11 Things to Do in Gunma in Summer
Blessed with numerous mountains, lakes and rivers, Gunma offers a wealth of outdoors activities in the summertime. Try mountain climbing, rafting, canyoning, canoeing and more—then rest your weary bones in one of the region's celebrated hot springs.
By North KantoOze
Registered on the Ramsar List, this is the most famous wetland in Japan, and a prime spot for hiking.
Access: 120 min. by bus from JR Jomo Kogen Station.
Oze Iwakura Lily Garden
Featuring diverse colors of lilies, this flower garden is seasonally converted from a ski slope.
Access: 60 min. by bus from JR Numata Station.
Mt. Tanigawadake
All visitors, from beginners to advanced climbers, can enjoy hiking this mountain, home of Ichinokurasawa, one of the Three Great Rock Walls of Japan.
Access: 45 min. by bus from JR Jomo Kogen Station.
Tambara Lavender Park
About 50,000 lavender plants grow all around at this seasonal attraction.
Access: 60 min. by bus from JR Numata Station.
Numata Festival
About 300 women impressively carry portable shrines at this festival.
Access: 15 min. walk from JR Numata Station.
Shima Onsen
This celebrated hot spring is traditionally known for its legendary medicinal properties, said to heal 40,000 types of illness.
Access: 40 min. by bus from JR Nakanojo Station.
Canoeing on Lake Shima
Go canoeing on the vivid blue waters of Lake Shima, located near Shima Onsen.
Access: 15 min. by bus from JR Nakanojo Station.
Aisai no Oka (Beloved Wife Hill)
Every year on this hill, an event is held where people scream their words of love in the middle of the cabbage fields.
Access: 25 min. by taxi from JR Manza Kazawaguchi Station.
Megane Bashi
Megane Bashi (Eyeglasses Bridge) is the largest brick arched bridge in Japan. Visitors can stroll across its promenade.
Access: 15 min. by taxi from JR Yokokawa Station.
Yagi Bushi
Experience summer festivals where participants dance to Yagi Bushi, a representative folk song of Gunma prefecture.
Access: Around JR Kiryu Station.
Rafting & Canyoning
Visitors can experience water sports such as rafting and canyoning in places near hot spring resorts.
Access: Various locations in Gunma.
