Welcome to Gumma Prefecture, the center of Japan's hot springs. If you appreciate nature, are fascinated by history and are open to new and original experiences, a visit to this place will be truly unique.
Even experienced travelers will be amazed by the uniqueness of this region. Here you will feel a lively and invigorating energy that will give you new strength and inspiration.
If you are interested in winter sports, you can also visit ski resorts in the mountainous prefecture of Gumma. On request, we can help you find the most suitable pistes for your wishes, as well as customize an individual excursion program.
Day 1: Excursion to Takasaki
Tour time: 10:00-17:30
Relocation required in Takasaki City Gumma Prefecture from Tokyo (106 km, 1 hr).
- A visit to the giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy Biakue-Kannon - "Kannon in white robes"The statue was erected in 1936 and officially recognized as part of the country's cultural heritage in 2000. The statue is almost 42 meters high and has a nine-story temple inside.
- Not far from the statue is a picturesque suspension bridge "Hibiki-bashi"- "Audible.". The view of the mountainous forest landscape will not leave you indifferent.
- Attendance "Kannon Grotto" (5 minutes by car). The 400-meter-long grotto was hand-carved into the mountain in 1964. It took master craftsman Yamada Tokukuro 50 years. He made the grotto specifically to preserve the 39 stone images of Kannon in its depths, masterpieces of sculptors' handiwork.
- A walk through a Japanese style garden Tokumeien. On its grounds you can admire the blooming of azalea, sakura, hydrangea and other seasonal plants.
After lunch, it's time to move in Kusatsu City by individual transport with excursion program.
- On the way to Kusatsu - stop at the railroad station. "A bridge in the shape of glasses."The bridge was built in 1893 of red brick. The bridge ceased to be used in 1963, and in 1993 it was recognized as an important cultural heritage of Japan.
When you drive a car along the city highway next to the bridge, you get the impression that you have traveled back in time 100 years.
- Waterfall visit "White Threads" (Shiraito-no-taki)The waterfall is located only 150 meters from the trail, which you have to walk along a gravel road. The height of the waterfall is 3 meters, and the diameter of the water surface formed by it is 70 meters. The Japanese believe that this place cures mental unrest and wounds, calms and helps to get rid of any worries.
- Arrival in Kusatsu. Check-in at the ryokan. Rest at the hot springs.
Day 2. Excursion to Kusatsu
Tour time: 9:00-17:00
- A walk to Yubatake to "Hot Springs Field."in the main square of the city.
- Attendance of Kosenji Temple ("Shining Spring Temple")built in 1200. The temple towers over the town, as if to show the inhabitants its protection and patronage.
- Attendance Netsu-no-yu - "The Hot Seat."This is an unusual show and a traditional way of cooling the water in the hot springs so that it can be used for bathing. During the show, which lasts 30 minutes, you can take videos and photos of the dancers, and at the end of the show you can try to cool the water in the mineral spring yourself.
- Onsen visit Otaki-no-yu - "A spring with a big waterfall." - Kusatsu's most famous thermal bathing place.
- Moving to Lake Harunaalong which seasonal plants bloom, making the lake look particularly mesmerizing. Here you can take the cable car to the top of the lake Haruna Mountains (elevation 1,391 m. - It is even called Haruna Fuji in honor of the country's highest peak) in 2 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- However, the pleasure of visiting the lake will not be complete if you miss the nearby mountainous Harun templeIt was built in the 6th century AD. The entrance to the temple sanctuary is located inside the rock, it is surrounded by centuries-old cedars, and from the neighboring mountain flows a 20-meter waterfall. It is believed that the patrons of the temple are 7 gods of happiness from the Buddhist pantheon, so the Japanese revere the temple as a "place of power".
Important! Optional lunch at one of the restaurants on the lake or near Haruna Temple.
Day 3. Excursion to Kusatsu and Takasaki
Tour time: 9:00-17:00
- Check out from the ryokan. Meet your guide at the lobby.
- Visiting the park Nishi-no-kawahara - "Western Water Valley". (near the ryokan). You are sure to be amazed by the scenic valley spreading out before you. Here you can take great photos for your photo album and take away unforgettable impressions of the surrounding scenery. At the end of the valley is the Japanese famous onsen of the same name, which you can dive into before leaving Kusatsu if you wish.
- Moving to г. Takasaki.
- Visit to the historical park Kamitsuke-no-Sato. - the site of several 5th century AD burial mounds (Kofun) for Japanese nobles. A whole period in the history of the country was named Kofun - so important in the formation of statehood played these mounds. Here you will learn more about the history of the country, what haniwa is, which mounds were allowed to be opened by the government for archaeological research and which ones were not, and why.
