Gunma Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of the Kanto region, blessed with majestic mountain landscapes including the Jomo Sanzan (Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, Mt. Myogi), Mt. Tanigawa, and Oze. It is home to some of Japan's finest hot spring destinations including Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, and Shima, attracting countless visitors year-round for relaxation and resort stays. The Tomioka Silk Mill, which supported modern Japan's industrialization, is registered as a World Heritage site. The prefecture is also abundant in local specialties like konnyaku, Shimonita negi, and Tsumagoi cabbage. With excellent access from the Tokyo metropolitan area by Shinkansen in about an hour, plus dynamic outdoor activities, Gunma offers a compact blend of history, industry, nature, hot springs, and gourmet delights as an experiential tourism destination.

Climate Information

Best Season

Spring and autumn offer mild weather ideal for flower tours and autumn foliage hiking.

Months: 04, 05, 10, 11

Seasonal Highlights

Spring

Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura cherry blossoms and Tatebayashi Azalea Park azaleas reach their peak.

Summer

Oze's nikko-kisuge flowers and Minakami rafting are popular.

Autumn

Autumn foliage drives around Lake Haruna and Mt. Myogi, plus apple picking.

Winter

Snow-viewing hot springs at Kusatsu and Manza, along with powder snow ski resorts.

Basic Information

Capital City Maebashi City
Area 6362.28 km²
Region Kanto Region
Anniversary Date Gunma Citizens' Day (October 28)

Symbols

Flower Japanese Azalea (Renge Tsutsuji)
Tree Japanese Black Pine (Kuromatsu)
Bird Copper Pheasant (Yamadori)
Fish Sweetfish (Ayu)
Songs Song of Gunma Citizens
Neighboring Prefectures Fukushima , Niigata , Nagano , Saitama , Tochigi

Access Information

Bullet Train Lines

  • Joetsu Shinkansen
  • Hokuriku Shinkansen

Major Highways

  • Kan-Etsu Expressway
  • Joshinetsu Expressway
  • Kita-Kanto Expressway
  • Tohoku Expressway

JR local lines within the Tokyo suburban area allow unlimited boarding with a single ticket. The JR TOKYO Wide Pass for international visitors offers 3-day unlimited access to Shinkansen lines within the prefecture. Highway buses from Busta Shinjuku to Maebashi and Takasaki run frequently and are convenient.

Tags

Kusatsu OnsenTomioka Silk MillOze HikingIkaho OnsenGunma TourismJomo Sanzan MountainsGunma-chanDam CurryJoshu UdonHot Spring Travel