[2026 Cherry Blossoms] Feature Articles on spectacular cherry blossom spots in Numata City , Gunma - from classics to hidden gems

• Table of Contents
• Numata City , a moderately rural area about two hours from Tokyo
• Recommended for first-time visitors!! ~A classic cherry blossom spot~
• A single cherry tree that has been loved by locals for a long time! ~A hidden cherry blossom spot~
• A famous cherry blossom spot perfect for picnics and strolls! ~A hidden cherry blossom spot~
• How about enjoying Numata blossom viewing with some Numata sweets?
• After enjoying the cherry blossoms, why not relax in Numata's hot springs?
• This spring, head to Numata's easily accessible cherry blossom spots!

Numata City , a moderately rural area about two hours from Tokyo

Numata City , located in the northern part of Gunma , is easily accessible from Tokyo, just two hours by car, train, or bullet train. If you don't like the crowds in Tokyo, but don't want to waste time traveling far away, we'll introduce you to some of Numata's best cherry blossom spots.

Recommended for first-time visitors!! ~A classic cherry blossom spot~

1. Numata Park, a Place for Locals to Relax [Early to Mid-April]

Numata Park is a famous cherry blossom spot representing Numata . It's a 15-minute walk from Numata Station. It's also known as the site of Numata Castle, once ruled by the Sanada clan. Currently, the Ishigaki of the west tower remain, and on top of them blooms the Gotenzakura, a symbol of Numata Park that is said to be about 400 years old. In addition, the cherry blossoms (about 200 trees) that surround the entire park make you feel the arrival of spring.

The Numata Park Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year during the cherry blossom season, allowing you to enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. Detailed information will be released as soon as it is decided.

2. Juo Park: Fun for the Whole Family (Early to Mid-April)

Juo Park, along with Numata Park, is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. It is a 13-minute bus and walk from Numata Station. In addition to the approximately 65 cherry trees that adorn the park, you can also enjoy the rows of cherry trees along the nearby Shirohori River. The Johbori river was developed by Sanada Nobuyuki, the first lord of Numata, to help rebuild his impoverished domain. Take a stroll along the Johbori river, colored by cherry blossoms, and imagine the castle town built by the Sanada clan.

A single cherry tree that has been loved by locals for a long time! ~A hidden cherry blossom spot~

1. The majestic single higan cherry (species of weeping cherry tree, Prunus subhirtella) in Hocchi" (Hatsuchi Higanzakura) [Mid-April]

This is one of the city's most famous trees, and is also designated as a prefectural natural monument. It is accessible by bus and walking in 33 minutes from Numata Station. Because it blooms around the time when the rice nursery are being made, it is affectionately known as "Hatsuchi's rice nursery Cherry Blossoms." Located on a hill overlooking the Hatchi area, its majestic towering appearance is truly breathtaking.

2. The powerfully blooming single cherry tree, "Ishiwari Sakura" (Early May)

The tree stands approximately 5.2 meters tall and has a root circumference of 1.5 meters. Its large roots, splitting through large rocks, are truly impressive. It's a 16-minute drive from Numata IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. The Kasumizakura, beloved by local residents, also features in the Shirasawa area song "Shirasawa Yoitoko," which includes the accompanying verse: "For those who see it, a ara de okuyama ni o no ga makoto sakura ka kana, a sakura Sakura in the mountains, a yomi na zu." The best time to see the flowers is in early May, later than other cherry blossoms, so you can enjoy them even after the cherry blossom season has ended.

3. cherry blossom in Yamatsumari, a single cherry tree with a long history [Mid-Late April]

This famous tree has also been designated a city natural monument. It is a 20-minute drive from Numata IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. This giant tree stands beside yamatsumari Daimyojin Shrine, and according to legend, it was a keepsake left by Nitta Yoshimune's wife and children when they stayed in the area during the Shohei era (1346-1370). Though the center is hollowed out, it is a notable ancient cherry tree in Numata, and is one of the largest Edohigan cherry trees in the city. Every spring, it blooms before the nearby Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. It is also easily accessible from Fukiware Falls, a famous waterfall that Numata is proud of.

Fukiware Falls

378-0303 Gunma Prefecture, Numata City, Tone Town, Oigai

Fukiware Falls, a national natural monument and place of scenic beauty, is a spectacular waterfall that is 7 meters high and 30 meters wide. Its different expressions change depending on the season, with fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The waterfall was formed when the soft bedrock of the riverbed was eroded, creating numerous fissures, and one of the largest cracks became the waterfall. It got its name from the fact that it looks as if a huge rock had been split apart. There are also walking paths in the surrounding area, allowing you to enjoy the abundant nature.

4. weeping cherry blossom in Shimokawada Stand Out Against the River Terrace [Mid-April]

It is about a 23-minute drive from Numata IC. It is located on a hill across the Tone River River from downtown Numata, and on clear days you can see Mount Tanigawa and Mount Hotaka, making it a popular spot for photographers.

A famous cherry blossom spot perfect for picnics and strolls! ~A hidden cherry blossom spot~

5. Sparkling Lakeside cherry blossom in Lake Sonohara(Mid-April)

You can enjoy the sight of the approximately 60 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees lining the edge of Lake Hara, sparkling as they reflect off the water's surface. It's about a 23-minute drive from Numata IC. It's also easily accessible from Oigami Onsen and Fukiware Falls, making it a great place to stop by. You can enjoy a relaxing time while looking out at Lake Hara.

