Gunma attractions: what to see and where to bathe?
Choose Tomioka Silk Mill to explore a factory that drew silk from cocoons, or Shorinzan to paint a daruma yourself. Takasaki's museums have history and art exhibitions to check for your visit date. In Kusatsu, walk around Yubatake or watch yumomi at Netsunoyu. Choose Gozanoyu for indoor baths from two spring sources and a lounge, Otakinoyu for large indoor and open-air baths, or Sainokawara for a spacious outdoor bath with natural park views.
Attraction prices, hours and directions
Tomioka Silk Mill
富岡製糸場
Tomioka Silk Mill preserves the brick warehouses and silk-reeling building of a factory that drew silk from cocoons. The long warehouses and spacious reeling building, constructed without interior columns, show the factory's scale. Take Joshin Railway from Takasaki to Joshu-Tomioka and walk to the mill, allowing time for both train journeys and your visit.
- AdmissionIndividual admission is JPY 1,000 for adults, JPY 250 for high school and university students with student ID, and JPY 150 for primary and junior high school students. The standard adult guided tour costs an extra JPY 200.
- HoursThe mill opens from 9 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. It closes from 29 to 31 December. Individual visitors do not need a reservation.
- DirectionsAfter leaving the JR gates at Takasaki, head left on the west side for Joshin Railway. Get off at Joshu-Tomioka and walk about 15 minutes. The train journey is listed as about 40 minutes. Joshu-Tomioka · 上州富岡
- Planning tipsFor a guided tour, check the day's start times first. Bring student ID if claiming the student discount.
Official visitor guideGetting to the silk millIndividual reservation informationTomioka Silk Mill warehouse and silk-reeling building highlights
Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon
Byakue Dai-Kannon高崎白衣大観音
Treat a walk around the statue's exterior and a climb up its internal stairs as different visits. Arrive before the admission deadline if you want to go inside.
- AdmissionInterior admission is JPY 300 for high school students and older, or JPY 100 for junior high school students and younger.
- HoursThe statue interior opens from 9 am to 5 pm, closing at 4.30 pm from November to February. There are no regular closure days.
- DirectionsTake Gururin Kannonyama route 14 via Kataoka from Takasaki Station west-exit stop 8 to Byakui Kannon-mae. Return on route 13 to Takasaki Station. The adult one-way fare is JPY 200; check the timetable for your date and signs on site.
- Planning tipsIf arriving late, view the exterior and save the interior for another morning. Visiting inside requires stairs.
Byakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hoursOfficial Kannonyama mapCurrent outbound Kannonyama route 14 timetableKannonyama walking mapGururin standard and JPY 100 section fares
Kusatsu Yubatake
Yubatake湯畑
Walk around Yubatake's onsen square and nearby streets. Exploring the square and bathing are separate activities; use your accommodation or a dedicated bathing facility for a bath.
- AdmissionYubatake square is free to visit. Check accommodation, performance and bath prices separately.
- HoursYubatake square can be visited 24 hours a day. Nearby accommodation, performance venues and baths have their own hours.
- DirectionsTake a JR bus for Kusatsu Onsen from JR Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station. Yubatake is about five minutes on foot from the bus terminal. Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi · 長野原草津口
- Planning tipsEnjoy walks and meals around Yubatake at different times. For an evening walk, choose a nearby section and check restaurant hours separately from the square's access hours.
JR East: access via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, the bus terminal and YubatakeTourist informationJR Bus route guide
Netsunoyu
熱乃湯
Opposite Yubatake, watch yumomi, in which wooden boards stir and cool the onsen water, and a dance performance. This is separate from bathing or a hands-on yumomi session.
- AdmissionAdmission costs JPY 700 for adults and JPY 350 for primary school students. Tickets go on sale at the venue 30 minutes before the performance; reservations are not accepted. Pay by cash or PayPay.
- HoursRegular performances are at 9.30 am, 10 am, 10.30 am, 3.30 pm, 4 pm and 4.30 pm. Check the calendar for changes or cancellations on your date and choose a session that fits your arrival in Kusatsu.
- DirectionsThe official walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal is five minutes. Look for the venue sign opposite Yubatake.
Performance and ticket sales conditionsPerformance calendar by dateOfficial access information
Gozanoyu
御座之湯
Gozanoyu has baths fed by the Yubatake and Bandai springs, plus a large lounge where bathers can rest for free. Bath admission is paid; private rooms cost extra.
- AdmissionAdmission costs JPY 900 for adults and JPY 450 for children, plus JPY 100 for a medium paid locker. Bring your own towel.
- HoursGozanoyu opens from 7 am to 9 pm from April to November and from 8 am to 9 pm from December to March, with last admission at 8.30 pm. Bathers may use the large lounge at no extra charge from 9 am to 8 pm.
