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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Kusatsu Yubatake at Night
Best time: 7:00PM–9:00PM year-round; winter evenings for steam in cold air
Agatsuma Gorge Autumn Foliage
Best time: 10:00AM–2:00PM on sunny days in mid-to-late October
Oze National Park Boardwalk Morning Mist
Best time: 6:00AM–8:00AM for morning mist on the wetlands; stay overnight at mountain hut to arrive early
Mount Myogi Autumn Rock Faces
Best time: 10:00AM–2:00PM in late October for the best light on the craggy rock formations
Haruna Lake Cherry Blossoms
Best time: 7:00AM–9:00AM for glassy water reflections before afternoon breeze
Ikaho Ishidan-dori Twilight
Best time: 5:00PM–7:00PM for warm lantern light and cooler light in autumn
Takaragawa Onsen Riverside Outdoor Bath
Best time: Early morning in autumn and winter for steam rising from the baths against forested backdrop
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.