Revive yourself among extraordinary natural sights, including clear lakes, craggy mountains, powerful waterfalls, and steamy hot springs. Experience Japanese bathing culture, traditional festivals, and historic crafts, all within easy access of Tokyo.
Gunma is a mountainous prefecture in the center of Japan, to the northwest of Tokyo. It is known for onsen resorts, hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, and an abundance of nature.
Gunma is a year-round destination with unique appeal in each season. Its peaks, marshlands, rivers, and lakes are ideal for outdoor adventure, rural hot springs provide the ultimate in relaxation, and small cities rich in tradition let you immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Accessing Gunma from Tokyo is quick and easy, making it good for a short getaway, though longer stays are even more rewarding.
Gunma is a year-round destination with unique appeal in each of its seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the prefecture, and snowmelt fuels world-class whitewater rapids for rafting. Energetic festivals throughout Gunma and bright flowers of every hue in Oze, Tambara, and across the Asama Plateau liven up summer. Autumn brings even more color as the temperatures cool and the leaves turn to fiery tones. The conditions are ideal for hiking Gunma’s mountains and gorges. In winter, snow sports, steamy onsen, and shimmering illuminations add magic to the chilly conditions.
Read more about Gunma's seasonal charm here.
Gunma is just 50 minutes from Tokyo on the shinkansen (bullet train), making it easy to fit into any Japan trip. It’s close enough to incorporate as an overnight visit, but opt for a longer stay to fully immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere and exciting outdoor activities.
Accessing Gunma from Tokyo is quick and easy, with shinkansen (bullet train), standard trains, and expressway buses all running directly to the prefecture. Getting around can be a bit more involved, but renting a car makes transportation a breeze. Decide the best options for you with our comprehensive guides on getting to and around Gunma.
*You will need a valid driving license for Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or legal translation of your license, depending on which country issued your license.
Read on for useful travel information, such as what to expect from the weather, which Tourist Information Centers to visit for local information, and what to do in case of emergency.
Most of Gunma’s hotels, ryokan inns, glamping sites, and budget accommodation are featured on multilingual online travel agencies. Browse to find options for every budget and taste.