- DirectionsLook for the facility sign southwest of Yubatake. Use the tourism association's map alongside the official access information.
- FacilitiesWashing facilities, shampoo, body wash and hairdryers are available. There is no open-air bath or towel hire. Paid private rooms and yukata hire are optional extras.
Gozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQGozanoyu location and accessGozanoyu's two spring sources
Sainokawara Open-Air Bath
西の河原露天風呂
Soak in Sainokawara's spacious outdoor bath with views of the park's natural surroundings. A park walk and paid bath entry are separate visits. The facility FAQ gives about 12 minutes from Yubatake to the bath, while the tourism walking route gives about 10 minutes to the park entrance: they refer to different endpoints.
- AdmissionAdmission costs JPY 800 for adults and JPY 400 for children aged three to primary school age. Towels cost extra.
- HoursSainokawara opens from 7 am to 8 pm from April to November and from 9 am to 8 pm from December to March. Last admission is at 7.30 pm.
- DirectionsWalk along Sainokawara Street from Yubatake into the park, then continue following signs for the open-air bath.
- Planning tipsRather than rushing to bathe around your arrival bus, allow time for the bath the following morning. Check maintenance closure notices.
Open-air bath prices and hoursOpen-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQOfficial walking route to the parkSainokawara's spacious open-air bath and natural views
Otakinoyu
大滝乃湯
Otakinoyu has large indoor and open-air baths. The four- and five-day B itineraries give it a day of its own rather than combining it with other bathing facilities.
- AdmissionAdmission costs JPY 1,200 for adults, plus JPY 100 for a paid coin locker. Private rooms, private baths and towels cost extra.
- HoursOtakinoyu opens from 9 am to 9 pm; last admission is at 8 pm.
- DirectionsFollow signs from Yubatake. The official walk is seven to eight minutes; register for bathing at the facility entrance.
Otakinoyu prices and hoursOtakinoyu walking directions and lockersGetting to Otakinoyu
Kusatsu Nettaiken
草津熱帯圏
Observe animals in Kusatsu Nettaiken's tropical dome. The five-day B itinerary gives this a separate day between baths. Animal-contact activities are separate from standard admission visits.
- AdmissionAdmission costs JPY 1,300 for adults, JPY 1,000 for high school students and JPY 800 for children aged four and older.
- HoursKusatsu Nettaiken opens from 8.30 am to 5 pm with no regular closure days. Ask the facility about last admission before visiting.
- DirectionsThe official walk from Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal is about 12 minutes. Follow the tourist map and signs on site to the entrance.
Tourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directionsKusatsu Nettaiken official facility name and activities
Gunma Prefectural Museum of History
群馬県立歴史博物館
At Gunma Prefectural Museum of History, see the Noh costume special exhibition and permanent displays. Check admission prices again when the exhibition changes.
- AdmissionThe JPY 1,000 adult ticket covers the 115th special exhibition and permanent displays from 18 September to 23 November 2026. This differs from the JPY 300 permanent-exhibition-only ticket when no special exhibition is running.
- HoursThe museum opens from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. It is normally closed on Mondays; check the official opening calendar and special exhibition dates for your visit.
- DirectionsTake Gururin route 9, 10 or 15 from Takasaki Station's east side to Gunma-no-Mori. Adult bus fare is JPY 200; the museum is about five minutes from the stop.
- Planning tipsAfter the exhibits, rest in the park before returning to Takasaki. The history museum and modern art museum are separate facilities in the same park.
History museum's 2026 special exhibition and pricesHistory museum's 2026 opening calendarHistory museum access and facilities
Museum of Modern Art, Gunma
The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma群馬県立近代美術館
Take time with modern Japanese and Western artworks at the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma. It shares a park with the history museum but has its own building and exhibits. The collection exhibition below runs for a limited period, so check exhibitions and prices for your date.
- AdmissionStandard adult admission for the 19 September–8 November 2026 collection exhibition is JPY 300. Group discounts and other special exhibitions have different prices; check separately.
- HoursThe museum opens from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. This exhibition closes on Mondays and on 24 September and 13 October, but opens on Monday 21 September and Monday 12 October.
- DirectionsTake Gururin route 9, 10 or 15 from Takasaki Station's east side to Gunma-no-Mori. Adult fare is JPY 200. Use the park map and modern art museum signs to find its building.
- Planning tipsThe park opens from 8 am to 5.30 pm in October. Rest in the park after the exhibition, then return to Gunma-no-Mori stop. Check facility last admission, park hours and return buses separately.
