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  • May 1, 2018

    Kusatsu Onsen ‘Yubatake’

    Lying in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the town’s ‘yubatake’ is an iconic sight, instantly recognisable to most Japanese. Translating as ‘hot water field’, the yubatake is large open-air area over whic...
  • May 1, 2018

    ‘Yumomi’ Performance

    ‘Yumomi’ is a daily performance taking place in Kusatsu Onsen every day, during which a local troupe of performers use large wooden paddles to stir the thermal water. Taking place inside the ‘Netsuno...
  • April 25, 2018

    Mount Shirane

    Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park Mt. Shirane – often referred to as Kusatsu-Shirane – is a series of volcanic peaks, including some of the most active in Japan. At 2160 metres above sea ...
  • April 10, 2018

    Manza Onsen

    One of Central Japan’s most dramatic hot spring areas, Manza Onsen is a small but unique onsen town located high in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Drawing its waters from nearby Mt Kusatsu-Shira...
  • April 5, 2018

    Minakami Onsen

    Another of Gunma Prefectures famous four hot spring towns – along with Kusatsu, Shima and Ikaho – Minakami Onsen is home to some equally famous bathhouses and a variety of excellent accommodation. Ne...
  • March 31, 2018

    Shima Onsen

    This quiet hot spring town is set in a beautiful forested landscape and along with the towns of Kusatsu, Ikaho and Minakami, makes up the four famous onsen towns of Gunma Prefecture. Some claim that ...
  • March 25, 2018

    Ikaho Onsen

    Ikaho Onsen is one of four famous hot spring towns in Gunma Prefecture – along with the towns of Kusatsu, Minakami and Shima. Known for its iron-rich waters, the main feature of Ikaho is a 300 metre ...
  • March 20, 2018

    Myogi Shrine

    Sitting beneath the imposing jagged peaks of Mt Myogi, Myogi Shrine is a stunning yet relatively unknown shrine and temple complex of the outskirts of Tomioka City. Said to have been established in 5...
  • March 10, 2018

    Tomioka Silk Mill

    Established by the Meiji government in 1872, the mill embodies the push to modernize Japan and compete with developed Western economies. The factory was designed as a model factory by the Japane...