffs and giant cedars.
Rock as deity; “wish-through” sacred water
Behind the main hall looms the 15 m Misugata Rock, a welded tuff pinnacle eroded into sculptural folds.
The halls appear to bite into the cliff—an awe-inspiring blend of nature and craft.
The grounds feature the Binzuru Waterfall and small caves with Seven Lucky Gods; allow ~90 minutes for a forest-bath loop.
The Yatate Cedar (est. 600+ years) once hosted ritual arrow-shooting to pray for victory.
Dip a wish-paper in the “Goshinka Spring” by the office—if letters show through, your wish should come true.
A hit with young visitors and couples alike.
A crater lake in Haruna’s caldera bowl. Mirror-like “upside-down Fuji” shots are a local specialty.
Scenic driving meets anime pilgrimage
Roads around Lake Haruna inspired “Akina” in the manga Initial D—hairpin heaven that draws global fans.
At 1,084 m, summers average ~22 °C, about 10 °C cooler than the plains; in winter the lake freezes for smelt fishing.
The ropeway whisks you to Haruna-Fuji summit in three minutes. The lookout surveys the Jōmō “three mountains” (Akagi, Myogi, Haruna)
and even Mt. Fuji on crystal days—sunset paints five ranges at once.
18 hot springs along the Tone River headwaters. Pair white-water thrills with open-air soaking.
Soak to a soundtrack of waterfalls
Heavy snowfall and abundant aquifers gift Minakami with diverse springs in a compact area.
The Tone River’s meltwater makes for Japan’s premier rafting; the World Rafting Champs have raced here.
Takaragawa Onsen’s mixed outdoor baths sprawl across 470 m² with rivers surging beside the pools. Bathing suits are required,
so women can enjoy with ease; there’s also a women-only bath.
Despite being just 10 minutes from the expressway, the night sky is strikingly dark—fireflies in summer, river mist at dawn,
and silence broken only by water.
River-side open-air baths that rank among the world’s largest. A star of films and commercials.
Four grand roten-buro make a “soak-around” circuit
The biggest tub, “Maka-no-Yu,” spreads some 200 tatami in area; in snowmelt season, a roaring torrent surges right beside the rock rim.
The mildly alkaline (pH ~8.0) water is gentle—easy to linger without light-headedness.
Mixed bathing uses mandatory bathing wear (free rental); one pool is women-only.
Cherry blossoms, new green, crimson leaves, and snow create four distinct dramas—watch for river steam that forms a dawn “onsen cloud sea.”
A 1,350 m-high caldera lake for kayaking in summer and smelt fishing in winter.
The lake changes color seven times a year
Just before ice-out the surface glows cobalt; summer deepens to bottle green; autumn mirrors amber foliage;
winter turns the basin into a white mirror. Locals dub it the “Seven-hue Onuma.”
Lakeside Akagi Shrine is a beloved match-making spot; the vermilion bridge and reflections draw photo shoots,
including wedding portraits.
A new “AKAGI Cafe” (2024) serves Akagi-milk soft-serve and a cult “baked curry bread.”
A real stone manor relocated from Scotland. Princess dress-up and drama filming hotspot.
Japan’s only “stone dress” photo experience
Built in the 19th century and moved in 1988, the castle was reconstructed from some 10,000 stones.
The courtyard and spire look straight out of Europe.
With 1,000+ dresses and tuxes to rent, the grand staircase is peak “real-life princess” for girls’ trips.
Over 100 TV dramas and music videos have filmed here; May’s rose garden is the most photogenic time of year.
~100 species and 1,000 animals. Drive your own car or take the bus through predator zones.
Night safari—hear roars in the dark
By day, giraffes stroll within arm’s reach; glass windows bring lion and tiger feedings to within 30 cm.
On weekends from spring to fall, night safaris reveal truly active carnivores—glowing eyes in spotlights are spine-tingling.
Kids adore the feeding bus, and adults end up learning a surprising amount from the commentary.
A rare all-ages win for family travelers.
Japan’s top-ranked “Michi-no-Eki.” Craft beer, blueberry soft-serve, wood-fired pizza—come hungry.
