Workation in Gunma

Gunma is one of the most accessible getaway destinations in the Kanto area, with quick, convenient connections from Tokyo. Gunma is blessed with beautiful mountain scenery, fresh air, and some of Japan’s best onsen resorts. Most local hotels and resorts already have free, fast Wi-Fi for guests, plus all the infrastructure needed to work effectively.

Combine workdays with ski or onsen breaks and weekend hikes, and discover how a change of scenery inspires creativity. Working away from the noise and bustle of the city can boost productivity and reduce stress.

Gunma has accommodation options from modern hotels to traditional onsen resorts. Some have cooking and laundry facilities to create a home-away-from-home atmosphere. You can find resorts in Gunma with activities to engage the whole family, allowing parents to focus on work while spending quality time with family. With the extra time and stress saved from not commuting, you’ll have more energy to explore a new area.

The recently renovated Kusatsu Onsen Gensen Ichinoyu inn enjoys an ideal location, right in the town center of Kusatsu Onsen. The rooms are spacious and bright, with a work desk and chair and a mini kitchen. Some rooms come with a private onsen bath, and all staying guests can enjoy the large public baths on-site. The inn has comfortable lounge areas and free Wi-Fi throughout, a cafe and bar, and even a footbath, where you can relax with a drink while soaking your feet. When you need a break from work, Kusatsu Onsen’s famous Yubatake and the water-cooling yumomi performances at Netsunoyu are just steps away.

The Manza Prince Hotel in the heart of Manza Onsen Ski Resort is a popular destination for skiing in winter and hiking year-round. The resort is at 1,800 meters elevation, near Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, not far from Kusatsu Onsen, with sweeping views down to Manza Onsen. The Manza Prince Hotel has spacious modern rooms and indoor and outdoor onsen baths. There are several on-site restaurants and a foot spa offering reflexology massages to help visitors de-stress.

How to get to Kusatsu and Manza

The Minakami area has been promoting the idea of remote work for several years, creating infrastructure such as fast Wi-Fi connections and coworking spaces. In summer, Minakami Onsen draws adventurous spirits for whitewater rafting and bungee jumping. Minakami Kogen Ski Resort is a popular destination for powder hounds in winter, about two hours from Tokyo. Minakamikogen Hotel 200 offers comfortable rooms with dedicated work desks and soothing forest views. After work, you can relax in the large outdoor onsen, play a round of golf or gaze at the starry skies. The hotel has flexible breakfast hours and a coin laundry, making it convenient for longer stays. If you want to get back to nature, the hotel has a “glamping field” with comfortable tents in the warmer months.

Both Hoshi Onsen Chojukan and Yakushi Onsen Hatago offer the chance to recharge and relax, with quiet places for working while enjoying a traditional Japanese living style, complete with tatami flooring and futon beds. Hoshi Onsen is a beautiful traditional inn next to the Hoshi River in Minakami, which has been welcoming guests for 140 years. It has hosted many writers and artists over the years, and you’re sure to feel inspired by the beautiful surroundings. The rooms are spacious, with tatami mats, low seating, and plenty of natural light. You can enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor onsen baths overlooking the river. There are many peaceful spots to work around Hoshi Onsen. Fire up the laptop on your balcony or linger over tea in the lobby.

Yakushi Onsen Hatago is like a hidden village in the mountains. Beautiful traditional accommodations are spread across the hillside, linked by meandering pathways. The rooms have authentic antiques and modern comforts, including air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and many have their own part-outdoor private bath. The inn has laundry facilities to make more extended stays more convenient. You can work in your room, find a shady spot around the “village,” or head to the cozy lounge, warmed by a large irori cooking hearth.

How to get to Hoshi Onsen