[Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture] Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Shima Onsen: Enjoy the autumn foliage along with Gunma's famous hot springs

• Table of Contents
• What is Nakanojo Town?
• 6 places to see autumn leaves
• 1. Shirasuna Valley Line
• 2.Lake Nozori
• 3. Kuresaka Pass
• 4. Lake Okushima
• 5. Hinatami Yakushido
• 6.Mount Takeyama

What is Nakanojo Town?

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

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

Located adjacent to Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen, it is about an hour's drive from Kusatsu Onsen to the center of Nakanojo Town, and about 30 minutes' drive from Ikaho Onsen. Shima Onsen is about a 40-minute bus ride from JR Nakanojo Station. With easy access from Gunma's major hot spring areas, you can enjoy the autumn leaves along with the hot springs.

Furthermore, because there are differences in altitude even within the same town, you can enjoy the autumn leaves for a long period of time!

6 places to see autumn leaves

1. Shirasuna Valley Line

The nearest station to Kusatsu Onsen is Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.

From here, if you head towards Kuni on National Route 292, you will reach a road called the Shirasuna Valley Line.

Along the road that runs alongside the Shirasuna River, there are many spots where you can enjoy the autumn leaves, such as the Akaiwa area, the former Oshi Station, and Ozen Falls.

At Lake Nozori, the northernmost lake, the leaves begin to change color in October, and over the course of about a month the best viewing times move south.

We recommend taking a drive while enjoying the colorful autumn leaves.

Shirasuna Valley Line

Akaiwa, Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture 377-1311

Enjoy the contrast between the Shirasuna River that runs along the national highway and the autumn leaves along the valley.

2.Lake Nozori

If you head north along the Shirasuna Valley Line, you will come to Lake Nozori at the end of the road.

The lake is surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high, and is crowded with many hikers from spring to autumn.

In autumn, the trees around the lake change color, delighting visitors.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually early October.

There is also a promenade along the lakeside, so you can enjoy a casual hike.

Lake Nozori

Iriyama Town, Nakanojo, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1701

This dam lake is located at an altitude of 1,513m and is decorated with approximately 300 species of alpine plants, including Glaucidium azalea, Rhododendron moniliforme, and Hemerocallis gracilis. You can also enjoy fishing and hiking here.

3. Kuresaka Pass

Kuresaka Pass is a pass you pass through on your way from the Kuni area to Sawatari Onsen.

The poet Wakayama Bokusui once walked this road and was so moved by the scenery that he left behind many masterpieces.

A monument to Bokusui's poetry has been erected at Kuresaka Pass, and the Bokusui Festival is held every year on October 20th.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is around October 20th.

4. Lake Okushima

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."

If you head north from the hot spring town on National Route 353, you will come to Lake Okushima at the end of the road.

Enjoy the mystical blue lake surface known as "Shima Blue" and the autumn leaves surrounding the lake. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually late October.

If you walk halfway around Lake Okushima clockwise, you will come across a waterfall called Shakunage Falls.

You can also rent a bicycle from the Shima Onsen Association or a ryokan (Japanese inn) in Shima Onsen town.

If you have an electric-assisted bicycle, you can easily go up hills.

Lake Okushima

3770601 Shima, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

Located at the very back of Shima Onsen, Lake Okushima is a dam lake created by the Shima River Dam, with a circumference of 4km. The water here has a mysterious and mysterious blue color. Recently, it has been attracting attention as "Shima Blue." It is said that the clearer the water, the more it reflects the blue color, which is proof that the water is transparent. In addition to the beauty of this water, it is said that it looks blue because of the mixture of minerals and other components. This Shima Blue shows various expressions depending on the location, season, weather, and time of day. The blue is especially beautiful from April to May when meltwater flows into the lake, and you can see an even more beautiful color. It is also recommended to visit in the morning on a sunny day when the sun is shining on the lake surface. You can also enjoy canoeing on the lake surface. The autumn leaves at Lake Okushima are from mid-October to early November.

5. Hinatami Yakushido

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 continued military success 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).

It is recommended not only to see the autumn leaves, but also the cherry blossoms in spring and the fresh greenery in early summer.

Right next door you will find the Hinatami Yakushi Footbath and the public bath, Gomuso no Yu.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually late October, but you can still enjoy the autumn leaves in Shima Onsen town well into November.

Hinatami Yakushido

377-0601 4371 Shima, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

The current hall was built in 1598 to pray for the long-lasting military fortunes of the feudal lord at the time, Sanada Nobuyuki . It enshrines a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, who is revered as the "Yakushi before the bath" by people who come to the hot springs to cure their illnesses, and has been visited by many people since ancient times. The dragon painted on the ceiling has multiple small legs, and one theory is that it was imagined from a centipede. Centipedes are messengers of Bishamonten, the god of war, and were popular with military commanders as they only move forward and are unyielding. It was designated a nationally designated important cultural property following a revision of the law in 1950. It is also the oldest wooden building in the prefecture, and is one of the few precious buildings in the Kanto region. Currently, a rice scoop is dedicated to the Yakushido, which represents the wish to be "saved" and "never be short of food."

6.Mount Takeyama

Mount Takeyama, the symbol of Nakanojo Town

It takes about two hours to climb the mountain, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind.

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.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually mid-November.

Roadside Station Reizan Takeyama

377-0432 222-1 Gotanda, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture

There are shops selling local specialties, soba restaurants, athletic facilities, and more, so everyone from adults to children can have fun. Every year from mid-April to mid-May, about 100 carp streamers flutter in the sky. The scenery changes with the seasons, from forest bathing to autumn leaves, and attracts visitors.