Gunma Travel Guide for Japanese Learners
Famous hot-spring resorts and a UNESCO silk-mill heritage.
Landlocked Gunma is onsen country. Kusatsu is one of Japan's most celebrated hot-spring towns, and the Tomioka Silk Mill marks the start of Japan's modern industry.
History & background
Gunma (群馬) launched Japan's modern era: the Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場), opened in 1872, mechanized silk production and is now a UNESCO site. Its mountains hide centuries-old onsen.
What to see
- Kusatsu Onsen and its yubatake hot-water field
- Ikaho Onsen's stone steps
- Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO)
- Mount Haruna and Lake Haruna
What to eat
Try Mizusawa udon and local konnyaku.
Getting there & when to go
Getting there: Takasaki is ~50 min from Tokyo by shinkansen; onsen towns by bus/local line.
Best time: Any season — onsen are especially welcome in cold months.
When to go — season by season
Onsen towns shine year-round but feel best in cold months. Autumn colours Mount Haruna (榛名山) and the gorges; spring is mild for hiking.
A suggested visit
Head to Kusatsu (草津) for the steaming yubatake and a yumomi hot-water performance, then unwind at Ikaho (伊香保) with its famous stone steps. Add the Tomioka Silk Mill for a history half-day.
Catch the 'yumomi' hot-water-stirring performance at Kusatsu.
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