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Agatsuma Gorge: The Most Amazing Gorge Close to Tokyo

Agatsuma Gorge (吾妻渓谷) is a must-visit scenic spot in Kawarayu Onsen. The stunning gorge tucked away in the mountains of Gunma is a designed National Place of Scenery Beauty. Especially during the autumn leaves and fresh green seasons, the sheer valley is so beautiful buried amongst the red and light green trees.

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The Best Guide to Yamba Dam and the Surrounding Attractions

Yamba Dam (八ッ場ダム) at the south end of the Agatsuma Gorge is undoubtedly the most prominent landmark of Kawarayu Onsen. It can even be said that the construction of Yamba Dam made the hot spring town famous. While the dam has caused much controversy, its completion is definitely an asset to not only Naganohara Town

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Yamakikan: The Most Incredible Ryokan in Kawarayu Onsen

One thing that many international tourists would love to experience in Japan is staying at a traditional ryokan. When you visit Kawarayu Onsen, Yamakikan (山木館), established in 1661, is the best ryokan in town for a taste of the traditional Japanese ambiance. On top of the wooden structure from a few centuries ago, Yamakikan is

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Kawarayu Onsen: A New Hot Spring Town With a Long History

Kawarayu Onsen in Agatsuma District in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring town almost one thousand years old. It was first discovered in 1193 by Japan’s first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo (源頼朝), the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. Due to Kawarayu Onsen’s close proximity to Kusatsu Onsen, the town thrived as its Agariyu (上がり湯), where

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Bukkōsan Housui-ji and the Spectacular Natural Scenery

If you are interested in adding some traditional Chinese architectural elements to your itinerary, Bukkōsan Housui-ji (佛光山 法水寺), close to Ikaho Onsen and Shibukawa City Multipurpose Park, is a good choice. Bukkōsan is Taiwan’s largest Buddhist group. Housui-ji in Ikaho, completed in 2018, is its head temple in Japan. The mountainous view of Mt. Akagi

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Manpuku-ji Temple and Its Amazing Vegan Fucha Ryōri

Byōdō-in (平等院) isn’t the only temple you can visit in Uji. Two stations away from Uji Station, Manpuku-ji (萬福寺), close to JR Ōbaku Station (黄檗駅), is a less-known but magnificent and culturally rich religious facility that has 23 Important National Cultural Properties. The temple is the head temple of Japan’s Three Great Zen Schools, Ōbakushū

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Manza Onsen: The Hot Spring Town Closest to the Sky in Japan

While the most famous hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture is Kusatsu Onsen, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) on its west is the destination for all nature lovers! Situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters, Manza Onsen is the hot spring town closest to the sky in Japan! Although located in a mountainous area, most of the

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The Recommended Ryokans and Hotels in Manza Onsen

If you are after a less-known hot spring resort in the Kantō region where Tokyo is, Manza Onsen (万座温泉) in Gunma Prefecture can be your perfect destination. The hot springs that gush out of its 18 sources comprise 20 spring qualities, so since ancient times, people visited Manza Onsen for medical spa treatments to cure

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