[Gunma, Nakanojo] Shima Blue and the hidden autumn scenery! A tour of spectacular autumn foliage spots

Experience breathtaking scenery where the Shima Blue waters and vibrant autumn foliage intertwine! Nakanojo Town boasts significant elevation differences, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn colors for approximately two months. This guide introduces useful travel information, from famous spots like Lake Nozori and Lake Okushima to autumn cuisine and access methods.

Written by

Gunma Prefecture Nakanojo Town Tourism Association

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
• The stunning autumn scenery of Nakanojo Town , created by its elevation differences.
• Explore Nakanojo Town's most spectacular autumn foliage spots by elevation!
• [Late September to Mid-October] Area with breathtaking views in the sky
• [Mid-October to early November] Valleys and secluded driving areas
• [Late October to early November] Photogenic area with waterfront and hot springs
• [Early November to Mid-November] Autumn foliage area of ​​history and rural landscape
• Enjoy local cuisine and hot springs in Nakanojo this autumn!

The stunning autumn scenery of Nakanojo Town , created by its elevation differences.

Nakanojo Town , located in the northwestern part of Gunma Prefecture , is a region blessed with rich, undulating terrain ranging from approximately 300 meters to nearly 2,000 meters in elevation.

During the autumn foliage season, this significant difference in elevation allows the entire town to be painted in shades of red and yellow over a long period of about two months each year, from late September to late November, with the colors changing depending on the time and location.

From mystical cobalt-blue lakes and dynamic wetlands and mountain passes to historic hot spring resorts, we introduce the breathtaking scenery and local experiences that can only be found in Nakanojo Town in autumn.

Explore Nakanojo Town's most spectacular autumn foliage spots by elevation!

As autumn deepens, the colors of Nakanojo Town change from the high mountains to the hot spring resort town. Here, we introduce the best times to see the autumn foliage from late September to mid-November, divided into four periods and areas.

[Late September to Mid-October] Area with breathtaking views in the sky

① Yoshigadaira Marshland

Yoshigadaira Marshland, a precious natural treasure registered under the Ramsar Convention, is covered in vibrant red rowan trees and golden birch trees in autumn.

You can enjoy a trek of about an hour and a half from Shibu Pass, but there are also ways to enjoy the area without walking. From the scenic spot where the monument marking the "highest point on a Japanese national highway" stands, you can look down on the wetlands and enjoy a landscape that looks like a diorama. It's a recommended spot for both hikers and drivers.

Yoshigahira Marshland

Iriyama, Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1701

The marshland is dotted with ponds known as iketō. Colonies of cotton grass can be seen growing around them. The fresh green leaves in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn are a sight to behold, and both are highly recommended. The marshland was registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland in May 2015.

② Lake Nozori

Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Lake Nozori is known as the "Lake in the Sky." In late September, it is the first place in town to experience the autumn foliage season. The mountains surrounding the lake change color, and the contrast with the clear blue surface of the water is breathtakingly beautiful. You can feel the early arrival of autumn while walking along the hiking trails by the lake.

Lake Nozori

Iriyama Town, Nakanojo, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1701

This dam lake is located at an altitude of 1,513m and is decorated with approximately 300 species of alpine plants, including Glaucidium azalea, Rhododendron moniliforme, and Hemerocallis gracilis. You can also enjoy fishing and hiking here.

[Mid-October to early November] Valleys and secluded driving areas

③ Chatsubomigoke Park

The Chatsubomigoke Park, designated as a national natural monument, boasts one of the largest colonies of vibrant Chatsubomigoke moss in East Asia. The collaboration of the surrounding trees, dyed red and yellow in autumn colors, creates a fantastical landscape that can only be seen here.

Chatsubomi Moss Park

13-3 Iriyama, Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma District,Gunma 377-1701

This rare moss grows only in areas where highly acidic mineral springs gush forth, and is the largest colony in East Asia. It has been designated a national natural monument.

④ Shirasuna Valley Line

The Shirasuna Valley, stretching along National Route 292, is captivating with its emerald green stream and the beautiful gradation of autumn foliage adorning the cliffs.

This is one of the best driving routes to enjoy while driving, and along the way there are many spots where you can enjoy the autumn foliage, such as the Akaiwa area, the former Oshi Station, and Oozen Falls.

