2025 Agatsuma District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Location: 505 Izumi, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture The monkey hot water massage show was an impressive performance ☆ It was so funny I want to watch it again and again (^^) There is a corner on the second floor where you can interact with capybaras. Hot water massage show: 500 yen Interaction set discount: 1000 yen #trip2023#tripmemory2022 #NikkoMonkeyArmy

I went to Lockheart Castle in Gunma. The castle had dress rentals, so I picked out my favorite dress and took lots of photos. I felt like a princess 👗 I don't often get the chance to experience this, so it was a lot of fun. On the way back, I ate curry at Lockheart Castle 😋

[Summary] Torii Pass, located in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, offers a spectacular view of Mount Akagi's caldera lake, Lake Onuma, and Kakumanbuchi, located to the east. Kakumanbuchi, in particular, is a marshland also known as "Ko-Oze." In autumn, the surrounding mountains take on vibrant colors, and the autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface create a mystical beauty. 😌 Easy-to-walk walking trails are available, allowing you to enjoy the majestic nature and tranquil autumn leaf-viewing in the clear air. 🍃 [Recommended Points] * Upside-down autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like lake surface: The calm waters of Kakumanbuchi reflect the autumn leaves of the surrounding mountains like a mirror. ✨ On sunny, windless days, you can see breathtakingly beautiful "upside-down autumn leaves." 📸 * A quick stroll around the marsh: There's a boardwalk around Kakumanbuchi that takes about 40 minutes to complete. 🚶♂️ Enjoy the contrast between the marshland, filled with alpine plants, and the autumn foliage of the mountains up close. * The majestic nature of Mt. Akagi: Near Kakumanbuchi, you'll find spots like Lake Onuma and Akagi Shrine, where you can experience the majestic nature and history of Mount Akagi. ⛰️ It's also a great place for a drive or hike. [Pay attention!] If you visit Torii Pass or Kakumanbuchi, be sure to check out the **early morning scenery**. 🧐 The sight of the autumn leaves shining in the morning sun and the marshland shrouded in mist and steam creates a truly mystical and beautiful scene. 💡 In particular, the golden color of the larch trees dominates the autumn foliage at Kakumanbuchi. The gentle colors of the autumn scenery, combined with the browns and yellows of the marshland's maples, create a beautiful autumn landscape. 🌾 The view of Lake Onuma from Torii Pass is also not to be missed. 🌊 [Information] * Address: Mount Akagi, Fujimi-cho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture 📍 * Access: * Take the Kan'etsu Kotsu bus from JR Maebashi Station and get off at the "Kakumanbuchi" stop. 🚌 * Approximately 1 hour by car from the Akagi IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. 🚗 * Opening Hours: Free to explore all day ⏰ * Fee: Free to explore 🆓 * Best Time to Visit: Mid-October to Late October 🍂 [Nearby Sightseeing Information] After enjoying Torii Pass (Kakumanbuchi), why not explore the surrounding tourist spots? * Akagi Shrine: A beautiful vermilion-lacquered shrine standing on the banks of Lake Onuma. ⛩️ The reflection in the lake is especially photogenic. * Akagi-Onuma: A caldera lake where you can enjoy boating and smelt fishing. 🛶 The lakeside scenery is also exceptional during the autumn foliage season. * Fujimi Roadside Station: A roadside station where you can purchase local products from the foot of Mount Akagi and local vegetables. 🛍️ It's the perfect place for a break or a meal. [Summary] Gunma Prefecture's Torii Pass (Kakumanbuchi) is a beautiful spot to view autumn foliage, surrounded by the majestic nature of Mount Akagi. ✨ The "upside-down autumn leaves" reflected in the mirror-like lake surface are truly breathtaking. Why not take a trip to this place this autumn, where you can refresh both body and mind with a casual stroll? #AutumnFoliageSeason

Gunma Prefecture's Shima Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear emerald green waters, often referred to as "Shima Blue." I visited in spring and finally got to experience SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding). I was mesmerized by the stunning beauty of the Shima Blue, which looks nothing like an ordinary lake! The calm surface of the lake makes it perfect for beginners to enjoy with ease. 🌿 After the activity, I took a stroll around the lake. Nearby, you'll find Sekizenkan, said to be the inspiration for the setting of "Spirited Away," enveloping you in a nostalgic atmosphere. The Shima Onsen area uniquely offers a blend of nature and history. It's about a three-hour drive one way from Tokyo. While it's possible to visit as a day trip, staying overnight in nearby hot spring towns like Ikaho Onsen or Kusatsu Onsen for a relaxing experience is highly recommended. With breathtaking natural scenery, fun activities, and the soothing comfort of hot springs, Shima Lake is a destination that refreshes both the mind and body. ✨

