Beyond Tokyo: Escape the Cold in Gunma's Hot Springs

Gunma is home to around 100 hot spring areas scattered throughout the region according to the Ministry of the Environment's FY2024 hot spring usage statistics. From open-air baths nestled in the mountains to riverside lodgings and streets lined with inns and shops, the scenery varies as much as the hot springs themselves.
Between soaks, take time to wander the surrounding areas and discover the ways locals have traditionally used the hot spring waters. Wherever you stay, you'll discover scenery and traditions unique to that area.

Here, we'll explore seven of Gunma's hot spring destinations: Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, Shima Onsen, Minakami's 18 Hot Springs, Manza Onsen, Isobe Onsen, and Oigami Onsen.
Would you rather explore the surrounding streets, or is relaxing surrounded by mountain and river views more your style? Let's take a closer look at all the things to see and do at each location to help you find the perfect spot for your overnight getaway.

Kusatsu Onsen is centered around the iconic yubatake (literally “hot water field”), where hot spring water flows through a series of wooden channels. Lit up at night, it takes on a completely different atmosphere, making it well worth a stroll between soaks later in the evening.
Just in front of the yubatake is Netsunoyu, home to traditional yumomi performances featuring song and dance. During yumomi, large wooden paddles are used to stir and cool the hot spring water. Visitors are also welcome to try their hand at this traditional technique.
Performances and visitor participation sessions are offered separately, so be sure to check the schedules in advance.

Ikaho Onsen is famous for its 365 stone steps, lined with traditional inns and souvenir shops. Known as Ishidan-gai (literally, “Town on the Stone Steps”), the staircase leads up to Ikaho Shrine, with plenty of shops to browse along the way.
The brilliant red Kajika Bridge, located near the source of the hot springs, is especially captivating surrounded by colorful fall foliage and is a great place to stop by after you explore Ishidan-gai. Drop your bags off at your accommodations before setting out so you can spend the day exploring the area at your leisure, then return for a dip in the hot springs.

Shima Onsen is nestled in the mountains along the upper Shima River. The area features beautiful riverside scenery, charming places to explore, and plenty of opportunities to relax between dips in the hot springs, making it an ideal location for a leisurely overnight getaway.
One distinctive local custom is insen, the practice of drinking hot spring water. Two places to experience this are Shionoyu Insenzyo and Yuzuriha Insenjo, both of which are free to visit. Be sure to follow the posted precautions, which include guidance on how much water is appropriate to drink. It's a chance to discover a different side of Shima's hot spring culture.

Just a five-minute walk from Isobe Station, Isobe Onsen is easy to get to by train. Here, inns line the Usui River, and footbaths provide a relaxing place to stop for a rest as you explore the area.
Isobe is also known as the birthplace of the familiar hot spring symbol used on maps. Be sure to try Isobe senbei, a local specialty made with mineral water that reflects the town's close ties to its hot springs. Take your time exploring the town, relaxing at a footbath, and picking out a few souvenirs to bring home.

Minakami's 18 Hot Springs is a collective name for the hot springs scattered throughout Minakami, Gunma, such as Minakami Onsen, Sarugakyo Onsen, Takaragawa Onsen, and Hoshi Onsen. Rather than all being concentrated in a single area, each offers a different base from which to explore the region.
Each destination has its own draw, from the riverside scenery of Tanigawa and views of Lake Akaya from Sarugakyo to the expansive open-air baths of Takaragawa Onsen and historic buildings of Hoshi.
Whether you prefer to relax by a river, gaze out over a lake, or unwind in a historic inn, there's something for everyone. To make the most of your visit, be sure to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the activities on offer.

Manza Onsen is located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters within Joshin'etsukogen National Park. Known for its sulfur-rich waters, Manza is especially beautiful in winter, when you can soak in an open-air bath surrounded by snowy scenery, an experience known as yukimiburo. It's an ideal destination if the main focus of your trip is unwinding in the baths.
The open-air baths at each inn boast different surroundings and scenery, so it's worth looking at what each is like before deciding where to stay. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast for snow and whether the outdoor baths will be open! After some leisurely time in the baths, enjoy a meal and some well-earned rest. There's no need to rush off to the next activity—an overnight stay at Manza is an opportunity to simply relax.

