Gunma Prefecture - 群馬県

map of gunma prefecture

Gunma is a small inland prefecture in central Honshu best known for its impressive mountainous landscape and many very popular hot spring resorts. The prefecture is a perfect example of Japan's beautiful countryside and offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to sample a rural lifestyle in contrast to the bright, lively existence of Japan’s more built-up areas.

The prefecture’s capital, Maebashi City, houses an array of tourist attractions including the Gunma Flower Park, which showcases a wide variety of stunning flowers, the picturesque Akagi Shrine on Lake Onuma and the quaint Lunar Park, an amusement park with various rides and attractions.

The prefecture is also known for its high quality agricultural products, from its fruit and vegetables to its Joshu beef, as well as its delicious dishes such as ginhikari (rainbow trout), sukiyaki (beef and vegetable hot pot) and steamed manjū (confectionery made with sweet bean paste).

For more information about Gunma prefecture, see their official tourism website.

How to get there

Rail - The main station and "gateway" to Gunma is Takasaki Station, which is less than an hour away from Tokyo on the shinkansen.

Find a guest house in Gunma

Tomioka Silk Mill is Japan’s oldest silk reeling factory and has been officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has been preserved exquisitely and is a fascinating tourist attraction.

Minakami Onsen is famous for its numerous superb hot spring resorts as well as the delightful steam train service that runs from the town, through the mountainous terrain, to the city of Takasaki.

Ikaho Onsen is another of Gunma prefecture’s popular hot springs. The onsen has a long history dating back to as early as the 7th century and also takes part in the summer Hawaiian festival held in the area every year.

Kusatsu Onsen is Gunma’s best-known, and one of the top onsens in the country. It is rated as one of Japan’s 3 best spa resorts and features a beautiful wooden waterway that transports the hotspring water through the centre of the town.

Weather in Gunma(Maebashi)

Average daily temperature (oC)
2 Centigrade 7 Centigrade 14 Centigrade 19 Centigrade 23 Centigrade 22 Centigrade 18 Centigrade 14 Centigrade 8 Centigrade 3 Centigrade 0 Centigrade -1 Centigrade 11 Centrigrade 17 Centrigrade 22 Centrigrade 28 Centrigrade 33 Centrigrade 32 Centrigrade 27 Centrigrade 24 Centrigrade 19 Centrigrade 13 Centrigrade 9 Centrigrade 9 Centrigrade 2 Centigrade 7 Centigrade 14 Centigrade 19 Centigrade 23 Centigrade 22 Centigrade 18 Centigrade 14 Centigrade 8 Centigrade 3 Centigrade 0 Centigrade -1 Centigrade 11 Centrigrade 17 Centrigrade 22 Centrigrade 28 Centrigrade 33 Centrigrade 32 Centrigrade 27 Centrigrade 24 Centrigrade 19 Centrigrade 13 Centrigrade 9 Centrigrade 9 Centrigrade Average relative humidity (%)
56 percent 61 percent 66 percent 69 percent 70 percent 72 percent 68 percent 56 percent 54 percent 51 percent 52 percent 51 percent 56 percent 61 percent 66 percent 69 percent 70 percent 72 percent 68 percent 56 percent 54 percent 51 percent 52 percent 51 percent
Average monthly rainfall (mm)
37 centimetres 55 centimetres 120 centimetres 195 centimetres 181 centimetres 221 centimetres 157 centimetres 101 centimetres 78 centimetres 49 centimetres 41 centimetres 23 centimetres Number of days with rain
(1mm or more)
2.8 days 5 days 8.6 days 12.9 days 11.8 days 14.9 days 12.8 days 9.8 days 8.7 days 7.7 days 4.2 days 2.9 days