Kusatsu’s steaming yubatake, Ikaho’s stone steps and the World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill.
Gunma is known for hot springs. Pick one town for the night; Kusatsu and Ikaho each have direct buses from Tokyo as well as rail-and-bus routes.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesAt the centre, the yubatake channels steaming spring water through wooden troughs. Watch a yumomi water-stirring performance, then soak at a public bath such as Sainokawara open-air bath.
The water is strongly acidic; rinse afterwards if your skin is sensitive. Buses run from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
Read this area guide →The 365 stone steps of Ikaho are lined with inns, game arcades and snack shops. Ikaho has two waters: the iron-rich golden spring and a clear silver spring.
Buses run from Shibukawa Station; the steps are steep, so pack light.
Read this area guide →Founded in 1872 as a model state-run silk mill, it is part of a World Heritage site. Brick buildings, machinery and guided tours explain Japan’s modernisation.
Take the Joshin Electric Railway from Takasaki to Joshu-Tomioka, then walk about 15 minutes.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Shinkansen to Takasaki, then Joshin line to Tomioka.
Lunch near the silk mill.
Continue by rail and bus to Kusatsu.
Evening walk around the lit-up yubatake.
Try Mizusawa udon, okkirikomi noodle stew, konnyaku and yaki-manju.
Stay at a ryokan in Kusatsu or Ikaho. Takasaki has station hotels if you are travelling on by Shinkansen.
Takasaki is on the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Kusatsu is reached via the JR Agatsuma Line and bus; direct highway buses from Tokyo also run.
