Gunma AGATSUMA Area Guidebook

Onsen Paradise Paradise Agatsuma Area

Agatsuma Area Niigata Nature NakanojoTown Including Joshinetsukogen National Park, this Town Takayama Village Tochigi area is rich in nature with mountains, high- lands, lakes, wetlands and forests. It only Higashiagatsuma Town Village takes two to three hours from Tokyo. Town Gunma Ibaraki Nagano Saitama Food Tokyo Chiba Yamanashi Since farmland is spread over from 300 to Kanagawa 1,400 meters above sea level, various agricul- tural and livestock products are produced. What is Agatsuma Area like? CONTENTS 4 Agatsuma Area Guide Map Within Gunma, the “Kingdom of Onsen”, Town of flowers and onsen 6 Nakanojo Town Agatsuma holds abundant resources of onsen, Experience Abundant pastimes in every season spacious nature and varied sightseeing spots. 8 Naganohara Town Enjoy “Yumomi Experience” in Kusatsu On- sen, harvesting cabbages in Tsumagoi Moving view in every season Highland, “Lantern Walk” in Shima On- 10 Tsumagoi Village sen, and others. International Onsen Resort 12 Kusatsu Town Onsen Village of stars with lively people and tradition 14 Takayama Village Agatsuma boasts abundant resources of on- A place in connection with a military commander sen which regresents Gunma, the “Kingdom in Sengoku period of Onsen” 16 Higashiagatsuma Town

18 Spots of seasonal flowers 19 Spots of beautiful autumn leaves A B C D E F G H

Lake Akayako

Kan-Etsu Expressway

Lake Nozoriko Maya-no-taki Falls 1 Lake Okushimako 1 Ogura-no-taki Falls 17 Jomo-Kogen

Shima Onsen 405 Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route

17

Nakanojo Town O-ketsu Potholes To Tsukiyono IC→ Yoshigadaira Wetlands House of Tomizawa 292 353 Yoshigadaira 55 Chatsubomigoke (Moss) Park Hanashiki Onsen Shirasuna Gorge Mt. Kusatsu-Shiranesan Shiriyaki Onsen Manza Onsen 2 465 55 Kyozuka Onsen 2 Kusatsu Onsen Lake Joshuyunoko Remains of Shinden Honjin Kusatsu Onsen Ski Area 405 “Goza no Yu” Sawatari Onsen Isama Studio Park Lock Heart Castle “Sainokawara Open-air Bath” “Otaki no Yu” Lake Shimako 145 d oa Takayama Onsen Yubatake Kuni Onsen Area R Takayama Village Office 292 ad Shirokubo no Ochako tic “Netsu no Yu” Ro an “Fureai Plaza” c m Kusatsu Town Office ti 55 o Kusatsu Undojaya Park n R Kuni Roadside Station Kuni Hananoeki a Nakayamabonchi Roadside Station o m se Roadside Station Balz Memorial Hall Karakunosato R ne Cottages/Rice Field Art es e Reizan Takeyama a pan p Ja a 55 Roadside Station J Takayama Village Osen-no-taki Falls Oudoku Kusatsu Town Onsen Kuresaka Pass Gunma Astronomical 234 tsumuji Nakanojo Creative Communication Center Observatory Nakanojo Museum of Midorinomura Campsite Folk and History “Musee” Zazensou (Skunk Cabbage) Park Nakanojo Town Office Torioi Festival Manza Highway 59 3 Nakanojo 3 Kawanaka Onsen 145 Iwai Cherry Blossom-Tree-Lined Path Akaiwa Onsen Matsunoyu Onsen 232 Akaiwa Sericulturist Community ad 35 Tsumagoi Panorama Line o 145 Gumma-Haramachi R c Ichishiro ti Higashiagatsuma Town Office n Shinkansen Joestu 292 a Agatsuma Conifer Iwabitsu m Iwashima Palcall Tsumagoi Resort o 353 R Gorge Ski Area e Ruins of Iwabitsu castle e s an Mt. Iwabitsu-yama Azuma Onsen Onogami-Onsen ap J Agatsumakyo Onsen Yagura “Kikyokan” Gumma-Otsu Naganohara Yamba Furusato-kan Yamba ohashi Bridge Onogami Negoyajyo Onsen 59 Town Office “Tengu no Yu” Roadside Station Gobara “Negoya no Yu” Haneo Kawarayu Onsen 145 Naganoharakusatsuguchi Agatsumakyo Lake Baragiko Ouyu Roadside Station 26 36 Mt. Azumayasan 112 Naganohara/Kusatsu/ Fukurogura Yukake Festival 35 Kuni Station Kawarayu-Onsen Ubashima Mihara/ Hakojima Spring Cherry Blossom Trees 146 Manaza-Kazawaguchi Maruiwa Higashiagatsuma Town To Shibukawa- Kanashima Ikaho IC 17 4 ↘ 4 377 155 164 58 Tsumagoi Village Office 241 Tsumagoi Panorama Line 144 Omae Tsumagoi Village To Shibukawa↘ 406 Hatanoyu Onsen Aisai no Oka (Beloved Wife Hill) Naganohara Town 406 26 Yakushi Onsen 235 Lake Tashiroko 144 94 Kitakaruizawa Fire Festival 5 Asama Kogen Onsen Area Lake Harunako 5 Asama Kogen Snowballing Tournament Lake Shogetsuko Tsumagoi Panorama Line 235 Former Kusakaru Railroad Company Kitakaruizawa Station Yagihara Kazawa Onsen Area 54 Asama Otaki Falls

