Gunma Prefecture Travel Guide: Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho and Tomioka Silk Mill

Plan a trip to Gunma, Japan: Kusatsu and Ikaho hot springs, the Tomioka Silk Mill, Minakami, Takasaki daruma, konnyaku and how to get there from Tokyo.

Published October 17, 2026 at 11:54 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Gunma Prefecture is in the Kanto region, with Maebashi as its capital. It is famous for hot springs such as Kusatsu and Ikaho, the World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill, Takasaki daruma dolls and mountain scenery. Takasaki, the main hub, is about 50 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and Kusatsu Onsen is reached by train and bus in roughly three hours.

Gunma at a Glance

Gunma lies in the northwest of the Kanto plain, and it is a green, mountainous prefecture with a long tradition of hot springs. It borders Tochigi, Saitama, Nagano, Niigata and Fukushima, and the Jomo mountains and Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna rise above wide farming plains. The capital is Maebashi, although Takasaki is the larger transport hub.

For travelers, Gunma is best known as an onsen destination. It has more than one hundred hot spring areas, many of them within a few hours of Tokyo. It is also a region of silk and noodles, with a cool upland climate in the north, dry winter winds called karakkaze and wide rural landscapes that feel a world away from the capital.

History and Culture of Gunma

Gunma was once known as Joshu, and its silk industry shaped the nation. The Tomioka Silk Mill, built in 1872 as Japan's first modern mechanized silk factory, became a World Heritage site in 2014 along with related sites. It helped Japan enter the global market and is remarkably well preserved, with large brick warehouses and a long reeling hall.

The prefecture also has a strong hot spring culture. Kusatsu Onsen is among Japan's best known spas, famous for its acidic water and the traditional yumomi technique of cooling the water with wooden boards. Gunma's local identity is also tied to the daruma doll, a symbol of perseverance, and to a quietly proud, hospitable community that welcomes visitors.

Getting to Gunma and Moving Around

From Tokyo Station, the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen reach Takasaki in about 50 minutes, and Maebashi is a short local ride from there. For Tomioka, take the Joshin Electric Railway from Takasaki to Joshu-Tomioka, a journey of around 45 minutes, and then walk about 15 minutes to the mill.

For Kusatsu Onsen, ride the JR limited express or a train to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and continue by bus, or take a direct highway bus from Tokyo or Shinjuku. Ikaho Onsen is reached by bus from Shibukawa Station, and Minakami has its own Shinkansen stop at Jomo-Kogen or a local train stop at Minakami Station.

Top Sights in Gunma

Kusatsu Onsen's Yubatake, a sloping hot water field in the middle of town, is the main sight, with steam rising day and night. Ikaho Onsen is known for 365 stone steps lined with inns, shops and a small shrine at the top. The Tomioka Silk Mill is the main historical highlight, and the nearby Myogi Shrine and old streets of Tomioka add context.

Minakami in the north is a base for outdoor activities, with rafting in spring, hiking on Tanigawadake, and cable car rides in the mountains. Mount Haruna and Lake Haruna are scenic, and Takasaki has Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple, the home of the daruma doll. The Shima Onsen town and Oze, partly in Gunma, add quiet mountain nature.

What to Eat and Drink in Gunma

Gunma is known for okkirikomi, a hearty stew of flat wheat noodles with vegetables in a miso or soy broth. Mizusawa udon, from the Ikaho area, is a pleasant chewy noodle that is often served cold with dipping sauce. Yakimanju, a grilled sweet bun glazed with miso sauce on a skewer, is a common snack, especially in Takasaki and Maebashi.

Gunma is the top producer of konnyaku in Japan, so you will see it in many dishes and souvenirs. The prefecture is also a leading producer of cabbage and green onions, which grow well on highland farms, and Shimonita negi is a prized local variety. In hot spring towns, onsen manju, simple steamed sweet buns, are sold at nearly every corner.

