[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

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[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Nakanojo Town's catchphrase is "The Town of Flowers and Hot Springs." We will introduce you to some great cherry blossom viewing spots that you can enjoy along with Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, and Shima Onsen.

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Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

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What is Nakanojo Town?

Nakanojo Town is located in the northwestern part of Gunma, on the border with Niigata and Nagano prefectures.

It takes about 2 hours by train from Ueno Station, and about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Nerima IC.

It is adjacent to Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen, and it is about an hour's drive from Kusatsu Onsen to the center of Nakanojo Town, and about 30 minutes by car from Ikaho Onsen. Shima Onsen is about a 40-minute bus ride from JR Nakanojo Station. It is easily accessible from Gunma's major hot spring areas, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms along with the hot springs.

Furthermore, because of the higher elevation, the cherry blossoms bloom later than on the plains.

In recent years, the cherry blossoms have been blooming earlier than usual, so this is a great option for those who couldn't make it in time to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo!

7 places to see cherry blossoms

1. Nakanojo Gardens

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

This stroll-style garden is the centerpiece, and you can enjoy flowers of all seasons.

The cherry blossoms in the park are at their best in mid-April every year, and are also lit up at night.

If you take the bus bound for Shima Onsen from JR Nakanojo Station, you can get off at the entrance to Nakanojo Gardens. It is also recommended to stop by on your way to or from Shima Onsen.

*Please note that there are few buses that stop at Nakanojo Gardens.

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Not only the cherry blossoms, but the 1,000 peach blossom trees blooming on the slopes are also worth seeing.

The deep pink of the peach blossoms, the white of the spiracle willows, and the yellow of the forsythia brightly color the slopes.

2. Rinshoji Temple

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

This temple has ties to the Sanada family, who were served by the Sanada ninja during the Sengoku period.

The weeping cherry tree in front of the main hall has a trunk that is about 3.8 meters thick and 16 meters tall.

It is the earliest cherry blossom to bloom among the town's cherry trees, and is usually at its best in early April.

There are many fans who look forward to the weeping cherry blossoms blooming every year, and when they are in full bloom, many spectators come from inside and outside the town.

It is about a 10-minute walk from JR Nakanojo Station.

For more information about Rinshoji Temple, click here

3. Mount Takeyama

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Mount Takeyama, the symbol of Nakanojo Town

At the foot of the mountain is the "Reizan Takeyama Roadside Station," where you can purchase agricultural products and souvenirs, as well as eat freshly made soba noodles.

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Between mid-April and mid-May, wires are strung up the middle of Mt. Takeyama and about 100 carp streamers fly in the sky.

Therefore, if you visit in mid-April, you can enjoy both the cherry blossoms and the carp streamers.

4. Day-trip bathing facility "Shima Seiryu-no-Yu"

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Shima Onsen is one of the three most famous hot springs in Jomo, along with Kusatsu and Ikaho.

Since ancient times, it has been said that drinking the water is good for the stomach and intestines, and bathing in it is good for the skin, and the name comes from the legend that it is a sacred spring that can cure 40,000 illnesses.

For information on how to get to Shima Onsen, please refer to this article.

Shima Seiryu-no-Yu in the hot spring town is a day-trip bathing facility located along the clear waters of the Shima River, as its name suggests.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms while relaxing in the hot springs. The cherry blossom season in Shima Onsen is mid-April.

5. Hinatami Yakushido

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

Located at the very back of Shima Onsen, Yakushido is a nationally designated important cultural property.

The current hall was built in 1598 to pray for the long-lasting military fortunes of the then lord, Sanada Izunokami Nobuyuki, and is a valuable building that retains the architectural style of the time (an eclectic mix of Chinese and Japanese styles).

In addition to the cherry blossoms, the fresh greenery of early summer and the autumn leaves are also recommended.

Right next door are the Hinatami Yakushi Footbath and the public bath, Gomuso no Yu.

6. Sawatari Onsen Town

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

This is a beauty bath that is said to have the power to make your skin as smooth as a pearl after just one bath.

Since ancient times, it has been said that soaking in the highly acidic Kusatsu Onsen and then soaking in the soft waters of the nearby Sawatari Onsen enhances the therapeutic effects of the hot springs, and this has come to be known as "Kusatsu Onsen no Agari-yu." It is about 25 minutes by local bus from JR Nakanojo Station to Sawatari Onsen.

You can also enjoy cherry blossoms in this hot spring town surrounded by mountains. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually around mid-April.

For more information about Sawatari Onsen, click here

7. Old Oshi Station

[Nakanojo Gunma Prefecture] A Feature Articles on cherry blossom viewing in the spring that can be enjoyed along with Gunma's famous hot springs in Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen

The former Oshi Station opened in 1945 as the starting station for the Oshi Line, a private line transporting iron ore from the Gunma Iron Mine.

The line was closed in 1971, but the hopper block, platforms, and station buildings have been restored, allowing visitors to see what they were like back then.

The hopper building, seen on the left of the photo, is the only remaining structure related to the Gunma Iron Mine, an important iron mine that supported Japan's post-war reconstruction, and is a registered tangible cultural property of the country.

The cherry blossoms lined up beside the facility are at their best in mid-April every year and are lit up at night. The facility is also close to Kusatsu Onsen, about a 20-minute drive away.

For more information about the former Oshi Station, click here

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Gunma Prefecture

Gunma

Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

more
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