Onioshi Highway 146 Mt.Asama Magma Stone Park 54 City Office Onsen Facility Agatsuma Area 94 Asama Plateau “Aioi no Yu” Rhododendron Park Roadside Station Onsen 6 94 6 Golf Course Campsite Mt. Asama-yama Mountain Ski Area Guide Map To Naka-Karuizawa↓ ↙To Karuizawa Sta.

4 5 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❶

Town of flowers and onsen Lake Nozoriko MAP／D-1 Located in the northwest of Gunma, it has magnif- More than 300 kinds of highland plants icent nature such as Yoshigadaira and Lake Nozor- bloom around Lake Nozoriko on an ele- Nakanojo vation of 1,513 meters from early summer iko, and 9 onsen such as Shima onsen. Tow n to early autumn.

Sawatari Onsen MAP／E-2 A scenic onsen area located on an elevation of 600 me- ters. It has been favored by noted warriors, scholars and artists for a long time.

Kuni Onsen Area MAP／D-3

At 5 unique onsen, which are Shiriyaki, Ha- nashiki, Kyozuka, Oudoku and Akaiwa, hot springs gush out along the gorge. Chatsubomigoke Park

Yoshigadaira Wetlands MAP／C-2 Yoshigadaira Wetlands on an elevation of 1830 meters and Chatsubomigoke Park were registered on Ramsar Convention in May 2015. Rare plants and animals live there.

House of Tomizawa MAP／G-2

Shima Onsen MAP／F-1 Tomizawa family was famous for sericulture in late . This house holds a one-of-a-kind classic One of the famous onsen in Gunma locates along the structure. Shimagawa River, carrying old onsen atmosphere. This drink- able hot water is good for your skin and stomach. Shirokubo no Ochako MAP／F-2 A traditional local event guessing the taste and smell of tea.

