Gunma Travel Guide 2026 — Kusatsu Onsen, Tomioka Silk Mill & Mountains

Name: Gunma
Address: JP

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 day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

100km from Takasaki

Tokyo (Shinjuku / Asakusa)

JR Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen from Takasaki Station to Tokyo Station (48–55 min, ¥4,270–4,690 / $28.60–31.43 one-way); then Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku, Asakusa, etc.

80km from Maebashi

Nikko National Park

From Takasaki Station: JR Ryomo Line to Oyama (30 min), then Tobu Nikko Line to Nikko (1 hour 40 min); total approximately 2 hours 30 min, ¥2,500 ($16.75); or rental car via National Route 122 (90 min drive)

75km from Takasaki

Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture)

JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Takasaki to Karuizawa Station: 20–25 min, ¥1,910 ($12.80); local Shinano Tetsudo line within Karuizawa; rental bicycle at Karuizawa Station (¥500/hr / $3.35)

50km north of Takasaki

Narita Fureai no Sato Tochigi Winery

JR Joetsu Line from Takasaki to Numata: 50 min, ¥970 ($6.50); then taxi or rental car to specific sites

130km from Takasaki

Kusatsu Onsen + Shiga Kogen Highlands

JR Agatsuma Line to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi (90 min), bus to Kusatsu (25 min), then onward seasonal bus via Shibu Pass to Shiga Kogen (40 min, July–October only); or rental car via the Kusatsu Shiga Road

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.