🏚️ Hot Spring Inn Urakusatsu Todo 300 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 377-1711 ・The atmosphere, rooms, and hospitality of the inn are excellent. ・Welcome drinks are free to help yourself. ・The hot spring is quite hot. Bathing is available from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM. ・Free popsicles after bathing. 🍨 ・Hair dryers are provided by ReFa ・Amenities are plentiful ・The Yubatake is a 5-minute walk from the inn. Temperatures reach 20°C at night! Enjoy a cool, hot bath in the hot springs. ♨️ -------------------------------------------------- 🍚 Kusatsu Yubatake Manten 2F, 116-2 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1711 ・A very popular restaurant with a ★4.4 rating on Google Maps ・Arrived at 6:10 PM → Numbered ticket issued (12 groups waiting) → We were seated around 6:45 PM. The entrance is narrow, so we had to wait outside. The Yubatake and foot bath are right in front of us, but it might be a bit cold in winter... ・A second store will open on the opposite side of the Yubatake on September 11, 2025! ・We ordered kamameshi (rice cooked in a pot), okirikomi udon (sliced ​​udon noodles), and maitake mushroom tempura. Everything was quite filling.◎ The maitake mushroom tempura was seasoned with shrimp salt. 🦐 #KusatsuOnsen

#summervacay Ready for an otherworldly adventure? **Mt. Shirane** in Gunma Prefecture is an active volcano where **steaming vents, neon-blue crater lakes, and lunar landscapes** collide. A must for hikers, photographers, and thrill-seekers! ### **🌟 *MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS*:** - **Yugama Crater Lake:** A **toxic turquoise lake** (pH 1.0!) that shimmers like a sci-fi portal. View it from the **Kusatsu Onsen ropeway**. 💙☠️ - **Sulfuric Fumaroles:** Walk the **Senjogahara Boardwalk** to see (and smell!) volcanic gases hissing from the earth. 🌋💨 - **Seasonal Contrasts:** Visit in **winter** for snow-covered hellscapes or **summer** for alpine flowers. ❄️🌸 ### **💡 *TRAVEL TIPS*:** - **Check Eruption Warnings:** Access closes if volcanic activity spikes. - **Soak in Kusatsu Onsen** after hiking—its **acidic waters** heal sore muscles. ♨️ - **Pack a Gas Mask:** Sulfur fumes get intense near vents (rentals available). ### **📸 *INSTA-WORTHY SPOTS*:** - **The "Blue Devil" lake** from the ropeway gondola. - **Silhouetted against steam vents** at dawn. **#MtShirane #VolcanicJapan #HiddenGunma #NatureExtreme #NoFilterNeeded** *Mt. Shirane doesn’t just awe—it* terrifies *and enchants.* Tread lightly! 👟🔥 **🚗 *Getting There:* 2hr drive from Tokyo or bus from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.** *Ropeway: ~1,300 JPY.* *P.S. Try Kusatsu’s iconic *yakimanju* (grilled buns) post-hike!* 🍡

#DomesticTravelTactics There are many things to enjoy at Kusatsu Onsen other than the hot springs! Here are some sightseeing spots other than the hot springs⭐️ 📍Yubata 💰Free Speaking of Kusatsu Onsen! This is a famous spot. Steam rises and you are surrounded by the smell of sulfur. In the cold season, you can warm up your feet in a nearby foot bath or warm your hands at the hot spring tap. At night, the place is lit up✨There are many things to enjoy! 📍Netsunoyu 💰700 yen/person A traditional culture that you must see when you come to Kusatsu, Yumomi. Instead of cooling the very hot hot springs with water, they stir the water to cool it down so that you can enjoy the hot springs without diluting their effects. The show is livened up by the Kusatsu-bushi, famous for the phrase "choina choina". There are several performances a day, and tickets can be purchased at the reception on the day. 📍Face Bath 💰Free A face bath where you can enjoy the steam on your face. This is a funny idea that you can only find here. On cold days, this little ingenuity is very much appreciated 🥹 It is located in the Ura Kusatsu area. 📍Osayu 💰1000 yen/person The monkeys are so cute! And they are well trained. There are skits and laughs, and you can also learn about Kusatsu. There are parks every few minutes, so no reservations are necessary. Tickets are also purchased on the day. Photography is prohibited during the performance, but there is a photo time after the performance 📸 Kusatsu is a place where the majority of tourists are Japanese, and it is a place that makes you feel nostalgic. Please feel free to visit!