Lake Nozoriko Yoshigadaira Nakanojo Biennale 405 Shima Onsen Yoshigadaira Wetlands A big art event held in Yoshigadaira the town every two tsumuji Nakanojo Creative 353 55 Shiriyaki Onsen House of Tomizawa years. Works of artists Chatsubomigoke Park Communication Center MAP／F-3 55 Hanashiki Onsen across the world are 405 Kyozuka Onsen Sawatari Onsen Otsuka Onsen exhibited in various This facility have a café utilizing local products, shops and a Shirokubo no Ochako spots including closed footbath from Shima Onsen. 55 Oudoku Onsen schools and the shop- 55 tsumuji Nakanojo Creative ping streets. Torioi Festival MAP／F-3 Communication Center Torioi Festival Akaiwa Onsen This is a festival to parade beating “Torioi Daikos (drums)” whose diameter is more than 1 meter. Held on January 14 every year. 353

6 7 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❷ Kawarayu Onsen MAP／E-4

This onsen is said to be discovered by Yoritomo Minamoto, a famous samurai in late 12th century. Abundant pastimes in every season

Visit Kawarayu Onsen and Kitakaruizawa highland Naganohara resort. Tow n

Yukake Festival MAP／E-4 Held in the morning of the midwinter every year in Kawarayu On- sen. There is filled with vapor and hot air.

Asama Otaki Falls MAP／C-5

Former Kusakaru Railroad Company The biggest waterfall around Kitakaruizawa Area Kitakaruizawa Station MAP／C-5 with 2 meters in width and 10 meters in height. Maruiwa MAP／D-4 A station of Kusakaru Railroad Company that stopped operation in A strange-shaped rock on an elevation of 1,130 meters. 1962. This heritage has been kept as it was.

Karuizawa Fire Festival MAP／C-5

Approximately 4,000 candles are placed all over the snowfield, which creates a fantastic world with drum playing and fireworks.

Naganohara/Kusatsu/Kuni Station MAP／D-4 Yukake Festival A facility adjoined to Naganoharakusatsuguchi Station with its 292 Yamba ohashi classic appearance in Taisho period. There are restaurants, souve- Yamba Furusato-kan Bridge nir shops and a resting space inside. Roadside Station 145 Naganohara/Kusatsu/ 146 Kuni Station Kawarayu Onsen

Maruiwa

Karuizawa Fire Festival Asama Kogen Snowballing Tournament 235 Former Kusakaru Railroad Company Yamba Furusato-kan Kitakaruizawa Station Asama Kogen Asama Otaki Falls Roadside Station MAP／D-4 Yamba ohashi Bridge 146 54 Snowballing Tournament MAP／C-5 MAP／E-4 This facility has a footbath and the market with full Fun event held in February every year! of local products and fresh vegetables. Its length is 494 meters and the height is 73.5 meters.

8 9 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❸

Moving view in every season ’s biggest cabbage field

A village surrounded by mountains of about 2,000 The scenery of boundless and vast cab- Tsumagoi meters above sea level. Enjoy the onsen and nature bage field represents Tsumagoi Village. that changes the appearance by season. Village Asama Plateau Rhododendron Park MAP／B-6 About 150,000 shrubs of rhododendron bloom in May to June. Manza Onsen MAP／B-2

Located on an elevation of 1,800 me- ters. Many people have visited this onsen for medical purpose.

Kazawa Onsen Area MAP／A-5

Enjoy nature in each season while taking the onsen.

Asama Kogen Onsen Area MAP／C-5

A famous onsen resort in Japan located at the north foot of Mt. Asama-yama.

Manza Onsen Mt. Azumayasan MAP／A-4

Manza Highway Enjoy trekking in Mt. Azumayasan, one of the Top 100 moun- tains in Japan.

Tsumagoi Palcall Tsumagoi Highland vegetables Resort Ski Area Panorama Line This area produces delicious highland vegetables Mt. Azumayasan such as cabbages, potatoes, sweet corns and others. 112

AsamaShiranekazan Route MAP／B-6 Mt. Asama-yama (OnioshiHighway)

One of the prominent active Tsumagoi Panorama Line 144 235 volcanoes in Japan. 144

94 Tsumagoi Panorama Line

Kazawa Onsen Area Asama Kogen Onsen Area Mt.Asama Magma Stone Park MAP／B-6 Mt.Asama Magma Stone Park Palcall Tsumagoi Resort Ski Area MAP／A-4 Art of lava produced by the Asama Plateau Rhododendron Park Located on the elevation of 2,100 meters, ski lifts are available on the ski large-scale eruption of Mt. Mt. Asama-yama slopes which is directly connected to the hotel. Asama-yama in 1783.