Oigami Onsen is surrounded by rivers and farmland. According to local legend, the god of Mount Akagi once healed his wounds in the hot spring waters here, a story that has been passed down as the origin of the onsen. Explore the area on foot to get a first-hand feel for the local lore.
If you're staying overnight, be sure to stop by the morning market, where you'll find local produce, pickles, and other specialties. The market runs daily from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m., from April 20 through November 20,2026. It's a lovely way to start your day. Once the market closes for winter, an overnight stay offers a chance to focus on the simple pleasures of soaking in the hot springs and enjoying a leisurely meal.

Be sure to wash before entering the bath. You can bring a small towel into the bathing area , but don't put it in the water. Follow any additional guidelines posted at the facility, and enjoy your time at the onsen.

With snow and icy roads common in mountainous areas during winter, traveling by train is a convenient, stress-free alternative to driving. Local buses and shuttle service offered by accommodations make it possible to reach hot spring destinations without a car. Be sure to check onward connections from your arrival station when planning your trip.

From Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Kusatsu-Shima Limited Express provides access to Kusatsu, Shima, and Ikaho. You'll stay on the limited express until your destination station, then transfer to a bus for the final leg of your journey. Be sure to check onward connections from your arrival station when planning your trip.
All seats are reserved, and luggage storage is available in Cars 1 and 5. Both a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket are required to board.

Kusatsu Onsen: Ueno Station → Naganohara Kusatsuguchi Station (Ltd. Exp., 2 hr. 30 min.) → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (bus, 25 min.)
Ikaho Onsen: Ueno Station → Shibukawa Station (Ltd. Exp., 1 hr. 45 min.) → Ishidangai-guchi or other stops (bus, 25 min.)
Shima Onsen: Ueno Station → Nakanojo Station (Ltd. Exp., 2 hr. 5 min.) → Shima Onsen (bus, 40 min.)
*All travel times are approximate.

Minakami’s 18 Hot Spring Areas
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station. Another option is to travel via Takasaki Station to Minakami Station on the JR Joetsu Line.
The hot spring areas are spread across Minakami, so the best station and onward route depend on your destination. Check with your accommodation to find out which station to use and whether a local bus or shuttle service is available.

Manza Onsen
Tokyo Station → Karuizawa Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Manza Onsen (bus*)
(Alternate Route: Takasaki Station → Manza-Kazawaguchi Station (JR Agatsuma Line) → Manza Onsen (bus*))
*Check bus schedules when planning onward connections.

Oigami Onsen
Tokyo Station → Jomo-Kogen Station (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Oigami Onsen (bus*)
(Alternate Route: Takasaki Station → Numata Station (JR Joetsu Line)→ Oigami Onsen (bus*))
*In winter, make sure to confirm bus service availability and access to your accommodations from the bus stop. Some accommodations offer shuttle service from the station by reservation.

Isobe Onsen: Tokyo Station → Takasaki Station (Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Isobe Station (JR Shin-etsu Line, 20 min.) → Isobe Onsen (5 min. walk)
*Check the route to your accommodation and consider visiting a footbath or exploring the area upon arrival.

If your accommodation serves dinner, be sure to plan your train and bus connections around your check-in time so you arrive in time for your meal. Be sure to also check return bus/shuttle service and connections.
Use JR East's online booking website, JR-EAST Train Reservation, to check train schedules, reserve seats, and purchase tickets in advance of your trip to Japan. Note that limited express trains require both a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket. Even if you have a transit (IC) card such as Suica, you still need to purchase a limited express ticket and reserve your seat.
Be sure to confirm how to pick up and use your tickets, as procedures vary depending on the type of ticket.

Explore the streets, discover local culture, or simply relax in the hot springs surrounded by snowy scenery. We hope one of the seven destinations featured here will be part of your next adventure in Japan.
Once you've decided where to go, all that's left is to check your travel connections, book your tickets, and reserve your seats!

*Information is current as of October 2026.
*Travel times are approximate and do not include time between connections.
*Check official sources in advance for up-to-date information on facility hours, activity availability, autumn foliage and snowfall, train and bus service, and shuttle service availability.
*Photos and images are for illustrative purposes only.