8 Best Onsen Towns in Gunma | Nature Activities in the Mountains

Gunma Prefecture is a town not too far from Tokyo that draws in many tourists due to the abundance and high quality of its natural onsen.

In this article, we will be introducing some of the best hot spring spots to visit while you are in Gunma.

This list contains both the most famous onsen in the area, as well as more minor towns.

We hope that they come in handy if you are thinking of making a trip.

Table of Contents

1. Kusatsu Onsen
2. Ikaho Onsen
3. Minakami Onsen
4. Manza Onsen
5. Shima Onsen
6. Oigami Onsen
7. Sarugakyo Onsen
8. Oku Karuizawa Onsen
9. Conclusion

Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉)

Kusatsu Onsen is arguably the most well-known onsen town in Gunma Prefecture. Because of its popularity, it is also easily accessible from Tokyo by a combination of train and bus.

The most famous area in Kusatsu is the “Yubatake,” which translates to “hot water field.” It is a large area in the center of town where the hot spring water is produced. You can watch the steam rise and smell the sulfur of the natural onsen.

An experience you will not want to miss out on at Kusatsu is the “Yumomi Show” which is a premodern method to cool the hot onsen water in which large wooden paddles are used to move the water around. This is used to keep the water at bearable temperatures while also keeping it all natural.

Kusatsu Onsen is especially beautiful during the winter when all the buildings are covered in snow. There is a ski resort nearby so winter activities are abundant.

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Ikaho Onsen (伊香保温泉)

Ikaho Onsen is another well-known spot for onsen in Gunma, with its biggest selling point being the 300-meter-long staircase that runs through the main part of town. There are 365 steps on the staircase, each to symbolize one day of prosperity throughout the year.

There are two hot springs that are named the “gold” and “silver” waters, with each of them giving different benefits to the health of the body. The gold water is, in fact, a copper color because of the iron in it. Although not particularly tasty, the hot spring water is also drinkable, and there is a designated spot a quick walk from the main town area where you can try it out.

Ikaho Onsen is filled with nature, making it a great place to take a walk or a hike. We recommend visiting Ikaho Green Bokujo, a local ranch, in the warmer months of the year where you can interact with the farm animals and watch a sheepdog show.

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Minakami Onsen (水上温泉)

Minakami Onsen is located in the northern area of Gunma Prefecture, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour train ride from Tokyo. There is a total of 18 different onsen that you can visit, many of which can be used on day trips.

The Minakami area is known for all its outdoor activities. You can enjoy river rafting, horseback riding, berry picking, and even bungee jumping off a bridge over a river. If you want to experience the abundance of nature to the fullest, we recommend visiting Minakami Onsen during the seasons when the weather is comfortable.

Minakami Onsen is also a great place for stargazing especially in the fall season when it is easier to see the sky clearly. You can purchase tickets that will take you up a ropeway into the mountains. Once there, you can explore a night market, get a tour of the stars, or just walk around and enjoy being in nature under the night sky.

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Manza Onsen (万座温泉)

Manza Onsen is a quiet onsen town that lies close to the border between Gunma and Nagano Prefecture. Its history goes so far back that no one is quite sure when or by whom it was discovered. Located 1,800 meters above sea level, it is a green, mountainous area that is perfect for hiking.

There is a grand total of 20 different types of hot spring water that flow through Manza Onsen. The water is good for the skin and has numerous health benefits; legend has it that the water has cured the most serious of illnesses.

Manza Onsen can be enjoyed throughout the year. Spring and summer are the best times to admire the foliage, and with snowfall starting in the middle of fall, it is an excellent place for skiing in the winter season. If you are looking to avoid the intense summer heat of Japan, a trip to Manza Onsen in the mountains might be a perfect choice.

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Shima Onsen (四万温泉)

The Shima Onsen town sits along the Shima River which runs north to south. It is located within a national park, which means that you can see many wild animals and beautiful nature spots. There are a large number of waterfalls, so it is also a great place for hiking.

The hot springs at Shima Onsen are said to be good for the stomach if drunk and good for the skin if bathed in. This has earned Shima Onsen a great deal of popularity and some lodges in the area have their own onsen drinking water. Additionally, you can find a few spots around the town for “ashiyu,” or onsen for your feet that are said to improve your blood flow.

If you have time, we recommend you visit Lake Okushima, located far north of the Shima Onsen town. It is actually a reservoir, but is known for its beautiful bright blue color that reflects the surrounding trees on its surface.

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Oigami Onsen (老神温泉)

Oigami Onsen is an onsen town on the eastern side of Gunma. There are a total of eight hot springs, which legend says were created by a fight between a snake god and a centipede god. A festival to honor the snake god is held every May.

Oigami Onsen is located within the city of Numata, where you can find many activities and sightseeing spots. One of these is Fukiware Falls, a waterfall that is referred to as “Asia’s Niagra” because of its shape and size.

Activities-wise, you can find anything from fishing to paragliding. Picking fruits is also especially popular and something that you can do all year round, with different fruits depending on the season.

The town also runs a large morning local market that is active between April and November where you can buy locally-grown produce. This is a great way to interact with locals and purchase unique souvenirs.

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Sarugakyo Onsen (猿ヶ京温泉)

Sarugakyo Onsen is an onsen town that was made by the construction of a dam. Many of the ryokan and hotels are located on the bank of Akaya Lake, where the town is situated. Because it is so close to a large body of water, there is a fireworks show held yearly in August; we recommend you check it out if you are in town during the right season.

Sarugakyo Onsen is named after a folk tale in which a monkey (“saru” meaning “monkey”) healed the child of a young couple who was suffering from severe burns. The same healing powers are said to be in the hot spring water currently, which helps conditions like high blood pressure and gout.

There are a good amount of outdoor activities to participate in when visiting Sarugakyo Onsen. You can try out stand-up paddle boarding or snow surfing in the winter. If you are feeling adventurous, there is even a place to Bungy jump.

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Oku Karuizawa Onsen (奥軽井沢温泉)

Karuizawa is a popular resort location located on the border between Gunma and Nagano Prefecture. Oku Karuizawa Onsen is in Gunma, north of Karuizawa Station.

The actual hot spring of Oku Karuizawa is located on the premises of Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa. The onsen pulls water from 1,600 meters underground of the base of the nearby Mt. Asama. Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa has options for those just visiting on a day trip, so even if you are not spending the night you can still try out the onsen.

Oku Karuizawa Onsen was discovered in 2003, making it much newer than other springs on our list. Although without the rich history of the other locations, it is a great spot to visit if you are making a trip to Karuizawa.

Winter is the most popular time to visit this location because of the nearby ski resort. In the summer it is also a great getaway from the heat and a popular vacation spot.

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Conclusion

What did you think?

In this article, we covered some of the best onsen towns to visit if you are in Gunma Prefecture.

Even within the same prefecture, onsen towns can be very different; each have their own unique aspects whether it be the hot springs or the activities that you can find nearby. We hope that you get the most out of wherever you choose to visit.

Enjoy your trip to Gunma!

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