10 11 Yoshigadaira Nature Trail MAP／B-2, C-2 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❹ The National Park where about 300 kinds of plants grow. The area is registered on the Ramsar Convention. International Onsen Resort “Kusatsu Onsen” is one of the major onsen resorts Kusatsu in Japan. Enjoy Japanese atmosphere in Kusatsu, an international onsen resort that Japan boasts to Tow n the world.

Sainokawara Park MAP／C-2

Jagged rocks lie down and hot springs gushes ／ out from all over the place. “Sainokawara Yubatake MAP C-2 Open-air Bath” in the park is 500m2, the largest in Kusatsu. Yubatake is located in the center of the area and a sym- bol of Kusatsu Onsen where 4,000 liters of hot water gushes out every minute.

Netsu no Yu MAP／C-2

Enjoy Yumomi and dance show. Yumomi is a unique method to cool down hot water of Kusatsu.

Otaki no Yu MAP／C-2 Balz Memorial Hall MAP／C-3 Kusatsu Onsen Ski Area Enjoy onsen directly flowing from the source Information about Erwin von Balz, a German doc- Tenguyama Play Zone MAP／C-2 with various bathing method. tor who introduced Kusatsu Onsen to the world is exhibited. Enjoy skiing in winter, and sports such as grass carts and miniature golf from spring to autumn.

Yoshigadaira Nature Trail

Kusatsu Onsen Ski Area “Goza no Yu” “Sainokawara Open-air Bath” “Otaki no Yu” Yubatake Mt. Kusatsu-Shiranesan “Netsu no Yu” 292

Balz Memorial Hall

Osen-no-taki Falls

Goza no Yu MAP／C-2 ／ A modern public onsen facility reproduced in Osen-no-taki Falls MAP C-3 accordance with the classic medical method A 35-meters high waterfall with red bed- by bathing in hot spring. rocks affords an elegant facade.

12 13 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❺

Village of stars with lively people and tradition A beautiful mountain village lying in a basin and Takayama surrounded by mountains of 1,000 meter above sea level. Village Rice Field Art MAP／H-2 Pictures are drawn in rice fields using different colors of rice plants. Gentian (Rindo) Best time to see is late June to July.

The flower of the village. It is highly appreciated at the market due to its high quality and long life.

Hikaru-kun and Ibuki-chan

Midorinomura Campsite MAP／H-3 Nakayamabonchi Roadside Station MAP／H-2 Camp beginners and families can use at ease with field There is a farmers market where fresh highland vegetables, hand- athletics, a stock farm and a fishing pond. made food/processed goods and so on are sold. Takayama Onsen “Fureai Plaza” is an onsen facility for a day trip.

Cottages MAP／H-2

These are 8 private cottages in rich nature located near Nakayamabonchi Roadside Station.

Gunma Astronomical Observatory MA／H-3 Lock Heart Castle MAP／H-2

Takayama Onsen Fureai Plaza MAP／H-2 One of the largest reflecting telescopes in Japan with which visitors An old castle of Scotland was brought and reproduced in can observe celestial objects directly. the forests. It offers “Princess Experience” that visitors can wear various dresses among more than 500 dresses.

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Remains of Shinden Honjin

145 Lock Heart Castle

Takayama Onsen “Fureai Plaza” Nakayamabonchi Roadside Station Cottages/Rice Field Art Gunma Astronomical Observatory Midorinomura Campsite Remains of Shinden Honjin “Hirakata Family Jutaku Monya” [Registered tangible cultural property] MAP／H-2

14 15 Onsen Paradise Agatsuma Area ❻

A place in connection with a military commander in Sengoku period Scenic spot, Agatsuma Gorge MAP／E-3 Located in the west of Gunma, the area shows a This is a famous place for fresh green and autumn variety of natural landscapes with many famous leaves. A promenade and an observation plat Higashiagatsuma form are built. and historic spots. Especially, the excellent 8 spots Tow n are called Agatsuma Hakkei.