📍Hatchonagari Matsutani, Higashiagatsuma-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 《Access》 Bus stop Kamigumi (Matsutani) / About 15 minutes on foot from Kanetsu Kotsu ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ After visiting the Yamba Dam, hiked to the starting point of the bicycle trolley 🚶♀️ The promenade is wide and easy to walk on. The "Hikabashi" bridge is named after the river width that deer can fly through. Hatchonagari, a narrow valley The clear blue river, the deep valley, the dynamic mountains, and the lush autumn leaves were also wonderful. You can reach the starting point in about an hour. This photo was taken in the spring, so I think it would be even more colorful and spectacular in the autumn leaves. #Gunma #Hiking #Azuma Gorge #Autumn leaves #Valley #0 yen travel #Gunma sightseeing

Everyone likes to go to Karuizawa to escape the heat in summer, but who knows that Karuizawa will be covered with heavy snow in winter!

"Old Taishi Station" is an industrial heritage site located in Nakanojo, Gunma Prefecture. It was the starting station of the "Taishi Line", a freight line dedicated to transporting iron ore mined at the old Gunma Iron Mine. After the line was closed in 1971, it was completely lost from people's memories and was buried under sand. In recent years, there has been a growing momentum to revive it as a tourist resource, so the buried sand was removed, the station was redeveloped, and the station building and platform were restored. This concrete pillar is the "hopper building". It was a facility where iron ore was dropped from above and placed in freight cars for transport. The pillar in the foreground is exposed to wind and rain and is on the verge of collapse, The clean part at the back is well preserved, thanks to being buried under the dirt. Retired carriages donated from all over the country are on display at the restored platform. This alone is worth the visit for railway fans. By the way, one of these carriages is installed at the entrance to the old Taishi Station as a sign. They hope that people will use this carriage as a landmark when visiting the old Taishi Station. The restored station building has been turned into a museum, where you can see photos of the old Taishi Station. You can also purchase rare railway goods that are only sold here. #tripdomestictravel #GunmaPrefecture #breathtakingviews #industrialheritage

Did you know that Kitakaruizawa has delicious soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk? I tried it once last year and got hooked, so I went again this year♪ ◎Additive-free soft serve ice cream made with freshly squeezed milk🍦 Contains maple syrup, so it's rich but has a refreshing aftertaste ◎Fromage soft serve🍦🧀 There's cheese at the bottom, and if you mix it in halfway through, it's really delicious If you go to Karuizawa, be sure to stop by 🏷️Nagano trip summary #mariko_nagano 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 📍#KitakaruizawaCheeseFarm ▼Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 ※Only open in summer 🌍1990-807 Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 🅿️Available 💰Electronic money accepted 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 I'm Mariko, a weekend traveler. 👉@mariko000001 My goal is to travel to all 47 prefectures and post about them. We basically travel by car, and we're a crazy couple who don't mind driving for 7 hours. Of course I want to shine a spotlight on famous places, but also on lesser known places💡 If you're happy to support me🧡, I'd be happy if you followed me🥹🫰 Comments and requests are very welcome, so I'm waiting for you✨ I'll do my best every day to help you on your travels, even if just a little🥰 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 #Nagano #NaganoTourism #NaganoTrip #Karuizawa#KitaKaruizawa #KaruizawaTourism #KaruizawaTrip #KaruizawaCafe #TravelWithMe

Located in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, it is a famous hot spring resort destination, boasting the number one natural hot spring output in Japan, reportedly ranking first for 16 consecutive years. As soon as you step into this place, there is a smell of sulfur, but that is exactly its charm! 🚉Transportation tips: If you're not in a hurry, I recommend taking the bus directly from Shinjuku Station. Without traffic, it takes about four hours to get there~ After leaving Shinjuku Station, cross the street and go up to the third floor, where the bus terminal is located. It's best to buy your ticket the day before and take the opportunity to stroll around Shinjuku~ ❤Reasons to recommend: The scenery along the bus ride is beautiful, and if you're lucky, you can even see Mount Fuji, which is one of the reasons I recommend taking the bus. Once you arrive at Kusatsu Bus Terminal, it's just a two or three hundred meters walk to Yubatake, where the entire street is steaming, and footbaths can be found all over the small town, along with many public hot springs. The most famous is probably Otakinoyu, which costs only 1100 yen. It has both indoor and outdoor baths, and is fully equipped with toiletries, but you need to bring your own towel~ 🏨Hotel environment: We stayed at Kusatsu Hotel Unkai Onsen this time. This hotel not only has three bath pools but also offers one night with two meals~ We booked a Japanese-style deluxe room which was very spacious, and the garden view from the window was also super beautiful. We went for a soak in the afternoon of our arrival day, where the toiletries were super complete. After changing into a yukata, we could take pictures around the hotel. We had dinner reserved for 18:30, and after a lovely meal, we went for a stroll around Yubatake to digest, where a local specialty store was very nice to shop at, and I accidentally started a shopping spree The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we soaked in another bath pool, then enjoyed a free freshly ground coffee at the third-floor book bar, and checked out with great satisfaction ^_^ 💰Average cost: We went during a long holiday, and the hot spring hotel was over 3000 per night, about 1500 per person, but it included meals and hot spring baths, which was quite a good deal. On weekdays, it's probably only about 2000 per night, and besides shopping, there's basically no need to spend extra money. If you have a sufficient budget, you can also choose Kusatsu Onsen Nara-ya, which is right next to Yubatake. The cafe is a popular spot for people to check in, and the meals are even more exquisite~

