Gunma prefecture (Kantou area)
Fukiwari Waterfall
The famous waterfall along Katashina Canyon boasts an overwhelming force of approximately 7 m in height and 30 m in width. The name comes from the fact that the soft parts of the bedrock have been eroded and numerous cracks have formed, making the waterfall look as if a huge rock has been blown apart. The wild and beautiful sight of the water splashing in the midst of nature has earned it the nickname “the Niagara of the East. A promenade with suspension bridges and viewing platforms has been built around the falls, allowing visitors to admire the falls from various angles. The best season is spring, when you can enjoy the dynamic flow of water and fresh greenery that has been fed by the abundant melting snow. There are also seasonal attractions, such as the refreshing natural mist on a hot summer day, or the waterfalls in the fall with the changing leaves.
Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the three best hot springs in Japan.
This hot spring is so famous that Yoshimune Tokugawa once had hot spring water pumped from the area around the current Kusatsu Onsen hot spring bathhouse and carried to Edo Castle.
The spring is known for its excellent medicinal properties, so much so that it is said to “cure any disease except love.
Usui Pass (Megane Bridge)
The 956-meter-high Usui Pass borders Matsuida-cho, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, and Karuizawa-cho, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture. In this place once called “a difficult traffic spot,” our predecessors combined their technologies and introduced Japan’s first apt railroad. Completed in December 1893, it is the largest brick arch bridge in Japan. It is a remnant from the era of the a pto train and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Five bridges from the second to the sixth are still in existence, and the third bridge spanning the Yokogawa-Karuizawa section is commonly known as the “Megane Bridge. Its beautiful structure and artistry are loved by many, and it is a popular spot for autumn foliage.
Ikaho Onsen
Ikaho Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, and has long been familiar to the Japanese people. Known as a therapeutic hot spring, it has a long history, with records already dating back to the Heian period (794-1192). The hot springs of Ikaho are loved by many people for their skin beautifying and relaxing effects.
There are many lodging facilities and onsen ryokan in Ikaho Onsen, offering various types of hot springs. There are a variety of hot spring baths, including source-free hot spring baths, open-air baths, and private baths. Visitors can also enjoy delicious cuisine made with local ingredients.
Ikaho Onsen Stone Step Street
The stone steps of Ikaho Onsen are a stroll down the stone stairway, where visitors can enjoy the restaurants and souvenir shops that line both sides of the long stone stairway.
With a history of more than 400 years, the 365-step stone stairway is an emotional place to stroll.
Lined with old-fashioned stores and a collection of souvenir shops, the area is always crowded with tourists.
Kawajika Bridge
Kawajika-bashi Bridge, located near the source of the Ikaho Onsen hot spring, is a popular spot for enjoying the fresh greenery in spring and the autumn leaves in fall.
The area will be illuminated during the fall foliage season, so please enjoy the atmosphere that changes dramatically from daytime to nighttime.
Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum
The Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum features exhibits on Yumeji’s representative works and his life. Paintings, drawings, letters, and other items produced by Yumeji are on display, allowing visitors to experience his art. Also on display are the scenery of the Ikaho hot springs that Yumeji loved and the facilities where he stayed.
Watarase Gorge Railway
In spring, many beautiful flowers such as rape blossoms, cherry blossoms, and peach blossoms bloom along the Watarase Valley Railway. In summer, when the fresh greenery is beautiful, we recommend taking an open-type trolley train without windowpanes. Autumn, when the entire valley turns red, yellow, and orange, is the most popular season on the Watarase Gorge Railway. In winter, all 17 stations on the Watarase Gorge Railway are brightly illuminated.
Lake Haruna Ropeway
Lake Haruna Ropeway is located on Mt. Haruna in Gunma Prefecture and offers a panoramic view of Lake Haruna and the surrounding beautiful scenery. Lake Haruna is located at the foot of Mt.
The ropeway provides a route to the observation deck at the top of Mt. Haruna. Riding the ropeway to the top of Mt. Haruna offers a spectacular view of the lake. Especially in the fall, the autumn foliage creates a spectacular view that attracts many tourists.
Tomioka Silk Mill
The Tomioka Silk Mill and Silk Industrial Heritage Sites in Gunma Prefecture is a World Heritage Site registered on June 21, 2014. Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan’s first full-scale instrumental silk mill, established by the Meiji government in 1872. The Tomioka Silk Mill possessed the most advanced technological development in silk production and developed the domestic sericulture and silk spinning industry to the highest level in the world.