Agatsumakyo Roadside Station MAP／E-3 Hakojima Spring MAP／H-4

Located in a place surrounded by rich nature. The spring gushing out from the base of a There are a farmers market of agricultural 400-year-old Japanese cedar is one of the 100 Suisen-chan products where visitors can do some tasting, fine water. an onsen facility and a dog run.

Ruins of Iwabitsu castle MAP／F-3 Iwai Cherry blossom-Tree-Lined Path MAP／G-3 The ruins of a mountain castle construct- ed halfway up Mt. Iwabitsu-yama. About 300,000 daffodils and one-kilometer of cherry blossom trees are by its side.

MAP／D-5 MAP／D-5 Mt. Iwabitsu-yama MAP／F-4 Yakushi Onsen Hatonoyu Onsen A rocky mountain with the height of 802 meters. Climbing in spring and autumn is rec- A ryokan with private thatched This onsen is said to have healed ommended as the scenery from the top is marvelous. houses in the site. Old furniture in- the injury of Hato (doves) long time side offers classic Japan’s atmo- ago. MAP／F-3 MAP／H-4 sphere. Conifer Iwabitsu Agatsuma Onsen Negoya no Yu Day trip A resort hotel halfway up Mt. Matsunoyu Onsen Iwabitsu-yama. Located on a hill looking down Iwai Cherry blossom- Kawanaka Onsen Tree-Lined Path the Agatsumagawa River. The 145 35 scenery from the open-air bath Conifer Iwabitsu Azuma Onsen Agatsuma Onsen made with rocks is beautiful. Agatsuma Gorge “Kikyokan” “Negoya no Yu” Mt. Iwabitsu-yama 35 Agatsumakyo Onsen Ruins of “Tengu no Yu” Iwabitsu castle Hakojima Spring Agatsumakyo MAP／E-3 MAP／G-4 Agatsumakyo Roadside Station Onsen Azuma Onsen MAP／E-3 MAP／E-3 58 Tengu no Yu Day trip Kikyokan Day trip Hatonoyu Onsen 406 Kawanaka Onsen Matsunoyu Onsen 406 Located in the front of Agatsuma From the open-air bath, visi- Yakushi Onsen Gorge. tors can get the whole view of This is one of the Japan’s major This is a hotel with a hot spring the Agatsumagawa River. three onsen resorts for beauty. gushing out from the back cliff of the hotel.

16 17 Spots of seasonal flowers Spots of beautiful autumn leaves

Kusatsu/ MAP／C-3 Enjoy Zazensou (Skunk Cabbage) Park The number of clusters of skunk cabbage is the largest in Kita-kanto. blooms Best time to see : late March to early May Carpets of blooms as far as the eyes can see. The contrast of colors gifted from nature is worth to see.

Enjoy Karaku no Sato/Christmas rose MAP／D-3 1,000 lovely Christmas roses flower in profuse. autumn Best time to see : late April to middle May Red and yellow leaves around you under a bright blue sky. Let’s enjoy autumn extremely in Agatsuma Area. Kuresaka Pass MAP／D-3

Autumn leaves of Japanese larches, a deciduous tree, are beautiful.

Mihara/Cherry Blossom Trees MAP／C-4

300 cherry blossom trees line up along the bank of the Ag- atsumagawa River and are illminated in the evening. MAP／B-2,B-3,C-4 Best time to see : late April Manza Highway This highway offers spectacular autumn leaves.