6. Enjoy the cherry blossoms along the banks of the Kurihara River with the sounds of the river (mid-April)

A row of approximately 60 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees decorates the promenade along the Kurihara. It's about a 21-minute drive from Numata Interchange. It's a place rich in nature, perfect for walking or cycling. It's also close to Oigami Onsenkyo, offering good access to hot spring inns, hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations, as well as day-trip hot springs. Please note that there is private land upstream from Kurihara Bridge, and some areas are off-limits. Every year, many people can be seen admiring the rows of cherry trees on the right bank and from the bridge.

How about enjoying Numata blossom viewing with some Numata sweets?

Numata City is home to over 20 Japanese and Western confectionery shops, mainly in the city center, including Gunma's soul food, miso manju, and the nationally famous baumkuchen. You're sure to find a shop you like, whether it's a Japanese confectionery shop that continues to preserve tradition or a Western confectionery shop that's constantly creating new creations! Why not go out and find your favorite sweets? After enjoying a stroll around the city, we recommend enjoying Numata blossom viewing with a Numata sweet in hand.

Sweets information here

After enjoying the cherry blossoms, why not relax in Numata's hot springs?

There are many hot springs with excellent water quality in the city. After enjoying cherry blossom viewing, be sure to soothe your fatigue in Numata's high-quality hot springs. You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season.

1. Shirasawa Takaharu Onsen Nostalgia Hot Spring

Shirasawa Takaharu Onsen Bokyo no Yu is a hot spring that boasts a spectacular view from its open-air bath, overlooking Mount Akagi and Mount Komochi. The water is a mild alkaline simple hot spring, perfect for recovering from fatigue and relieving stress. At the observation restaurant, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, you can spend a relaxing time soothed by the view of nature.

The outdoor shop sells the extremely popular soft serve ice cream made with milk from cows that have been lovingly raised in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Shirasawa Takaharu. In addition to the soft serve ice cream, they also sell light meals, including Numata's specialty, "Edama Menchi."

The adjacent roadside station, Shirasawa, sells fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruits. Freshly picked vegetables and fruits are brought in one after another by the producers early in the morning, filling the store with a fresh aroma. In addition to vegetables and fruits, the store also sells local specialties such as honey and juice, as well as folk crafts. People can be seen relaxing with a cup of coffee on the terrace chairs.

It is easily accessible, about 10 minutes by car from Numata IC, making it a great place to stop by during a drive.

Shirasawa Kogen Onsen Bokyo no Yu

378-0125 1297 Hiraide, Shirasawa-cho, Numata-shi, Gunma Prefecture

Located in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, Shirasawa Kogen Onsen Bokyo no Yu is a day-trip hot spring that can be accessed from Tokyo in about two hours. It boasts a spectacular view from the open-air bath, overlooking the beautiful mountains. It is also recommended as a stopover when visiting Ikaho or Nikko.

2. Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu

Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu is a natural hot spring that flows 100% directly from the source. There are a wide variety of baths to enjoy, including a stone bath made of beautiful piled up boulders, an open-air bath where you can hear the murmuring of the Neri River, and a family bath that the whole family can enjoy. This complex offers an Toyotomi supply of hot spring water, fresh flavors, and the beautiful changes of the seasons.

The adjacent Tone Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Sales Store Nango Market sells mainly locally produced fresh vegetables, allowing you to experience the changing seasons of Tone Town Numata City .

Also, across the street is Nango no Magariya, where you can try out a variety of experiences, including making oyaki and soba noodles using fresh, locally grown vegetables. Advance reservations are required. For more details, please see the link below.

Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu

378-0313 100 Hikage Nango, Tone-cho, Numata-shi, Gunma Prefecture

Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu is a 100% natural hot spring located in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, about two hours from Tokyo. There are a wide variety of things to enjoy, including a stone bath made of beautiful piled up boulders, an open-air bath where you can hear the babbling of the Neri River, and a family bath that the whole family can enjoy. This complex allows you to enjoy the abundant hot spring water, fresh flavors, and the beautiful changes of the seasons.

For more information on "Nango no Curved House," click here.

This spring, head to Numata's easily accessible cherry blossom spots!

There are two main ways to get to Numata.

If you are coming by car

▶ If you are coming from Tokyo

The most convenient way to get there is via the Kan-etsu Expressway. It takes about 90 minutes from Nerima IC to the nearest Numata IC.

▶ If coming from the Tohoku Expressway

1. From Iwafune JCT, take the Kita-Kanto Expressway to Takasaki JCT (approximately 35 minutes)

2. From Takasaki JCT, take the Kan-etsu Expressway to Numata IC (approximately 30 minutes)

If you are coming by Shinkansen or train

▶If you want to go quickly and easily

1. From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen or Joetsu to Takasaki Station (approximately 50 minutes)

2. Take the JR Joetsu from Takasaki Station to Numata Station (approximately 50 minutes)

1. Joetsu from Tokyo Station to Koge Station (approximately 70 minutes)

2. Take the Kan-etsu Kotsu bus from Koge Station to Numata Station (approximately 25 minutes)

▶If you want to go slowly and cheaply

1. From Ueno Station, take the JR Takasaki to Takasaki Station (approximately 110 minutes)

2. Take the JR Joetsu from Takasaki Station to Numata Station (approximately 50 minutes)

For access information, click here