Open Travel Guide
Beaches in Gunma

Best Beaches in Gunma 2026

Where to swim, surf, and do nothing in Gunma — and which stretch of coast suits which kind of day.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Haruna Lake Shore (Freshwater Swimming), Akagi Onuma Lake Shore (Scenic Lakeside) and Naganuma Lake (Oze Foothill). This guide profiles 3+ beaches in Gunma, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Beaches profiled
3
Reading time
~12 min
Last updated
May 2026

Gunma Prefecture is Japan's hot spring capital, mountain playground, and silk heritage land — a landlocked prefecture north of Tokyo where volcanic peaks, therapeutic onsen, pristine highland forests, and the UNESCO World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill define a destination unlike anywhere else in Japan.

Top beaches

A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Gunma.

    • Rowboat and pedal boat rental (March–November)
    • Walking path (4km)
    • Fishing area
    • Parking
    • Souvenir shops and cafes

    Haruna Lake Shore (Freshwater Swimming)

    Haruna, Takasaki City80km from Takasaki Station by road

    • Rowing boats
    • Nature walk
    • Visitor centre
    • Fishing (fishing permit ¥500 / $3.35)
    • Parking

    Akagi Onuma Lake Shore (Scenic Lakeside)

    Mount Akagi, Maebashi22km from Maebashi Station by road

    • Angling
    • Lakeside walk
    • Camping area (seasonal)
    • Parking

    Naganuma Lake (Oze Foothill)

    Near Katashina-mura, Tone District40km from Numata Station by road

What to bring

A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.

  • Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
  • HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
  • FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
  • Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
  • Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
  • ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.

Beach safety

Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.

Critical

Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.

Caution

Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.

Tip

Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.

Practical

Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.

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