Festivals and Traditions in Gunma

The Shibukawa Heso Matsuri, held in late July, is a playful festival with people painting faces on their bellies and dancing, to celebrate Shibukawa's claim as the center of Japan. Takasaki's Daruma Market in early January is a lively gathering where people buy a new daruma for the year ahead. Kusatsu hosts onsen events and its Yumomi performances several times a day.

Ikaho's stone steps become lively during summer festivals, and the Maebashi Tanabata Festival and Takasaki Festival fill the streets in August. In winter, hot spring towns offer lantern displays and snow, and cherry blossom season in April brings color to Mount Akagi's foothills. The Tomioka Silk Mill hosts events related to silk reeling and local crafts.

Best Time to Visit Gunma

Spring and early summer are lovely, with cherry blossoms in April and fresh green in May. Summer is cooler in the highlands, perfect for Minakami rafting and the Haruna lakeside. Autumn leaves in Kusatsu and Minakami usually peak from mid to late October and are impressive from the cable car.

Winter is the classic hot spring season, with snow on the stone steps of Ikaho and ski areas in Minakami and Kusatsu. Roads to Kusatsu can be icy, so check conditions or use buses. The dry winter wind can be strong in the plains, so bring a windproof jacket if you plan to explore outdoors.

A Sample Itinerary for Gunma

With two days, take the Shinkansen to Takasaki and reach Tomioka in the morning for the silk mill, then travel on to Ikaho or Kusatsu for an overnight hot spring stay. On day two, walk the stone steps in the morning or the Yubatake before returning to Tokyo by bus or train.

With four days, add Minakami for outdoor activities, Lake Haruna and Takasaki's Daruma temple. A relaxing alternative is to focus on three onsen towns, Kusatsu, Shima and Ikaho, and take a slow pace. Gunma also pairs with Nagano via the Karuizawa route and with Tochigi's Nikko.

Souvenirs and Local Crafts from Gunma

Daruma dolls from Takasaki are the signature souvenir, available in many sizes and colors. Konnyaku products, onsen manju, yakimanju, Mizusawa udon and Shimonita negi are popular edible gifts. Silk goods from Tomioka and Kiryu, as well as Kusatsu bath salts made from local hot spring minerals, are other good choices.

Practical Tips for Visiting Gunma

Onsen towns can be busy on weekends and holidays, so book rooms early and check whether baths have restrictions for tattoos. Kusatsu's hot water is very acidic, so rinse thoroughly and follow local guidance, and do not soak for too long. Wear sturdy shoes for the stone steps at Ikaho.

Buses to Kusatsu and other mountain areas have limited schedules, and winter roads may close, so confirm times before you travel. Carry some cash for small onsen shops and snack stalls, and bring a small towel for foot baths found around many towns.

Nearby Prefectures to Combine with Gunma

Gunma borders Tochigi to the east, Saitama to the south, Fukushima and Niigata to the north and Nagano to the west. It is easy to reach Karuizawa in Nagano by Shinkansen, and a road trip to Nikko in Tochigi makes a good northern Kanto circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gunma known for?

Gunma is known for hot springs such as Kusatsu and Ikaho, the Tomioka Silk Mill World Heritage site, Takasaki daruma dolls, konnyaku, okkirikomi noodle stew and the mountain landscapes of Minakami and Mount Haruna.

What is the best time to visit Gunma?

Mid to late October is great for autumn colors, April for cherry blossoms, and winter for hot springs and snow. Summer is cooler in the highlands and good for rafting and lakeside walks.

How do I get to Gunma from Tokyo?

Take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki in about 50 minutes. From there, take local trains or buses to Tomioka, Ikaho, Minakami or Kusatsu.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Japan's 47 Prefectures: A Region-by-Region Travel Guide, Tochigi Prefecture Travel Guide: Nikko Toshogu, Gyoza and Mountain Lakes and Karuizawa: Nagano's Cool Mountain Resort Town.