STORY

Nightlife in Gunma

Drinks, food, culture, and nature after dark

Nightlife in Gunma

Last updated: September 17, 2021

Gunma’s rich natural scenery of mountains, streams, foliage, and hot springs conjures images of quiet nights in. However, Gunma has a wealth of nightlife opportunities that range from hole-in-the-wall city bars and lively izakaya pubs to traditional performances and stargazing. Although Gunma is a great destination for getting away from it all, there are ample nighttime activities to enjoy.

Bar-hopping in Takasaki

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Takasaki is the gateway to Gunma, as shinkansen trains to the prefecture all stop at Takasaki Station. The area around the station is among the most built-up parts of Gunma, and has the nightlife options you would expect from a reasonably sized city. Hop from restaurants serving Japanese specialties or Takasaki’s famous pasta to a boisterous izakaya or cozy bar. The main nightlife areas are easily traversed on foot and are close to the station, meaning you don’t need to worry about transportation.

Get cultured in Kusatsu

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Kusatsu is one of Japan’s premier onsen destinations and Gunma’s most developed onsen town. As a result, Kusatsu provides a range of nighttime entertainment beyond dinner and drinks at your ryokan inn. Head to one of the friendly izakaya and bars serving local fare and Gunma sake for a nighttime tipple. For more unusual evening entertainment, see a rakugo performance at Netsunoyu. Rakugo is a traditional style of solo storytelling, often with a comical theme. Even if you can’t understand the words, the rhythm and spectacle make for a worthwhile cultural experience.

A nighttime stroll around the picturesque town is magical in itself. The atmosphere is amplified in winter when snow covers the rooftops, and the Yubatake spring in the center of town is illuminated with shimmering lights.

How to get to Kusatsu

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Netsunoyu

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