[Gunma] A trip to see Gunma's stunning autumn scenery: Hotokuji Temple, Fukiware Falls, and Oigami Onsen

A journey of autumn leaves and historical exploration

Gunma Prefecture has flourished since ancient times as a key transportation hub connecting the Kanto and Hokuriku regions, and is a land where mountain worship and hot spring culture are deeply rooted. The mountains represented by the Jomo Sanzan (Mount Akagi, Mount Haruna, and Mount Myogi) have attracted people's faith since ancient times and continue to protect the rich natural environment to this day.

When autumn arrives, the land of Gunma is colored with a brilliant splendor. Historic temples and shrines, hot springs, magnificent valleys and waterfalls are all enveloped in vibrant autumn leaves, captivating visitors. The sight of the scent of history and the colors of nature overlapping is the true joy of autumn that can only be experienced in Gunma.

In this article, we will introduce Gunma's famous autumn foliage spots, the history that lives on in them, and the local delicacies that will enrich your travel experience.

Hotokuji Temple - A mirrored world of autumn leaves spread across the floor

Located in Kiryu City, Hotokuji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in the Muromachi period. Flowers add color to the temple grounds throughout the seasons, but the autumn scenery is particularly spectacular. One of the most famous sights is the "Floor Maple." The autumn leaves are reflected like a mirror on the polished floorboards of the main hall, creating a fantastical world. The view is like a painting, captivating visitors and attracting many photography enthusiasts.

This mysterious spectacle cannot be seen at Hotokuji Temple except during the "Special Floor Maple Opening" in spring, summer, and autumn. In particular, during the "Special Autumn Floor Maple Opening" held every year around mid-November, over 100 maple trees in the temple grounds change color all at once, and together with the autumn leaves of Mount Narukami, one of the 100 famous mountains in the Kanto region, you can enjoy a view truly worthy of being called "Autumn Leaves Paradise." During the open day entitled "Reflection, a World Reflected on the Floor," visitors can experience the reflection of autumn leaves, which is rare in the country, and are transported to a dreamlike world.

Furthermore, Hotokuji Temple also serves as a Zen training center, where you can experience zazen and sutra copying to enjoy a moment of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. The time to calm your mind while surrounded by autumn leaves is a luxurious experience that can only be had here.

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Orihime Shrine "Momiji Valley" - Autumn Colors at the Matchmaking Shrine

Orihime Shrine in Ashikaga City is known as the guardian deity of the textile industry, and is also popular as a "shrine of matchmaking" because it enshrines the male and female deities of weaving. The "Momiji Valley" within the shrine grounds is widely known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves, and the red and yellow trees and the vermilion-painted shrine building create a beautiful harmony, warmly welcoming visitors.

Momiji Valley is located within Orihime Park and is home to approximately 1,000 maples and tulip trees. During the autumn foliage season, the entire valley is dyed red and yellow, and the contrast of the colors of the trees transports visitors to an extraordinary world. The best time to see the view is usually from early to mid-November, and you can check the latest information on the Ashikaga City Tourism Association's website.

Ashikaga has long flourished as a textile town, with a history dating back to the Kamakura period. By strolling around the area around Orihime Shrine, you can enjoy the vibrant colors of autumn along with the town's historical atmosphere.

Furthermore, Orihime Shrine is also a popular power spot among women. There are many spots dotted around the shrine where people can receive blessings, such as the 229 Stone Steps, which are said to grant wishes, the Bell of Love, and Enmusubi Hill, lined with seven colorful torii gates. Each of the seven divine virtues corresponds to a color, and it is said that they will bring you good fortune in various aspects of life.

[Seven Divine Virtues]

Matchmaking with good people (red)

Good health and relationships (yellow)

Matchmaking with good wisdom (green)

Matchmaking with a good life (blue)

Good academic performance (light green)

Matchmaking with good work (vermilion)

Matchmaking with good management (purple)

It is said that if you pass through the first torii gate and climb the 229 stone steps to pray at the shrine, your wishes will come true. This is an essential spot for autumn tourism in Gunma, where you can enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves and the blessings of matchmaking at the same time.

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Fukiware Falls - The Niagara of the East

Fukiware Falls, located in Numata City, is a famous waterfall that represents Gunma Prefecture and is also known as the "Niagara of the Orient." The waterfall is 7 meters high and 30 meters wide, and flows down as if splitting the bedrock, creating a truly impressive sight. In 1936, it was designated a national natural monument and place of scenic beauty, and was named after the way the giant rock split open. The unique landscape, created by the clear waters of the Katashina River eroding the bedrock, captivates visitors.

Fukiware Falls changes its appearance with the seasons. In summer, the natural mist from the falls envelops you, leaving you feeling refreshed. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn red, creating a vivid contrast with the white spray of the water, pleasing to the eye. One of the attractions is being able to experience the falls up close while walking along the well-maintained walking paths and bridges. Known as "Katashina Valley" since ancient times, this place has been a resting place for travelers, and is one of Gunma's leading tourist spots, where you can enjoy the power of nature and the colorful autumn leaves at the same time.

After enjoying the thrill of the waterfall, head to the nearby Oigami Onsen. Relax and soothe your body and mind in the high-quality hot springs, making this the perfect way to end your autumn trip.