I went to Shima Onsen in Gunma. I didn't know much about it before I went, but when I actually went there, the view was overwhelming! It was a bit cloudy that day, but I was still able to see the beautiful blue scenery. It was also the autumn foliage season, so the red leaves and the blue of the Shima Blue were very beautiful and I wanted to keep taking pictures★ There are many things to see nearby, such as a facility where you can do SUP and a hot spring facility that is said to have been the model for Spirited Away. There is also a slightly Showa-era shopping street where you can eat. I never thought I would be able to see such a spectacular view within driving distance of Tokyo. I'd love to go again as the scenery changes with the seasons★ #ShimaOnsen #ShimagawaDam #ShimaBlue #FreeHongKongAirTicket

I visited this onsen on my birthday. The hotel is quite new and beautiful. The staff are lovely, smiling, and the service is very fast. My husband and I were very impressed with the dinner here. It is Michelin-level delicious. Everything is delicious. The decoration of the dishes is very delicate. I like it here. Importantly, the onsen in the hotel is a real onsen. My skin is very smooth. And the hotel is only a 2-minute walk from the tourist attractions... It is near the bus station, very convenient. We will definitely stay here again.

Outside BASE is located in Kitakaruizawa, Gunma Prefecture. This campsite is like a hideaway in the forest, where you can fully experience nature. The entire site is free, including the cottages and villas, so you can pitch your tent wherever you like. The water facilities and facilities are also very clean. Even in summer, the high altitude meant that there were no problems with insects. The autumn leaves are also recommended, so I would like to go in the fall next time. There are plenty of rental items, so beginners and female campers can enjoy themselves with peace of mind. There is no supermarket near the campsite, so if you get off the highway and drive a little, you will find a supermarket and convenience store, so I recommend purchasing food there. It is a wonderful campsite where you can coexist with nature and see a beautiful starry sky at night. Why not visit it once? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍2032-2457 Takatsunagi, Kitakaruizawa, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1412 🚗About 50 minutes from Isohoi Karuizawa IC #recommended campsite #campinggirls #photospot #weekendoutplan #travelplanthatmakesyouwanttogo #outdoors #Gunma #Kitakaruizawa #trip_camp　 #trip_outdoor#besttrip2023#forestsite

