Located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, Nakanojo Town offers a variety of hot springs with unique water qualities. From hot spring towns with charming retro streetscapes to secluded hot springs where the river itself is a hot spring, and hidden inns known only to a select few, we introduce some of the best hot springs in Nakanojo Town.
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Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring resort town with hot springs such as Shima, Sawatari, and Kuni. It is a rural area filled with nature, with places such as Lake Nozori, Yoshigadaira, and Chatsubomigoke Park. Ancient events and culture such as the Torioi Festival and Gion Festival remain. The town also holds the Nakanojo Biennale, an international contemporary art festival, every two years. We will introduce the charms of Nakanojo Town.
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Table of Contents
- What is Nakanojo Town ?
- 1. Shima Onsen
- 2. Sawatari Onsen
- 3. Kuni Onsenkyo
- A secluded hot spring inn enveloped in silence.
What is Nakanojo Town ?
Located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture, Nakanojo Town is a hot spring town blessed with unique spring waters and abundant nature, about two hours by train from Tokyo .
From hot spring towns with charming retro streetscapes to secluded hot springs where the river itself becomes a hot spring, and hidden inns known only to a select few, a wide variety of hot spring resorts are scattered throughout the area.
This time, we'll introduce some recommended hot spring areas in Nakanojo Town that you might want to visit depending on your travel style and purpose.
1. Shima Onsen
~A classic spot where you can be soothed by retro streetscapes and the "Shima Blue"~
Shima Onsen, whose name is said to originate from the phrase "a miraculous spring that heals 40,000 illnesses," has long been said to be beneficial for the stomach and intestines when drunk, and good for the skin when bathed in.
The nostalgic hot spring town exudes a charming atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time.
In addition to strolling through the hot spring town, activities at Lake Okushima and the Shima River, boasting the mystical blue color known as "Shima Blue," are also extremely popular. This main area is perfect for those who want to enjoy sightseeing, gourmet food, and breathtaking scenery all in one place.
Recommended for people like this
For first-time visitors to Nakanojo, those who want to enjoy strolling around town and taking photos, couples, and girls' trips.
access
If taking the limited express train: From Ueno Station, take the "Limited Express Kusatsu/Shima" (approx. 2 hours) → From Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for "Shima Onsen" (approx. 30 minutes) → Shima Onsen
If traveling by Shinkansen: From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 1 hour → From Takasaki Station, take the JR Agatsuma Line for about 1 hour → From Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for Shima Onsen for about 30 minutes → Shima Onsen
By highway bus: From Tokyo Station, take the "Shima Onsen" bus (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes) to Shima Onsen.
2. Sawatari Onsen
~A single bath leaves your skin feeling like jade. A tranquil hot spring resort beloved as the "finishing bath of Kusatsu."~
Sawatari Onsen has long been cherished as a "finishing bath" (healing bath) to restore moisture to the skin after soaking in the highly acidic waters of Kusatsu Onsen.
This hot spring is known for its soft, enveloping waters and is also renowned for its skin-beautifying properties. With its tranquil mountain scenery, it's perfect for adults seeking a peaceful getaway to relax mind and body, or for those who want to fully enjoy the hot springs in a therapeutic style.
Recommended for people like this
For those who want to spend time in peace and quiet, for hot spring enthusiasts, and for those seeking gentle hot spring water.
access
If taking the limited express train: From Ueno Station, take the "Limited Express Kusatsu/Shima" (approx. 2 hours) → From Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for "Sawatari Onsen" (approx. 20 minutes) → Sawatari Onsen
If traveling by Shinkansen: From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 1 hour → From Takasaki Station, take the JR Agatsuma Line for about 1 hour → From Nakanojo Station, take a local bus bound for Sawatari Onsen for about 20 minutes → Sawatari Onsen
3. Kuni Onsenkyo
~Hot springs bubbling up from the riverbed! A hidden hot spring village where nature and culture thrive~
The Kuni district, with its vast natural landscape, is dotted with a variety of unique hot springs.
The photo shows Shiriyaki Onsen, where hot spring water bubbles up from the riverbed, creating a giant open-air bath in the river itself. This wild experience, where you can become one with nature while wearing a swimsuit, is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
In addition, you can enjoy a variety of other hot springs, such as "Hanashiki Onsen," nestled in the mountains and steeped in legends of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and "Oudoku Onsen," located next to the Kuni roadside station and characterized by its black mineral deposits.
Recommended for people like this
For outdoor enthusiasts, those seeking unique hot spring experiences, and those who enjoy visiting secluded hot springs.
access
By limited express train: From Ueno Station, take the "Limited Express Kusatsu/Shima" (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes) → From Naganohara Station, take a local bus bound for "Nozori Lake" or "Hanashiki Onsen" → to various hot spring resorts
If traveling by Shinkansen: From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen for about 1 hour → From Takasaki Station, take the JR Agatsuma Line for about 1 hour and 30 minutes → From Naganohara Station, take a local bus bound for Nozori Lake or Hanashiki Onsen → to various hot spring resorts
A secluded hot spring inn enveloped in silence.
In Nakanojo Town, a little distance from the bustling hot spring resort area, there is a hidden gem of a secluded inn known only to those in the know.
Tange Onsen: Experience ultimate tranquility in a magnificent wooden building overflowing with the warmth of wood, and in an open-air bath with stunning views of nature.
Otsuka Onsen: A hot spring nestled in a tranquil rural landscape. Characterized by its perfectly balanced lukewarm water at approximately 34 degrees Celsius, it enjoys enduring popularity among hot spring enthusiasts nationwide as a therapeutic bathing spot where you can soak for hours.
Why not take a trip to Nakanojo Town to find the perfect "hot spring" that suits your style?
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