Gunma Prefecture has many attractive sightseeing spots. There are many ways to enjoy yourself, from healing in the great outdoors to spending an active day at a leisure facility.
Furthermore, Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from many parts of Japan, so you can enjoy yourself to your heart’s content until nightfall.
In this article, we introduce six recommended night spots in Gunma Prefecture. We also include information on some of Gunma Prefecture’s delicious gourmet foods, so be sure to take a look at them and create wonderful memories.
■What is Gunma Prefecture like? Climate and Characteristics
Gunma Prefecture is located in what is known as the Kanto region of Japan. It is approximately 100 km from the capital, Tokyo, and only 50 min. from Tokyo Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
With a population of approximately 2 million, Gunma is the second largest prefecture in the Kanto region, and is a popular tourist destination that combines rich nature with large-scale commercial facilities. Gunma is also famous as one of Japan’s leading hot spring resorts, with more than 100 hot springs located in the prefecture.
Gunma is also home to World Heritage sites such as the Tomioka Silk Mill and the ruins of the Takayama Shrine, where visitors can experience the history and culture of Japan at the same time.
Gunma Prefecture has a Pacific Ocean climate, and in the summer, the weather is extremely hot. Another characteristic of Gunma Prefecture is the abundance of thunderstorms, as the air heated by the strong summer sun forms thunderclouds over the mountains.
On the other hand, the climate varies so much that heavy snowfall is observed in the mountainous areas in winter, making it a spot that truly represents the four seasons in Japan.
■Here are six recommended night spots in Gunma Prefecture!
Gunma Prefecture has many attractive sightseeing spots. Enjoy shopping, leisure activities, or simply take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful cityscape.
Here we introduce some of the best nightlife spots in Gunma Prefecture. All of them are spots where you can enjoy Gunma to your heart’s content. Please take a look at them and have a wonderful time.
Popular tourist spots in Gunma Prefecture! Kusatsu Onsen (Agatsuma County)
Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Gunma Prefecture and is always crowded with many tourists.
Known as one of the three best hot springs in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen gushes out of the ground at a rate of more than 32,300 liters per min. The quality of the water in Kusatsu Onsen is very unique, and is one of the most highly acidic in Japan. This spring quality has a very strong sterilizing effect and is effective for wounds and skin diseases.
In Kusatsu Onsen, visit Yubatake, a well-known tourist spot and the symbol of the hot spring resort. The townscape of Yubatake is beautiful even during the daytime, but the scenery changes dramatically at night. The sight of the steam and waterfalls illuminated by the lights is fantastic.
The nighttime illumination of Yubatake is a must-see when visiting Gunma Prefecture.
A spectacular view can be seen from the top! Gunma Prefectural Office Observation Hall (Maebashi City)
The Gunma Prefectural Office Building offers a spectacular night view from 127 meters above ground level on the 32nd floor. The view is so brilliant that it has been selected as one of the 100 best nightscapes in Japan, and it looks like a jewel.
The building is open until 10:00 p.m., so take your time and enjoy your visit.
The Showa Government Office Building, located next to the building, is beautifully illuminated at night. Enjoy it together with the Gunma Prefectural Office Building and you will have an unforgettable memory that will stay in your mind for a long time to come.
Feel the Four Seasons in Japan: Lake Haruna (Takasaki City)
Lake Haruna in Takasaki City is located 1,100 meters above sea level and was created by the volcanic activity of Mount Haruna. Here, visitors can enjoy a landscape filled with the charms of the four seasons, such as fresh greenery in spring and autumn foliage in fall.
The illuminated night view in December is especially beautiful and very popular as a night spot.
There are also boats and sightseeing boats on the lake, making it a fun place to spend the whole day. It is also a good place to watch the various sporting events that take place throughout the year.
comori Park (Agatsuma-gun), where you can also enjoy the great outdoors
comori Park is a heated indoor swimming pool located in Hotel Karuizawa 1130, where you can spend your time regardless of the weather. The pool has a water slide, Jacuzzi, and a variety of attractions for adults and children alike.
Surrounded by nature, Hotel Karuizawa 1130 offers an extraordinary experience unlike anything you have ever experienced.
Ikaho Onsen (Shibukawa City), with its retro townscape
The Ikaho Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan, ranking with Kusatsu as one of the most popular. At Ikaho Onsen, visitors can enjoy two types of hot springs: the uniquely colored “golden hot spring” and the clear, colorless “silver hot spring.
The non-irritating and skin-friendly qualities of these springs have long been known as “hot water for fertility.
The hot spring resort town of Ikaho is characterized by its retro appearance that evokes an old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere. The entire town shines brightly when illuminated at night. Walking along the streets in yukata (light cotton kimono), you will surely feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Ikaho Onsen is a recommended night spot that will satisfy both body and soul.
A different night view? Seibu Kogyo Danchi Ryokuchi (Ota City)
Once you are satisfied with the beautiful view of nature, let’s look for a different kind of night view. From the Seibu Kogyo Danchi Ryokuchi, you can enjoy a futuristic “industrial night view” that is rare in Japan.
You will be surprised and impressed by the beauty that you cannot imagine from the usual inorganic scenery.
Chuo Park” near the industrial park is a recommended spot, as you can enjoy the night view with children in peace.
■Introducing recommended gourmet foods in Gunma Prefecture!
Along with night spots, Gunma Prefecture also offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine made from its natural surroundings. We would like to introduce some of the most famous gourmet foods in Gunma Prefecture.
We hope you will try some of them when you visit Gunma Prefecture.
Gunma’s representative cuisine! Mizusawa Udon
Udon is the representative cuisine of Gunma Prefecture. Mizusawa udon is one of the three most famous udon dishes in Japan, and is made with only the finest wheat, pure water, and salt. Mizusawa udon is characterized by the luster of its clear noodles and its refreshing slurping sensation.
In Gunma Prefecture, it has been customary to eat udon since the Edo period (1603-1868), and Mizusawa udon is a dish from which one can also learn about Japanese food culture.
Gunma Prefecture’s Soul Oud Yakimanju (grilled buns)
In Gunma Prefecture, where wheat production is flourishing, “manju” made from wheat flour is just as popular as udon. Yaki Manju, a soul food, is a very popular and beautiful looking manju baked with a sweet miso sauce.
Yaki manju is often eaten on anniversaries and festivals, and is a great souvenir to take back home.
Akagi Beef with moderate fat and tender meat
Akagi Beef” is a brand of Japanese beef from Gunma Prefecture. Raised in a rich natural environment, Akagi beef is rich in amino acids.
Akagi beef is characterized by its fine fat and tender meat, which has a delicious flavor and goes well with all kinds of dishes, so you can choose any recipe. Enjoy it to your heart’s content in your favorite dishes such as steak, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki.
■All of the recommended night spots in Gunma Prefecture are very attractive!
Gunma Prefecture has many attractive night spots. There are many ways to spend your time, from relaxing and enjoying hot springs created by nature to admiring fantastic night views that you have never seen before.
Spend time with delicious food and you will have wonderful memories of Gunma Prefecture that will stay with you forever.
Gunma Prefecture is the pride of Japan, and we invite you to visit.
【Q&A】
Q. What souvenirs do you recommend from Gunma Prefecture?
A. Gunma Prefecture is very famous for its “manjyu” (steamed buns). In addition to baked manju, karinto manju are also popular and make great souvenirs.
Q・Is it possible to enjoy Gunma Prefecture as a solo traveler?
A. Gunma Prefecture can be enjoyed to the fullest whether you are alone or with your family.
Spending a relaxing time at a hot spring or visiting historic sightseeing spots is also a good idea.