Gunma
Japan’s most potent hot spring, a stone-stepped onsen town frozen in the Meiji era, white-water rivers and a UNESCO silk mill — Gunma packs more variety than any other landlocked prefecture.
日本一の湯量を誇る草津温泉・石畳の伊香保温泉・シルクの世界遺産・水上のラフティング。群馬は関東の温泉天国です。
Gunma Prefecture is Japan’s landlocked hot-spring heartland, sending more spring water to the surface than any other prefecture. Kusatsu Onsen — where the yumomi ceremony of paddling hot water with wooden boards has been performed for centuries — is considered Japan’s finest hot spring alongside Arima and Nozawa. Ikaho Onsen’s 365-step stone staircase is one of Japan’s most atmospheric onsen approaches. The Tomioka Silk Mill is a UNESCO World Heritage site marking Japan’s Industrial Revolution.
日本三名泉のひとつ・草津温泉と湯もみの伝統、365段の石段が続く伊香保温泉、世界遺産・富岡製糸場、水上の激流ラフティング——群馬は関東に隠れた名湯と歴史の宝庫。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Yaki Manju
Skewered wheat-bran buns glazed with sweet miso sauce and grilled over charcoal — a Gunma icon
小麦まんじゅうを竹串に刺して甘みそダレで焼いた群馬のソウルフード。
Kusatsu Onsen Manju
Hot-spring steamed buns made with spring water — soft, delicate and subtly mineral
草津の温泉水で蒸した素朴な蒸し饅頭。温泉街の散策のお供に。
Kiryu Silk Textile
Exquisite silk brocade from Kiryu — Japan’s Kyoto of the East, weaving since the 8th century
8世紀から絹織物の産地として栄えた桐生の逸品。「西の西陣、東の桐生」と称される。
Ikaho Manju
Steamed buns from Ikaho’s stone-step alley — a classic souvenir sold at street stalls since Meiji
石段街の老舗が作るシンプルな蒸し饅頭。明治から続く伊香保の定番みやげ。
Konnyaku
Konjac yam jelly — Gunma produces 90% of Japan’s konnyaku, in flavoured and artisan varieties
日本の生産量90%を誇る群馬産こんにゃく。刺身こんにゃくや各種加工品が豊富。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Kusatsu Onsen
Japan’s most celebrated hot spring — the yumomi paddle ceremony and湯畑 (hot-spring field) are unmissable
日本三名泉のひとつ。湯もみショーと温泉の源泉・湯畑は草津観光のハイライト。
Ikaho Onsen
365-step stone-stair onsen town with iron-rich red (chestnut) and clear white spring waters
365段の石段と茶褐色の黄金の湯と白銀の湯の2つの源泉が楽しめる温泉地。
Tomioka Silk Mill
Japan’s first government-operated silk mill (1872) — UNESCO World Heritage, remarkably intact
明治5年創業の日本初の近代製糸工場。世界遺産として保存状態が極めて良い。
Minakami Rafting
Grade IV white-water rafting on the Tone River — Gunma’s most popular outdoor adventure
利根川上流の激流を下るラフティング体験。6〜9月が最高の季節。
Oze National Park
Japan’s most beloved alpine wetland — water lily boardwalks and Shibutsu mountain backdrop
木道を歩く高層湿原と水芭蕉の風景は日本の夏の原風景そのもの。
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the yumomi ceremony at Kusatsu?
Yumomi is the traditional practice of cooling Kusatsu’s scalding spring water (52°C) by stirring it with long wooden paddles, accompanied by folk songs. Free demonstrations run daily at the Netsu-no-yu bathhouse.
湯もみは52℃の激熱の源泉を木の板でかき混ぜて冷ます伝統。熱の湯で毎日無料の実演を見られます。
Can I visit Tomioka Silk Mill as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes — JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki (50 min from Tokyo), then Joshin Dentetsu to Joshuyamaguchi, then bus (30 min total from Takasaki). Allow 2–3 hours at the mill itself.
東京〜高崎は新幹線で約50分、上信電鉄とバスで富岡製糸場まで約30分。見学は2〜3時間確保を。
What makes Kusatsu Onsen special?
Kusatsu’s spring water has the highest acidity (pH 2.0) of any major Japanese onsen, giving it extraordinary bactericidal properties. It’s said to cure ‘all ailments except lovesickness’ (恋の病以外).
草津の温泉は日本屈指の酸性（pH2.0）で強力な殺菌作用があります。『万病に効く』と言われ、恋の病以外は治ると伝わります。
Travel Tip
At Kusatsu, use the free ‘Gondan Footbath’ (合わせ湯 on the Yubatake) for a no-cost introduction to the famous spring water. Then buy a ¥600 ‘Nishi-no-Kawara Rotenburo’ outdoor bath ticket for a stunning open-air soak with mountain views.