Oigami Onsen - A hot spring village surrounded by legends and autumn foliage

Oigami Onsen, located along the Katashina River, is a famous hot spring with a history of over 1,000 years. Legend has it that the hot springs began when the "Great Serpent" of Mount Akagi fought the "Great Centipede" of Mount Nantai in Nikko, and the hot springs began to flow from the spot where the wounded serpent pierced its arrow. After healing its wounds in the hot springs, the serpent drove away the god of Mount Nantai, and so the hot springs came to be known as "Oigami," which is said to be the origin of the name "Oigami."

In connection with this legend, snakes are considered guardian deities of Oigami Onsen, and an annual "Giant Snake Festival" is held to express gratitude. The festival features heroic processions and religious ceremonies by local people, allowing visitors to experience history and culture. While the origins of the legend may sound a little scary, the snake legend and the Giant Snake Festival surrounding Oigami Onsen should be understood as a unique part of the local culture, filled with gratitude for the discovery and protection of the hot springs, rather than as something to be feared.

Giant "Orochi Mikoshi" Photo provided by: Gunma Tourism

During the autumn foliage season, the mountains surrounding the hot spring town take on vibrant colors, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the autumn colors from the open-air baths. This hot spring village, which has been healing travelers and hot spring visitors since ancient times, is a place of relaxation where you can refresh both body and mind. The combination of legends, festivals, autumn leaves, and the charm of hot springs makes it an essential spot for an autumn trip to Gunma.

Old God Onsen Yumotokatei

Ashikaga Flower Park - Japan's Top Three Illuminations and Autumn Colors

Ashikaga Flower Park is famous nationwide for its winter illuminations, but it is also charming in the fall. The colorful autumn leaves spread throughout the park, combined with the illuminated wisteria trellis and fountains, create a fantastical sight that is different from the daytime. The lighting that makes the most of the wisteria trellis is spectacular, and it is known as one of Japan's three greatest illuminations.

The garden is filled with seasonal flowers and greenhouse plants, with cosmos and dahlias in full bloom in autumn. During the day, you can stroll among the autumn leaves and flowers, taking photos and enjoying the beauty of nature. At night, the garden is enveloped in a world of illuminations, creating an experience that makes you feel like you're walking through a dream.

There are also cafes and restaurants within the park where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. It is easily accessible by train or car, making it the perfect place for an autumn weekend outing. Ashikaga Flower Park, where natural beauty and man-made beauty blend beautifully, is a spot that will add a touch of color to your autumn trip in Gunma.

Watarase Keikoku Railway - Autumn foliage in the valley seen from the train window

The Watarase Keikoku Railway (Watetsu), which runs from Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture to Mato Station in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a local line that is essential for autumn sightseeing. The leisurely ride of approximately 44.1 km takes about an hour and a half, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. This line, which took over from the former Ashio Line, is beloved by local residents and tourists alike, and is especially popular in spring and autumn when the nostalgic trolley train operates.

During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in a relaxed atmosphere, with views of the red and yellow trees that adorn the valley and the clear waters of the Watarase River from the train windows. If you ride the trolley train, you can also enjoy the autumn leaves in a more open space. We recommend this spot as a place where you can fully enjoy autumn in Gunma while feeling the nostalgia that only a train journey can provide.

*The tour is scheduled to take approximately 30 minutes from Kobe Station to Omama Station. Although it is a short journey, it is a section where you can easily enjoy the autumn leaves and beautiful valleys from the train window.

Autumn Flavors of Gunma: Matsutake Mushrooms, Daruma Bento Boxes, and Okutone Yuba

Food is an essential part of enjoying a trip. Matsutake mushrooms are a flavor that typifies autumn in Gunma. The foothills of Mount Akagi and the area around Mount Haruna are known for producing high-quality matsutake mushrooms, and fragrant matsutake rice and earthenware pot steamed dishes are luxurious dishes that can only be enjoyed during this season.

Another famous Gunma ekiben is the "Daruma Bento." Sold at Takasaki Station, this bento is packed with local cuisine in a Daruma-shaped container, which you can take home as a lucky charm after you've finished eating. The Daruma is a lucky charm modeled after the "Takasaki Daruma," a symbol of Gunma, and symbolizes "getting up after falling down seven times." The Daruma Bento is not only a way to enjoy the local specialty Daruma and local cuisine at the same time, but also a good omen that will bring you good luck as well as a memory of your trip; it is a uniquely Gunma autumn flavor.

Additionally, don't miss the traditional flavors made with soybeans grown in the pure waters of Okutone. At Machidaya Shirasawa Branch in Shirasawa, you can enjoy the experience of scooping fresh yuba and tofu, which you can then season with your choice of soy sauce, salt, or soup. Founded in 1950, the restaurant boasts techniques passed down through three generations and the warm hospitality of its staff. The yuba and tofu bring out the natural sweetness and umami of the soybeans, allowing you to savor the richness of the ingredients with every bite, adding a touch of color to your autumn trip to Gunma.

By enjoying the autumn flavors of Gunma, including matsutake mushrooms, Daruma bento boxes, and Okutone yuba and tofu, your memories of your trip will become even deeper and richer.

A memorable journey through autumn in Gunma

Autumn leaves in Gunma are a season in which historic temples, shrines, and hot springs blend beautifully with the majestic nature. Be captivated by the maple leaves at Houtoku-ji Temple, marvel at the power of Fukiware Falls, relax and unwind at Oigami Onsen, and enjoy the changing scenery on the Watarase Keikoku Railway. Each of these experiences will elevate your autumn trip to Gunma into a lasting memory. Experience the combination of nature, history, and local flavors in Gunma with all five senses.