[Gunma Prefecture, Nakanojo] Spring Travel Guide: 1,000 Peach Trees and the Historic Shima Onsen

The charm of spring in Japan goes beyond cherry blossoms. Vast gardens filled with colorful flowers, historic hot springs surrounded by fresh greenery, and a beautiful lake with a distinctive blue color are all attractions. Nakanojo Town in Gunma Prefecture , easily accessible from Tokyo , is a place where you can experience all of these things.

If you're looking to escape the city and relax amid Japan's rich natural and historical landscapes, Nakanojo Town is the perfect destination for you this spring. In this article, we'll introduce four must-visit spots in Nakanojo Town in the spring, as well as practical information for enjoying Nakanojo Gardens and Shima Onsen.

• Table of Contents
• Nakanojo Gardens: Seven gardens create a spectacular spring view
• Shima Onsen: The legendary hot spring that heals 40,000 ailments and the miraculous "Shima Blue" water
• Activities around Shima Onsen
• Former Taishi Station: History and cherry blossoms intersect in Japan's No. 1 open-car park
• Summary: A memorable Japanese experience in Nakanojo in spring

Nakanojo Gardens: Seven gardens create a spectacular spring view

The first place we'll introduce is Nakanojo Gardens. This is more than just a botanical garden. It is truly a "collection of gardens," with seven different themed gardens and a farm area scattered across its vast grounds. Each garden has been designed by professional gardeners, so you can enjoy a different worldview every time you step inside.

In spring, Nakanojo Gardens unfolds a magical "flower relay."

Late March to mid-April: The Shangri-La of Hanamomo Hill

With the arrival of spring, the first thing to come into bloom are the flowering peach trees. There are about 1,000 flowering peach trees planted in the garden, and the sight of them all blooming at once is truly breathtaking. The vibrant red, white, and pink flowers bloom in profusion, covering the sky, and the yellow forsythia and white spiraea at their feet add a touch of color.

The Hanamomo no Oka Festival, held at this time of year, is a must-see. This overwhelming panorama of colors will show you that spring in Japan is not just about cherry blossoms. We recommend taking your camera with you and walking around looking for your own perfect shot.

Mid-April: Mysterious cherry blossom illumination

Coinciding with, or slightly later than, the peach blossom season, cherry blossoms, a symbol of Japan, reach their peak.

At Nakanojo Gardens, the cherry blossoms are lit up for a limited time of a few days in mid-April. The cherry blossoms are beautiful in the soft sunlight of the day, but the night cherry blossoms that emerge in the darkness are exceptional. The illuminated cherry blossoms in the silence exude a mysterious, profound beauty. This may be a moment when you can experience the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi."

From late May: A fragrant labyrinth of spring roses

The elegant roses are the finale of spring. Nakanojo Gardens' rose garden is divided into seven sections, and each "room" has its own unique atmosphere, theme color, and fragrance.

Passionate red roses greet visitors in some areas, delicate pink roses in others, and pure white roses in others. Strolling through the garden, enveloped in the scent of roses, you'll be immersed in a romantic mood, and you'll almost forget you're in Japan.

Great points for travelers

For tourists from overseas, being able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about having cash on hand is an important point. At Nakanojo Gardens' shops and restaurants, you can pay with credit cards, as well as electronic money and QR code payments. This makes it easy to purchase photo books of beautiful flowers and local souvenirs.

[Basic Information] Nakanojo Gardens

Address: 2411 Nakanojo Town, Agatsuma-gun , Gunma Prefecture Prefecture

Phone number: 0279-75-7111

Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)

Closed: Thursdays, days after public holidays, and New Year's holidays (however, the park will be open during the peak flower season)

Shima Onsen: The legendary hot spring that heals 40,000 ailments and the miraculous "Shima Blue" water

After satisfying your soul with beautiful flowers, soothe your body with Japan's traditional hot spring culture. Shima Onsen in Nakanojo Town is a famous hot spring that is counted as one of the "Shima Onsen Great Hot Springs of Jomo ( Gunma Prefecture 's three Koge hot springs)" along with Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen.

A sacred spring that "heals 40,000 illnesses"

The name Shima Onsen comes from a legend that says the hot springs have the power to cure 40,000 illnesses. The hot springs have a long history, and in 1954 they were designated as Japan's first "national hot spring resort." In other words, they were the first "hot spring resort with health benefits" recognized by the government. The hot spring town is located in a quiet mountain area, surrounded by abundant nature. Walking through the old wooden inns and streets with a retro atmosphere, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. The atmospheric scenery, which makes you feel as if you have wandered into the world of an old Japanese movie, continues to fascinate many travelers.

"Shima Blue" - a spectacular view only seen in spring

If you visit Shima Onsen, you absolutely cannot miss Lake Oku. The color of the lake's water is known as "Shima Blue," a beautiful blue that is hard to describe in words. April to early May is the "miracle season" in particular, when this blue is at its deepest all year. It is said that the flow of melting snow changes the particles in the water, causing it to shine a deep, vibrant cobalt blue. The contrast between the vibrant green of the new leaves and the deep blue of the lake's surface is a spectacular sight that you will never forget once you see it.