Agatsuma Gorge Violet azalea MAP／E-3

It starts flowering when trees sprout and color the gorge in spring. Best time to see : late April to early May

Aisai no Oka/Moss phlox MAP／A-4 Lake Okushimako MAP／F-1 Shirasuna Gorge MAP／D-2 Carpets of red, pink and white flowers are seen all over Aisai no Oka. This is a bright cobalt green lake. The contrast with Beautiful autumn leaves are seen along the gorge. Best time to see : middle May to early June autumn leaves of the mountains is marvelous.

18 19 Joetsu JCT Hokuriku Expressway Nagaoka JCT Nagaoka IC Kan-Etsu Expressway Nakanojo Sta. 50 min from Shima Onsen by bus Gunma 40 min from Nakanojo Prefecture by bus Joetsu Line Gunma Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal Minakami 25 min from Naganoharakusatsuguchi Prefecture by bus Minakami IC

Jomo-Kogen Tsukiyono IC Joshin-Etsu Shima Onsen Takasaki Sta. Expressway Numata IC 50 min from Tokyo Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal Numata by Joetsu/ Agatsuma Line Nakanojo 120 min from Shinjuku Manza- Showa IC by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line Kazawaguchi Gumma-Haramachi 180 min from Narita Airport Omae Naganoharakusatsuguchi Akagi IC by express bus 180 min from Haneda Airport Koshoku JCT Shibukawa by express bus Joestu Shibukawa-Ikaho IC Ueda-Sugadaira IC Shinkansen Hokuriku Shinkansen Shim- Tohoku Expressway Annakaharuna Maebashi IC Maebashi Kiryu Kita-Kanto Matsuida Annaka Takasaki IC Karuizawa Expressway Iwafune JCT Nagano Matsuida-Myogi IC Takasaki Usui-Karuizawa IC Takasaki JCT Expressway Saku-Komoro JCT Fujioka JCT Sano-Fujioka IC Ryomo Line Joshin-Etsu Expressway

Takasaki Line Tatebayashi IC Naganoharakusatsuguchi Sta. Joestu Tohoku 150 min from Ueno by JR Limited Express “Kusatsu” Kumagaya Shinkansen Shinkansen 75 min from Takasaki on JR Agatsuma Line Kuki-Shiraoka JCT Hachiko Line

Tsurugashima JCT

Access Kan-Etsu Omiya Expressway Kawaguchi JCT Ken-O Akabane & Information Misato JCT Contacts Expressway Oizumi JCT Nerima IC Ueno Nakanojo Tourism Association TEL.0279-75-8814 Hachioji JCT Shinjuku Shima Onsen Association TEL.0279-64-2321 Chuo Expressway Kunitachi-Fuchu IC Takaido IC Tokyo Naganohara Industries Division Tourism and Commerce Group Shinagawa TEL.0279-82-3013 Naganohara Tourism Association TEL.0279-82-2208 【Access by car】 Kitakaruizawa Tourism Association TEL.0279-84-2047 104 km (65 min) 52 km (80 min) Nerima IC Shibukawa-Ikaho IC Naganoharakusatsuguchi Sta. Kawarayu Onsen Association TEL.0279-83-2591 Kan-Etsu Expressway 132 km (80 min) 42 km (60 min) Tsumagoi Tourism and Commerce Division TEL.0279-96-1515 Nerima IC Usui-Karuizawa IC Manaza-Kazawaguchi Sta. Kan-Etsu Expressway Tsumagoi Tourism Association TEL.0279-97-3721 Joshin-Etsu Expressway Manza Onsen Tourism Association TEL.0279-97-4000 【Access by express bus】 Kazawa Onsen Tourism Association TEL.0279-98-0511 210 min Tokyo Sta. Yaesu-dori Shima Onsen Kusatsu Onsen Tourism Association TEL.0279-88-0800 Highway Express Bus “Shima Onsen Go” 250 min Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan Cooperative TEL.0279-88-3722 Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal Highway Express Bus “Joshu Yumeguri Go” Kusatsu Tourism Division TEL.0279-88-7188 Takayama Local Development Division TEL.0279-63-2111 Higashiagatsuma Tourism Association TEL.0279-70-2110

2018. ３