Former Oshi Station

⑤ Kuresaka Pass

This quiet mountain pass, once beloved by the poet Wakayama Bokusui, is transformed in late October when its magnificent larch forest glows golden. Driving or strolling through the dappled sunlight provides a peaceful and relaxing autumn experience.

[Late October to early November] Photogenic area with waterfront and hot springs

Lake Okushima

A lake located at the innermost part of Shima Onsen, this lake offers a breathtaking autumn spectacle that is representative of Nakanojo Town . The miraculous blue color known as "Shima Blue," which changes depending on how the light hits it, and the vibrant autumn leaves surrounding the lakeshore create a stunning spectacle that changes depending on the angle of the sunlight.

Accessing Lake Okushima from the Shima Onsen area by rental bicycle (such as an e-bike) is highly recommended. Cycling towards the lake while enjoying the retro streets of the hot spring resort and the breeze of the clear stream is a popular activity that can be enjoyed in conjunction with the autumn foliage.

Lake Okushima

3770601 Shima, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Located at the very back of Shima Onsen, Lake Okushima is a dam lake created by the Shima River Dam, with a circumference of 4km. The water here has a mysterious and mysterious blue color. Recently, it has been attracting attention as "Shima Blue." It is said that the clearer the water, the more it reflects the blue color, which is proof that the water is transparent. In addition to the beauty of this water, it is said that it looks blue because of the mixture of minerals and other components. This Shima Blue shows various expressions depending on the location, season, weather, and time of day. The blue is especially beautiful from April to May when meltwater flows into the lake, and you can see an even more beautiful color. It is also recommended to visit in the morning on a sunny day when the sun is shining on the lake surface. You can also enjoy canoeing on the lake surface. The autumn leaves at Lake Okushima are from mid-October to early November.

Shima Onsen Town

In the Shima Onsen town, which stretches along the clear waters of the Shima River, the surrounding trees turn red and yellow, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn foliage while listening to the gentle murmur of the river.

You can enjoy a luxurious time where you can savor both hot springs and autumn foliage at the same time, such as soaking in hot springs or footbaths while admiring the autumn leaves along the river, or strolling through the hot spring town and enjoying local specialty warm cuisine.

[Early November to Mid-November] Autumn foliage area of ​​history and rural landscape

⑧ Mt.Takeyama

Mount Takeyama, a symbol of Nakanojo Town, has long been known as a sacred mountain. In autumn, the entire mountain is ablaze with color, and the contrast between the autumn leaves and the rugged rock face, as seen from the "Michi-no-Eki Mount Reizan Takeyama" roadside station at the foot of the mountain, is magnificent. There are also hiking routes that even beginners can enjoy.

Roadside Station Reizan Takeyama

377-0432 222-1 Gotanda, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

There are shops selling local specialties, soba restaurants, athletic facilities, and more, so everyone from adults to children can have fun. Every year from mid-April to mid-May, about 100 carp streamers flutter in the sky. The scenery changes with the seasons, from forest bathing to autumn leaves, and attracts visitors.

Enjoy local cuisine and hot springs in Nakanojo this autumn!

In addition to enjoying the autumn foliage, you'll also want to experience autumn cuisine and relaxation.

Flavorful new soba noodles: October and November are the season for new soba noodles. At soba restaurants in town, including "Michi-no-Eki Mount Reizan Takeyama," you can enjoy authentic soba noodles made with freshly harvested, freshly ground, and freshly made buckwheat, along with crispy tempura made with local vegetables.

Apple picking & direct sales: Along the road leading to Shima Onsen and Sawatari Onsen, there is an area lined with many apple orchards and direct sales shops. In autumn, the trees are adorned with bright red apples, and you can enjoy picking sweet and juicy apples or purchasing them on your drive. It's a unique way to enjoy Nakanojo in autumn, and you can easily stop by during your trip.

・Hot springs after breathtaking scenery: After a walk to admire the autumn foliage, head to a historic hot spring. You can refresh yourself at unique hot spring resorts such as the famous Shima Onsen, Sawatari Onsen, and Shiriyaki Onsen, where hot spring water bubbles up from the riverbed. For more information on each hot spring resort and how to get there, please see the articles below.