Late arrival of spring and cherry blossoms in the mountain village

Because Shima Onsen is located at a high altitude, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom later than on the plains. The best time to see the cherry blossoms in the hot spring town is usually from mid-April to early May. Even if you miss the peak of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo or Kyoto, you may still be able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom if you come to Shima Onsen. The combination of the steam and cherry blossoms is a picturesque sight that can only be found in a hot spring resort.

[Basic Information] Shima Onsen Association

Address: 4379 Shima, Nakanojo Town , Gunma Prefecture Prefecture

Phone number: 0279-64-2321

Activities around Shima Onsen

Relaxing in a hot spring is great, but for those who want to enjoy Japan's nature in a more active way, we recommend the outdoor activities around Shima Onsen.

"Blue and Green Cycling" on an Electric Assist Bicycle

The Shima Onsen area is large and dotted with sights. The local bus service only goes as far as the middle of the hot spring town, so you'll need another means of transportation to get to spots further afield, such as Lake Oku and the waterfalls. That's where rental bicycles come in handy. Places like the Shima Onsen Association offer electric-assist bicycles for rent. Electric assist makes traveling comfortable, even in mountainous areas with many slopes. Ride through rows of cherry blossom trees, go through tunnels of fresh greenery, and tour the waterfalls and lakes at your own pace. You'll have a hands-on experience of nature that's different from just looking at it from a car window.

[Cycling Information]

Rental location: Shima Onsen Association

Business hours: 8:30-17:15

*Bicycle rental hours: 9:00-16:30

Payment methods: Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments accepted (safe for cashless travelers)

Canoeing and SUP: Spectacular views from the water

Why not not only view the "Shima Blue" lake, but also try floating on its waters? Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience tours are available at Lake Oku and Lake Shima, both located near Shima Onsen .

The view of the mountains from a vantage point close to the lake surface and the experience of peering into the crystal clear blue water are experiences you'll never get from land. The lake has few waves, so even beginners can enjoy it safely. Many operators offer experience times in the morning (starting around 9am) and afternoon (starting around 1pm). Make sure to book according to your travel schedule.

Canyoning: Early bird information from June

If your trip takes place after June, we also recommend canyoning, an exciting activity that involves descending through a canyon using only your body, sliding down natural water slides, and jumping into waterfalls.

The Shima area will be open from June 1st. Splashing in the fresh greenery will be the ultimate refreshing experience. The typical experience times are morning (from 9:30am) and afternoon (from 1:30pm).

Former Taishi Station: History and cherry blossoms intersect in Japan's No. 1 open-car park

The last stop on your trip should be Kyu- Taishi Station, a unique spot that conveys Japan's industrial history to the present day. This was once the starting point for a line that transported iron ore.

The restored station building

The former Taishi Station opened as a station on the Taishi Line, a private line for transporting iron ore from Nippon Kokan Co., Ltd.'s Gunma Iron Mine, and was in operation from Showa to Showa. Today, the original hopper building (a facility for loading ore), platform, and station building have been beautifully restored, allowing you to feel the bustle of the station's past. The huge concrete remains are as impressive as ancient ruins, making it a popular spot among photography enthusiasts.

"Open-top wagons" boast the largest number of exhibits in Japan

There are 12 carriages on display on the premises. Of particular note are the open-top freight cars. There are six open-top freight cars on display here, the most in Japan. The park is known as "Japan's No. 1 open-top freight car park." Even if you're not a train fan, you can't help but feel the weight and romance of history as you watch the quiet rows of black freight cars that once supported Japan's rapid economic growth.

The beautiful contrast between the ruins and cherry blossoms

In mid-April, cherry blossoms bloom along the railway line of the facility. The heavy black steam locomotive, the concrete remains, and the pale pink cherry blossoms that adorn the surroundings. This contrast between "hard" and "soft," "past" and "present," is a unique beauty that can only be seen here. When the flowers are at their best, they are lit up, creating a fantastical atmosphere that is different from the daytime. Why not spend a Japanese spring evening surrounded by nostalgic scenery?

During the peak viewing season, the trees are lit up, creating a fantastical atmosphere at night that is different from the daytime. Why not take your time to enjoy a Japanese spring night in a landscape that evokes a sense of nostalgia?

[Basic Information] Former Taishi Station

Address: 251-4 Taishi , Nakanojo Town Taishi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture Prefecture

Business hours: 10:00-16:00

Closed: December 29th to January 3rd / Tuesdays to Fridays from December to March (There are many holidays during the winter, but the spring tourist season is mainly open on weekends)

Summary: A memorable Japanese experience in Nakanojo in spring

A trip to Nakanojo Town is more than just a sightseeing tour. It is an experience that allows you to experience Japan's rich four seasons, its carefully preserved history, and the culture of the people who live in harmony with nature.

Although it is a little far from the city center, you can experience the "real Japan" here. You can create your own spring memories in a relaxed atmosphere without being tired of the crowds that you might find in famous tourist spots.

The number of places where you can use credit cards and electronic money is increasing, creating a comfortable environment for travelers from overseas. Be sure to add "Gunma, Nakanojo" to your list of things to do on your next trip to Japan.