I love traveling so much that I have even obtained a domestic travel agency license. Here are 5 of the best ryokans in Japan that I recommend! ①Sensuikan This long-established inn in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, was founded over 100 years ago and reopened in the summer of 2016. It is located near tourist attractions, but it is not noisy. There are three private bathing facilities in a separate building once you step outside, and you can bathe whenever it is available. The "Kunshi no Yu" bath, which is one of the 12 baths in Kusatsu, is only available at this inn because it is a private hot spring. The rich spring water with floating hot spring minerals is very warm and comfortable, and I warmed up slowly in the spacious cypress bathtub. Both dinner and breakfast are served in private rooms. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients and have a refined taste. In addition to spacious and modern rooms, this long-established inn offers delicious food and a private bath with a rich spring water that you can use as many times as you like, making it a comfortable place to stay. ②Kanon, a detached inn Opened in January 2017, this is a detached inn in Shiobara Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture, where all rooms have an open-air hot spring bath. At the self-service drink corner in the lobby, you can enjoy drinks, including alcohol, depending on the time. The drinks in the guest room refrigerators are also free, which is nice! The rooms also have a large open-air bath and a large private garden. The hot spring is a free-flowing water that is rich in metasilicic acid, and is made by combining two different springs. Both dinner and breakfast are served in a private room next to the lobby. The food was freshly made at just the right time and was very filling. This is a recommended inn for couples, as well as families with children. ③Matsudaya Hotel A historic hotel in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, where patriots of the Meiji Restoration once gathered, where you can enjoy a wonderful garden and rich hot springs. We took a bus from the airport to Yuda Onsen, and the bus stop was right in front of the hotel, so it was easy to get to. The hotel was founded in 1675, and has a history of over 300 years, so the gate had a historic feel to it, but contrary to our expectations, once we stepped inside, we found a spacious lobby. Strolling through the beautiful Japanese garden is also one of the pleasures. Both dinner and breakfast are served in the room, and the meals are full of seasonal ingredients that are typical of Yamaguchi. There is a Meiji Restoration archive in the hotel, where you can see valuable items. This is an inn that can be recommended to anyone, including history buffs, couples, friends, and families. ④ Shikitei This inn is in a very good location in a corner of Nara Park. It was founded in 1899, and has a total of 10 rooms, so I imagined it to be a small inn, but I was surprised by the heavy, shrine-style gate. The room was spacious, with a Japanese-style room of 10 tatami mats, an anteroom of 4.5 tatami mats, and a foot room of 3 tatami mats, and it felt very spacious even with three people including a child. Dinner and breakfast were served in the room. The food was an original "Yamatoji cuisine" using ingredients from Nara, and the overall flavor was well-balanced, light, and very delicious. Every time they went out, their shoes were polished to a shine, and you could feel the attention to detail. Despite being located right next to tourist spots, the environment is quiet, so you can relax. ⑤Tsutsuji-tei A Japanese-style restaurant and inn in Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, where you can enjoy warm hospitality and seasonal cuisine. The room was 12.5 tatami mats + 6 tatami mats + a sunroom with a cypress bath, and it was comfortable for five people including a child. The facilities and interior were not new, but the well-cleaned room had a dignified air and a comfortable atmosphere. We had our meals in a private room at "Japanese-style restaurant Hana Kairo." The seasonal dishes are carefully prepared one by one, made with high-quality ingredients, and the tableware is beautiful as well. The facilities are not luxurious or new, but the air is clear and this is a ryokan that we would recommend to adult couples, family trips, and those who are particular about their food. #PR #AccommodationReview #Ryokan #FamousRyokan #Tsutsujitei #Shikitei #MatsudayaHotel #HanareNoYadoFuon #HotSpring

The vast hot spring, super comfortable, super clear, the hot spring temperature is just right The hot springs are constantly flowing out It cannot be compared with spa hotels If time permits, it is highly recommended to take a dip in this hot spring Outdoor hot springs plus surroundings.....great!

Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Japan is a popular hot spring resort for both domestic and foreign tourists. The amount of natural hot springs flowing out of the area is the highest in Japan, and it is highly recommended to stay at a hot spring hotel or take a day trip to the hot springs. There is also the "Yubatake" of Kusatsu Onsen, which is a short walk from the bus exit of Kusatsu Onsen. The hot spring lake gushing out from the hot spring source of Kusatsu Onsen is very beautiful and can be visited for free during the day or night. There is also a free footbath area, but please remember to bring a towel to dry your feet.

#fallingseason

#Japanese and Korean urban hotels Kusatsudashi TOU Hot Spring Hotel (close to the station) Environment/Facilities- The environment is new and clean, and free hot springs are provided Features - Close to the station and attractions, free popsicles Price per person - ~hkd1000/person Rating – 9/10

Kusatsu Onsen ♨️Free travel.

I stayed at Nakanojo Shima Onsen's Nakaseikan, a hot spring inn located at the very back of the Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The recommended thing about this inn is the open-air bath! There are several open-air baths, but one is located along the river just past the red bridge over the river. Listening to the murmuring of the river and soaking in the open-air bath while feeling as if you are one with nature was a wonderful experience. This open-air bath along the river is only open in the summer, so please be careful when making a reservation. The inn's meals are served in the room in so many varieties that you can't finish them all. Everything was very delicious. I would like to come back in the summer to experience the beautiful waterfall and the wonderful open-air bath. #ShimanOnsen #HotSpring #OpenAirBath #

Founded in 1923, Kusatsu Kasho Seigetsudo is a shop that makes and sells Japanese sweets decorated with kidney beans. The matcha tiramisu and matcha tea here have a cute hot spring mark and are made with elaborate containers. The layers of mascarpone and espresso are just right, and the volume is also good. You can also choose from the Hojicha series (tiramisu, tea, latte). Set: 1,300 yen (tiramisu 750 yen, drink 550 yen) Perfect for a break while walking around the Yubatake hot springs. 📍92 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture