[Cherry Blossoms 2025] Special feature on scenic cherry blossom spots in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture - from classics to hidden gems

• Table of Contents
• Numata City, a moderately rural area about 2 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 perfect cherry blossom spot for a picnic or stroll! - A hidden cherry blossom spot -
• How about enjoying cherry blossom viewing with some Numata sweets?
• After enjoying the cherry blossom viewing, 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 2 hours from Tokyo

Numata City, located in the northern part of Gunma Prefecture, is easily accessible from Tokyo, about two hours by car, train, or bullet train. We will introduce you to some recommended cherry blossom spots in Numata for those who don't like the crowds in Tokyo, but don't want to waste time traveling far away.

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

1. Numata Park: A Place for Citizens to Relax [Early to Mid-April]

Numata Park is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot representing Numata. It is a 15-minute walk from Numata Station. It is also known as the site of Numata Castle, once ruled by the Sanada clan. Currently, the stone walls of the Nishi-yaguradai 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, and you can 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]

Along with Numata Park, Juo Park is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. It is a 13-minute bus ride 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. Johbori river was developed by Sanada Nobuyuki, the first lord of Numata Castle, to help rebuild his impoverished domain. Take a stroll along the cherry blossom-filled Johbori river and reminisce about the castle town that the Sanada built.

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

1. The majestic single cherry tree "Hatsuchi no Higanzakura" (mid-April)

This is one of the city's most famous trees, and is also a prefectural natural monument. It is accessible by bus and foot in 33 minutes from Numata Station. It is affectionately known as " hocchi's rice nursery Cherry Blossom" because it blooms around the time when the rice nursery is being made. It is located on a hill overlooking the hocchi area, and its majestic appearance is truly impressive.

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

The tree is about 5.2 meters tall and 1.5 meters around the roots. The large roots that split the large rocks and grow out are magnificent. It is a 16-minute drive from Numata IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. The Kasumizakura is also featured in the Shirasawa district song "Shirasawa Yoitoko," and is loved by the locals. The accompanying verse goes, "For those who see it, it is a sakura tree that blooms in the mountains, and the reader is unknown." 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. yamatsumari Sakura: A single cherry tree with a long history [mid- to late April]

This famous tree has also been designated as a city natural monument. It is a 20-minute drive from Numata IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. This giant tree stands beside yamatsumari Daimyojinja Shrine, and according to legend, it was a keepsake of Nitta Yoshimune's wife and children who stayed here during the Shohei era (1346-1370). Although the center is hollow, this 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 neighboring Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. It is also easily accessible from Fukiwarenotaki 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....

4. Shimokawada's weeping cherry blossoms stand out against the backdrop of river terraces [mid-April]

It is about 23 minutes by car from Numata IC. It is located on a hill across the Tone River from Numata city, and on clear days you can see Mt. Tanigawa and Mt. Hotaka. Due to its good location, you can often see many photographers.

A perfect cherry blossom spot for a picnic or stroll! - A hidden cherry blossom spot -

5. The sparkling lakeside cherry blossoms of Lake Sonohara [mid-April]

You can enjoy the glittering reflection of the approximately 60 Yoshino cherry trees lining the edge of Lake Sonohara. It is about a 23-minute drive from Numata IC. It is also easily accessible from Oigami Onsen and Fukiwarenotaki Falls, making it an ideal stopover spot. You can enjoy a relaxing time while looking out at Lake Sonohara.

6. Cherry Blossoms Along the Kurihara River, Where You Can Enjoy the Sound of the River Babbling (Mid-April)

A row of about 60 Yoshino cherry trees decorates the promenade along the Kurihara River. It is about a 21-minute drive from Numata IC. It is a place rich in nature, perfect for walking or cycling. It is also close to Oigami Onsenkyo, and has 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 there are areas that are off-limits. Every year, many people can be seen admiring the row of cherry trees on the right bank or from the bridge.

How about enjoying cherry blossom viewing with some Numata sweets?

Numata city has more than 20 Japanese and Western confectionery shops, mainly in the downtown area, including Gunma's soul food, miso manju, and nationally famous baumkuchen. You're sure to find your favorite shop, whether it's a Japanese confectionery shop that continues to preserve traditions or a Western confectionery shop that is constantly creating new things! Why not go out and look for your favorite sweets? After enjoying a walk around the city, we recommend enjoying cherry blossom viewing with a Numata sweet in hand.

Sweets information here

After enjoying the cherry blossom viewing, 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 Kogen Onsen, Bokyo no Yu

"Shirasawa Kogen Onsen Bokyo no Yu" is a hot spring that boasts a spectacular view from the open-air bath, where you can see Mount Akagi and Mount Komochi. The spring quality is a gentle alkaline simple hot spring, which is ideal 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 fun time soothed by the view of nature.

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

The neighboring 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, and the store is filled with a fresh aroma. In addition to vegetables and fruits, local specialties such as honey and juice, as well as folk crafts, are also sold. People can be seen relaxing with a cup of coffee on the terrace chairs.

It is easily accessible, about a 10-minute drive 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 abou...

2. Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu

"Nango Onsen Shakunage no Yu" is a 100% natural hot spring that flows directly from the source. 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 murmuring 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.

The neighboring Tone Agricultural and Forestry Products Direct Sales Center Nango Market sells mainly locally grown fresh vegetables, allowing visitors 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 local vegetables. Advance reservations are required. For more information, 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 w...

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.

By car

▶ If coming from Tokyo

The most convenient way is to take the Kan'etsu Expressway. It takes 90 minutes from Nerima IC to the nearest Numata IC.

▶ If coming from the Tohoku Expressway

1. From Iwafune JCT to Takasaki JCT on the Kita-Kanto Expressway (approx. 35 minutes)

2. From Takasaki JCT, take the Kan-etsu Expressway to Numata IC (approx. 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 Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (approx. 50 minutes)

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

1. Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomo-Kogen Station (approx. 70 minutes)

2. Take the Kan'etsu Kotsu bus from Jomo-Kogen Station to Numata Station (approx. 25 minutes)

▶ If you want to go slowly and cheaply

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

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

For access information, click here