An all-day “food park” that happens to be a rest stop
The farm market’s morning apples and the “Yuki-Hotaka” heirloom rice sell out fast; the restaurant’s yogurt-cheese pizza is a signature.
On-site Kawaba Brewery pours tasting flights; non-alcoholic and yogurt drinks keep drivers happy.
A 2024 expansion added a zip line and trampolines for kids. Adults can sprawl on lawns with a craft beer while kids run wild—a true all-ages playground.
Free admission factory tour + a full konnyaku tasting buffet. Low-cal sweets that actually satisfy.
All-you-can-eat “zero-cal sushi” (almost)
From a glass corridor, watch slab konnyaku form in just 12 seconds. In the tasting area, sample 20+ dishes
from sashimi-style konnyaku and miso dengaku to konnyaku ramen—yes, it’s all included.
The “Konnyaku Studio” offers DIY mannan sponges—take your cute creation home; they’re an Instagram hit.
The shop’s “drinkable konnyaku jelly” is beloved by hikers; a sugar-free konnyaku chocolate is slated for spring 2025.
A 41.8 m white Kannon statue with an interior staircase past 20 Buddhist images. Seasonal views over Takasaki.
Climb nine floors inside—peer out from Kannon’s “eyes”
Completed in 1936, the reinforced concrete statue hides 146 steps within; small windows at the chest and shoulders
overlook Takasaki and Maebashi, with Mt. Fuji on rare crystal days.
In February, half a million people throng to the daruma fair; Takasaki rivals Shorinzan for daruma fame.
In 2025, the night lighting was upgraded to LEDs—colors change with the seasons in a “wardrobe of light.”
Birthplace of the lucky red daruma doll. The Jan 6–7 Daruma Market is overwhelming in the best way.
The “daruma factory” mother ship
In the Edo period, a temple head taught papier-mâché skills to help local farmers—birthing the Takasaki daruma industry.
Giant daruma donated by prime ministers and celebrities line the grounds.
Tradition: paint the left eye when making a wish; add the right eye upon fulfillment.
The “wish-daruma” ema boards are wildly popular with international visitors; a rainbow of languages fills the racks.
From 2025, you can book painting workshops online and create your own lucky daruma in ~30 minutes.
Japan’s largest brick arch railway bridge—91 m long and 31 m high—on the historic Shin’etsu Line.
Two million bricks of Meiji-era might
Completed in 1893 to conquer the notorious Usui Pass, this four-arch giant still stands strong and is listed as a modernization heritage site.
Walk the “Apt Road” trail to cross the top and duck into old tunnels—history and nature in one stroll.
GW and fall foliage nights see moody lighting that sets the brickwork aglow; drone videographers adore the symmetry (respect local rules).
Hands-on EF63 driving and a heritage trolley to the old line—catnip for railfans.
The only place to drive the EF63 “Sherpa”
The EF63 helper engine, designed solely for the steep Usui Pass, can be driven here on a 30 m test track after a proper lecture—serious fun
that draws international railfans.
The “Sherpa-kun” trolley runs 2.6 km along the former Shin’etsu alignment to the Megane-bashi area.
Some 30 locomotives, steam to electric, sit within camera-stroking distance.
Refuel at the on-site “Oginoya” cafe with the cult “kama-meshi bread”—rice-pot flavors, bakery style, with nostalgic views out the window.
A women-protecting water deity sits on Lake Onuma. Vermilion bridge + mirror lake = photo magic.
Walk the “floating” bridge of blessings
Crossing the red bridge feels like reaching a sanctuary adrift on water; reflections form the famed “upside-down shrine.”
Rooted in princess-deity lore, worship here favors good matches, safe childbirth, and beauty.
Early mornings often cloak the bridge in fog—a dreamlike approach to a sky-island. The “Akagi Beauty Charm”
blessed with sacred spring water is a beloved souvenir.
In October, a lake-procession festival loads a mikoshi onto boats to circle the torii—floating lanterns and drums animate the night.
A serrated fortress of rock spires—one of Japan’s three great “strange sights.”
A jagged skyline stabbing the Kanto plain
Eroded tuff and agglomerate form vertical walls and spires that look sculpted by giants.
The cliff looming behind Nakano-dake Shrine’s massive straw-rope torii is breathtaking.
