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 […]
Manza Onsen: The Hot Spring Town Closest to the Sky in Japan Read More »
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
The Recommended Ryokans and Hotels in Manza Onsen Read More »
If you want to discover the beauty of Japan’s countryside, consider listing Nakanojō Town in Gunma Prefecture as a place to visit on your next Japan trip. A large part of Nakanojō was the old Kuni Village, which was chosen to be the 41st village of Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages in 2005. With 92% of
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You might not be aware of it but Gunma Prefecture is sometimes nicknamed as the Kingdom of Hot Spring. Why? Aside from the famous Kusatsu Onsen, there are a couple more renowned hot spring towns in the prefecture, such as Shima Onsen (四万温泉). Unlike the touristy Kusatsu Onsen, Shima Onsen has a very natural and
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Shima Onsen (四万温泉), located in a national park, is a great destination for a weekend getaway. You will definitely enjoy the traditional and tranquil ambience of the town. While spending a night at Shima Onsen is recommended, if that isn’t an option for you or you would like to hop between different onsen facilities in
Where to Enjoy Hot Spring as a Day Visitor at Shima Onsen Read More »
Shima Tamura (四万たむら) is Shima Onsen’s oldest ryokan, founded over 500 years ago. As one would have expected, Shima Tamura has a splendid traditional-looking entrance finished with a thatched roof! The floor beyond the entrance is covered by tatami mats, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of the traditional flooring material. In addition, its open-air
Shima Tamura: The Oldest Onsen Ryokan in Shima Onsen Read More »
Great ryokans can be found across Japan, and Kashiwaya (柏屋旅館) in Gunma Prefecture‘s Shima Onsen has taken the classic formula and perfected it! Whilst the food, service, and onsen are all of extremely high quality, what makes them truly exceptional is how accommodating and flexible the ryokan is. Whether it is before or after the
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Sekizenkan (積善館), which has more than 300 years of history, is the most famous among all the ryokans in Gunma Prefecture‘s Shima Onsen. Not only because the main building is the oldest hot spring inn architecture in Japan, but the ryokan is also rumored to be the stage of Spirited Away, as three spots of
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If you love adventures and visiting hidden gems, Shiriyaki Onsen (尻焼温泉) in Gunma Prefecture is a perfect spot for you. Instead of a hot spring pool, you can bathe in a natural river with hot springs flowing. You won’t be asked to bathe naked. It is optional. However, as photography is allowed there, just remember
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For those who love hot springs, you can enjoy the onsen at Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu (早戸温泉つるの湯) after your boat ride to Mugenkyō Gorge. The onsen ryokan is within walking distance from Hayato Station. It is open for day visitors and has open-air hot spring baths overlooking Tadami River. Unlike many hot spring facilities,
Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu: A Ryokan Overlooking Tadami River Read More »
