Gunma Travel Guide: Where Mountains Speak and Hot Springs Heal
Gunma is a land shaped by fire, water, and time. From volcanic peaks to steaming hot springs, from stone paths to silent forests, it offers moments of reflection through raw beauty and quiet retreat. This is a place where wabi-sabi thrives in both rugged terrain and gentle hospitality.
Natural Beauty & Mountain Escapes
- Mt. Asama: A living volcano on the border of Nagano — fierce yet sacred, best viewed at sunrise or under snow.
- Oze National Park: Boardwalks through misty marshlands surrounded by mountains — a painter’s dream in early morning light.
- Lake Haruna: A caldera lake near a sacred peak, often still and mirror-like in the early hours.
Onsen Culture
- Kusatsu Onsen: Renowned for its healing sulfuric waters and traditional yumomi performances — best enjoyed in silence at dawn.
- Shima Onsen: A peaceful riverside retreat believed to cure 40,000 ailments — pure, humble, and deeply local.
- Ikaho Onsen: Famous for its golden-hued iron waters and mossy stone steps — a town that whispers history with every footfall.
Local Cuisine
- Mizusawa Udon: Thick, handmade noodles with a clean bite — served chilled and dipped, perfect for summer silence.
- Yakimanju: Sweet-and-savory grilled buns brushed with miso — nostalgic and warming, often sold at temple gates.
- Konjac Dishes: A staple of Gunma — earthy, fibrous, and beautifully plain in its presentation.
Wabi-Sabi Moments in Gunma
- Sitting in a rotenburo (outdoor bath) as snow falls silently around you in Kusatsu
- Walking the mossy stone steps of Ikaho at dusk with lanterns flickering
- Watching the sun break over Mt. Asama from a quiet forest path
- Eating cold udon in total silence after a long hike in Oze
Gunma teaches that strength can be gentle, and healing can be quiet. For travelers seeking deep rest, wild nature, and timeless stillness, this mountain-prefecture opens its arms and its springs.
How to Get There
- To Kusatsu: From Tokyo via train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, then by local bus (approx. 3 hours).
- To Ikaho: From Tokyo via Takasaki and Shibukawa Stations (approx. 2.5 hours).
- To Oze: From Tokyo via train to Numata, then local bus to Hatomachitoge trailhead (seasonal access).