About Gunma
Gunma Prefecture occupies a landlocked mountain basin in the northern Kanto region, bordered by the Japanese Alps and surrounded by six prefectures. Its geography — dominated by volcanic mountains, highland plateaus, and fast-flowing rivers — has made it a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts while also concentrating mineral-rich hot spring water in quantities matched by few other places in Japan.
The prefecture's most famous asset is Kusatsu Onsen, consistently rated Japan's most popular hot spring resort. The sulfurous waters of Kusatsu, naturally acidic and reputedly curative, are famous for the distinctive practice of 'yumomi' — large wooden paddles used to cool and stir the scalding water — still performed as a traditional art form. The central Yubatake ('hot water field') fills the town center with steaming mineral water cascading down wooden channels.
Gunma also offers some of Japan's finest outdoor adventure. The Minakami area provides world-class whitewater rafting on the Tone River, bungee jumping, and canyoning in summer, while hosting excellent skiing in winter. Oze National Park protects Japan's largest highland marsh, carpeted with white skunk cabbage flowers in spring and crimson foliage in autumn. Local cuisine celebrates konnyaku (konjac), a low-calorie gelatinous food produced here in industrial quantities.
Featured Spot: Kusatsu Hot Springs
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan's most iconic hot spring destinations, renown for the extraordinary flow rate of its waters — over 32,000 liters per minute emerge naturally from the earth, enough to fill multiple Olympic swimming pools daily. The sulfurous waters are so acidic they cannot support fish or plants, yet they have been prized for centuries for their reputed therapeutic properties. The central Yubatake boardwalk offers a dramatic steaming spectacle, especially on cold winter evenings when the mist creates an ethereal atmosphere.
What to Experience
- Soak in the legendary sulfurous waters of Kusatsu Onsen hot springs
- Watch the traditional yumomi paddle-cooling ceremony at the Yubatake
- Raft the Tone River rapids or ski the slopes at Minakami
- Hike through Oze National Park's spectacular highland marsh and wildflowers
Best Seasons to Visit
Winter (December–March) is peak season for Kusatsu's hot springs — nothing beats soaking in steaming water while snowflakes fall around you. Autumn (September–November) brings spectacular foliage to the mountain valleys and is ideal for hiking. Spring transforms Oze National Park with wildflower blooms from May. Summer offers adventure sports at Minakami and cool highland retreats from Tokyo's heat.