Modern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and pricesModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directions
Shorinzan Darumaji
Shorinzan Darumaji Temple少林山達磨寺
Choose Shorinzan Darumaji’s painting experience to see daruma around the grounds and paint one yourself.
- AdmissionOrdinary worship visits are free. Daruma painting costs JPY 1,500 for a 12 cm daruma or JPY 2,000 for a 15 cm daruma. Separate prayers and souvenirs are excluded.
- HoursThe Daruma Hall opens from 9 am to 5 pm. Workshop registration is 10 am–3.30 pm, reserved start times are 10 am–3 pm, and the workshop closes at 4 pm. Snow or typhoons may stop activities.
- DirectionsTake Gururin Shorinzan route 1 from Takasaki Station west-exit stop 4 to Shorinzan-iriguchi. The official walk to the temple is about five minutes; around 200 more steps beyond the Somon Gate lead to the upper workshop.
- Workshop bookingsOne person can join without a reservation; groups of 10 or more must book. The activity takes about 30 minutes, excluding waits. Same-day booking cancellations and no-shows incur a 50% cancellation fee, and late arrival may mean losing your place.
Official Gunma tourism: standard worship visits to ShorinzanDaruma painting registration, prices and reservationsShorinzan facility hours and accessOfficial Gunma tourism: west-side stop 4 and walking directionsRevised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4
Takasaki City Museum of Art
高崎市美術館
Visit art exhibits, the interior and garden at Takasaki City Museum of Art and the Former Inoue Residence. Near the station, they suit a final-day visit before returning home. The figure exhibition applies only to the dates below, and the residence's interior visiting hours differ from the museum's.
- AdmissionDuring the Human Figure exhibition from 10 October to 13 December 2026, standard adult admission is JPY 300, including the Former Inoue Residence. This is a separate ticket from the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma.
- HoursThe museum opens from 10 am to 6 pm, with last admission at 5.30 pm. Fridays extend to 8 pm, with last admission at 7.30 pm. The residence interior opens from 10 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm. In October and November, the garden opens from 10 am to 6 pm, with last admission at 5.30 pm. In December it closes at 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. October 2026 closure dates for this exhibition are 13, 19 and 26 October.
- DirectionsThe official walk from Takasaki Station's west exit is about three minutes.
- Planning tipsFor both the museum and residence, consider visiting the residence interior after lunch during its 2 pm–4 pm session. Return to Takasaki Station afterwards for your train.
Takasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and pricesTakasaki City Museum of Art and Inoue garden seasonal hours and October 2026 closures recheckedTakasaki City Museum of Art access and hoursHotel Metropolitan Takasaki: station access to reception on Level 6Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki check-in and luggage storage FAQOctober 2026 return JR journey check record
Frequently asked questions
Does Sainokawara Open-Air Bath cost JPY 600?
The operator's information checked on 8 October 2026 lists adult admission at JPY 800. Towels and other bathing facilities cost extra.
Official sources and check dates
- Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki: station access to reception on Level 6 ·
- Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki check-in and luggage storage FAQ ·
- Current outbound Kannonyama route 14 timetable ·
- Gururin standard and JPY 100 section fares ·
- Kannonyama walking map ·
- Byakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hours ·
- Getting to the silk mill ·
- October 2026 return JR journey check record ·
- Performance calendar by date ·
- Performance and ticket sales conditions ·
- Open-air bath prices and hours ·
- Open-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQ ·
- Gozanoyu current prices and lounge ·
- Gozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ ·
- Gozanoyu location and access ·
- Official visitor guide ·
- Individual reservation information ·
- Official Kannonyama map ·
- Tourist information ·
- JR Bus route guide ·
- Official access information ·
- Official walking route to the park ·
- Otakinoyu prices and hours ·
- Otakinoyu walking directions and lockers ·
- Getting to Otakinoyu ·
- Tourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directions ·
- Kusatsu Nettaiken official facility name and activities ·
- Revised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4 ·
- History museum's 2026 special exhibition and prices ·
- History museum access and facilities ·
- Modern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and prices ·
- Modern art museum access and bus timetables for both directions ·
- Takasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and prices ·
- Takasaki City Museum of Art access and hours ·
- Shorinzan facility hours and access ·
- Daruma painting registration, prices and reservations ·
- History museum's 2026 opening calendar ·
- Official Gunma tourism: standard worship visits to Shorinzan ·
- Official Gunma tourism: west-side stop 4 and walking directions ·
- JR East: access via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, the bus terminal and Yubatake ·
- Takasaki City Museum of Art and Inoue garden seasonal hours and October 2026 closures rechecked ·
- Tomioka Silk Mill warehouse and silk-reeling building highlights ·
- Gozanoyu's two spring sources ·
- Sainokawara's spacious open-air bath and natural views ·