[1 Night, 2 Days in Gunma] Enjoy One of Japan’s Leading Hot Spring Prefectures!

Your first stop is Shorinzan Darumaji Temple, located Approx. 15 minutes by car from the Takasaki Station area. It is known as the temple where the lucky daruma, used as a symbol of good fortune and for various prayers, originated.

The temple grounds, visited by many worshippers from across Japan, are lined with a wide variety of daruma from all times and places. The sight of colorful daruma displayed in rows is truly impressive. Here, you can try a daruma painting experience even without a reservation. Your one-of-a-kind original daruma, painted with your wishes in mind, is sure to become a special memory of the trip!

After leaving Shorinzan Darumaji Temple behind, drive for Approx. 40 minutes to stop by Roadside Station Maebashi Akagi, located at the foot of Mt. Akagi.

This roadside station showcases the charms of the region through food, tourist information, and local specialty products. It’s time for a fun lunch break here! With a wide variety of eateries, including popular local restaurants from Maebashi, you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. There are also roadside-station-exclusive menu items you can only try here, so don’t miss them.
After lunch, head to Maebashi Akagi no Yu, the on-site bathing facility, which is rare for a roadside station. Its retro Showa-style interior creates a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere. Stretch out in the spacious bath and enjoy some time to unwind!

After freshening up in the bath, head for Ikaho Onsen, the overnight stop on this trip. It’s Approx. a 40-minute drive from Roadside Station Maebashi Akagi. Once you arrive in the hot spring town, park the car and head out for a walk.

Ikaho Onsen, whose name appears in the Manyoshu anthology, is a historic hot spring area loved by famous literary figures such as Takehisa Yumeji and Tokutomi Roka. Centered around the 365 stone steps that symbolize the town, the area is filled with charming streetscapes. Enjoy strolling along while browsing craft shops and souvenir stores lining both sides of the steps.

As you explore the hot spring town, stop by Ikaho Shrine, which stands at the very top of the stone stairway district.
This shrine has long been revered as the guardian deity of hot springs, and many worshippers come here to pray for blessings related to hot springs, health care, and prosperous business. With a history of over 2,000 years, it is also known as one of Gunma Prefecture’s leading spiritual power spots.

After visiting Ikaho Shrine, first check in to tonight’s lodging, Kishigon Ryokan. This long-established ryokan boasts a history of over 400 years, and its interior is filled with calm spaces with a Taisho Romantic atmosphere. After dropping off your luggage, head straight to Ikaho Onsen Rotenburo, located near the source of Ikaho Onsen.

In an open-air setting surrounded by trees, you can luxuriously enjoy Kogane no Yu, the source water of Ikaho Onsen, flowing directly from the spring. There are no washing areas or showers, making this a simple open-air bath designed for soaking slowly in the water. Wrapped in rising steam, you can spend a truly indulgent moment here.

After refreshing yourself at the open-air bath, return to Kishigon Ryokan and relax.

This inn, where traces of the Taisho era remain throughout the building, has a calm and refined atmosphere. One of its charms is that you can enjoy 13 different baths, including the open-air Gonzaemon no Yu, where you can take in the scenery of the four seasons. Soak in the skin-friendly waters known as Kogane no Yu and ease away the fatigue of your trip. Dinner is another highlight, featuring dishes made with fresh local seasonal ingredients. Surrounded by the atmosphere of Ikaho, you can enjoy a stay that refreshes both body and mind.

Set out from the ryokan for an Approx. 50-minute drive. Your next destination is Okushima Lake, known for its mysterious blue color called “Shima Blue.”

This man-made lake was created by damming the Shima River, and on sunny days, the lake surface shines in a beautiful blue that is so stunning it will make you stop and stare. Depending on the season and conditions, the water can appear cobalt blue, indigo blue, or turquoise blue, captivating visitors with its many shades of blue.
Surrounded by abundant nature, the lake offers different scenery with each season, from fresh greenery to autumn leaves and snowy winter landscapes, making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Next, drive Approx. 7 minutes from Okushima Lake to Shima Seiryu no Yu, which stands along the banks of the Shima River.

This is a town-run day-use hot spring facility where you can casually enjoy the waters of Shima Onsen. The building has a traditional Japanese design, with separate indoor and open-air baths for men and women. From the open-air bath and terrace, you can look out over the Shima River and the townscape of Shima Onsen. Surrounded by nature, relax in the bath while listening to the sound of the river. Stays are limited to within 2 hours, so be careful not to soak too long.

After refreshing yourself at Shima Seiryu no Yu, drive for 1 hour to your next stop, Roadside Station Kawaba Denen Plaza, where you can enjoy local production for local consumption.

This town market at the foot of Mt. Hotaka brings together restaurants, a bakery, and a farmers market. There’s also a blueberry farm and play areas, making it a place you can enjoy all day. Here, it’s time for a slightly late lunch, where you can fully enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Gunma Prefecture. After your meal, don’t forget to shop for souvenirs at the farmers market!

After enjoying lunch and souvenir shopping at Roadside Station Kawaba Denen Plaza, head to the final destination of this trip, Doai Station. Located Approx. 40 minutes away by car, it is famous for its unusual structure.

This unmanned station on the JR Joetsu Line is a rare one even in Japan, with its inbound platform located Approx. 70 meters underground. To reach it, you need to go down 462 long steps. It’s easy to see why it is called “Japan’s number one mole station.” Its distinctive atmosphere is part of the appeal, and many people visit as a sightseeing destination.
Surrounded by the mysterious space unique to Doai Station, take in the last moments of the trip before bringing this journey to a close.