Mid-November sets the spires against blazing maples; at dusk, the rock blushes crimson—beautiful and a little terrifying.
The front-range traverse is a chain-assisted route for experts, but even “Sakura-no-Sato” park delivers dramatic views.
From the Kan-etsu Expressway at night, the lit ridges become a moving panorama.
Public nights on a 1.5 m research-grade telescope under truly dark skies. Reservation recommended.
More real than any planetarium
Perched at ~870 m with minimal light pollution, the observatory’s 1.5 m reflector is among Japan’s largest open to the public for actual observing.
Sky darkness has reached ~21.5 mag/arcsec²—Milky Way band visible to the naked eye.
Saturn’s rings in summer, the Orion Nebula in winter—tack-sharp. In April 2025, a cafe opened inside serving “space-food style”
vacuum pound cake as a novelty treat.
20+ hands-on workshops across a rural valley—soba noodles, indigo dyeing, paper-making and more.
A whole village turned into an experience park
Centered on the Edo-era Sukawa post town, the area sprawls the equivalent of 70 Tokyo Domes.
Rent a bicycle and roam orchards and terraced paddies, popping into workshops as you go.
Highlights include a mini shimenawa (straw rope talisman) you can twist in ~40 minutes—popular as a long-lasting New Year charm.
For lunch, go classic with 100% buckwheat soba and chunky maitake tempura; “soba-yu latte” is the quirky cult drink.
7,000 “winter cherry” trees bloom twice a year. November sees cherries and maples in one frame.
Cherry in fall, snow in winter… and cherry again in spring
Winter cherry (jugatsu-zakura) blooms Oct–Dec and again in April. Mid-November is peak—pink petals and scarlet maples ripple across the slopes.
From the lookout, the Jōmō Three Mountains line the horizon; with a morning cloud sea, blossoms float like a pink mirage.
Winter nights add lighting and snow frosting—the “snow-sakura” effect is uniquely photogenic. Dress warm; it’s worth it.
A 25 km highland drive through Japan’s largest cabbage fields with views of Asama and Shirane.
Green in summer, purple in fall—the cabbage takes center stage
From June–September, 3,000 ha of fields glow bright green; after harvest, purple cabbages give graphic pops.
Riders and photographers flock for the “cabbage life” shot.
At “Aisai no Oka” (Lover’s Hill), shout your love—there’s literally a “Cabbage-shout” event with Mt. Asama framing your declaration.
Twilight turns field and sky the same palette—a silent, jaw-dropping magic hour when clouds blush lavender over the plains.
A lakeside onsen on Akaya Lake—snow-view baths and a “hanging” footbath that feels like you could slide into the sky.
An “infinity” footbath over the lake
The footbath deck juts out above Akaya Lake (a period-drama filming locale), merging water and sky for guaranteed social-media gold.
Night brings lakeside lighting that shimmers on the surface—soak, shoot, repeat.
The spring is a mildly alkaline sodium-calcium sulfate mix that leaves skin dewy; December–March is peak for snow-steam magic.
In August, book early for lake fireworks viewed right from the bath—pure luxury.
1.5 million blooms across the seasons. Nights light up with projection-mapped “fields of light.”
Flowers × light × music—a triple treat
Come any month and something’s peaking: nemophila in May, 1,600 roses in June, lilies in July—waves of color keep rolling.
Winter’s “Fairy Paradise” uses ~6 million lights with animated blossoms on the conservatory dome.
Summer swaps to “Night Rose,” perfuming paths with rosewater mist.
Instagrammables include flower-shaped soufflé pancakes and edible-flower sodas—pretty and tasty.
42 dinosaur skeletons and Kanto’s most lifelike moving T. rex—adults revert to kids here.
Time-warp 4.6 billion years in ~60 minutes
Five zones cover Earth’s story from formation to today. Don’t miss “Miyamatakeo,” a complete Naumann elephant from Gunma,
and a 15 m Diplodocus dominating the hall.
The T. rex was fully refreshed in 2024—blink and skin textures are uncannily real.
In the “touching pool,” handle real ammonite fossils; weekend classes even let you DIY fossil cleaning.
The shop’s “Dinosaur Monaka” (sweet wafers) has become the new take-home classic.