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8 wonderful and interesting things you can do in Gunma, Japan

BY Vida Lacano, Winston Olarte

November 23, 2015
2:51 pm

1. Go apple picking at the Harada Farm at the center of Numata City, Gunma Prefecture

Apple picking is something you need to experience in rural Japan because it’s something you don’t get to do in the Philippines! Did you know that the Fuji Apple is called as such because the Japanese government wanted tourists and other nations to remember Japan’s famous sight Mt. Fuji? There are two variants to this fruit: the Akagi, which is the sweeter kind, and the Akiba, which has both sweet and sour tastes.

2. Go skinny-dipping in traditional Onsen

Gunma is where some of the best hot springs, “onsen” as how they call it, are located. Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is a well-known hot spring resort with quality spring water coming from Mt. Shirane. You can basically let go of all inhibitions, throw away your towel, and just take a dip!

3. While in Kusatsu Onsen, visit Yubatake and experience the traditional stirring ceremony

You shouldn’t miss watching the show of “Yumomi” wherein the famous Japanese Onsen workers cool down the very hot bathwater by stirring it with wooden planks. It’s kind of similar to rowing because the participants have to follow the commands of the leader so that everyone maintains a rhythm to paddling and stirring.

4. Put your sprinting skills to the test by going up the Ikaho Stone Steps/Stairway

You can climb up the stairs of the Gunma’s landmark Ikaho Stone Steps/Stairway and enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Japanese onsen resorts. You can even buy items at souvenir shops and traditional amusement centers, which are all lined up on both sides of the stone steps. Visit this place around September 18 to 20 to get a glimpse of the “Ikaho Festival” wherein people carry miniature shrines to the top of the stone steps, where the Ikaho Shrine is found. Hiking this tourist spot is a real test of your stamina as there are a total of 365 steps to take before reaching the top, so make sure to bring drinking water with you in your hike!

5. Shop and eat at the Denen Plaza in Kawaba, Gunma

Denen Plaza is a business center in Kawaba, Gunma that first opened on April 1, 1993. It is where you will find some of the best products Gunma has to offer, such as bread made in rice flour, barbecue, handmade noodles, creamy ice cream, and so on. They are all guaranteed made with the best ingredients available in the region. Kawaba, incidentally, is also known for producing Sake and beers that are exported internationally. You can find a number of brewery display that shows how their beer is made.

6. Make your own Japanese Kokeshi dolls at Kokeshi Doll Factory in Kitagunma-gun, Gunma

If you’re feeling the need to unleash your creative flair in Gunma, visit the Kokeshi Doll Factory and create your own Kokeshi dolls! These dolls are made from wood from four different trees, namely: Keyaki (Zelkova), Sakura (Wild Cherry Tree), Mizuki, and Kuri (Chestnut). You can design, paint, and build together your own Kokeshi at the open production shops located within the factory.

7. Enjoy Japan’s amazing scenery at its finest at the Fukiwari Falls

If you’re feeling the strain of walking long hours absorbing every bit of cultural aspect of Gunma, Japan, then Fukiwari Falls will bring you the much-needed respite. This breathtaking spot is located at the Tone town, Numata City, Gunma. Your nature-loving self will kick into overdrive with the majestic sight of waterfalls coming out from beneath the lush mountains. The waterfalls are 7 meters high and have a span of 30 meters.

8. Go into a shopping frenzy at the Prince Shopping Plaza at Karuizawa

Amazing deals at Prince Shopping Plaza at Karuizawa

Of course, your trip to Japan will not be complete without shopping! If you’re in Gunma, head on to Prince Shopping Plaza at Karuizawa and get a bargain on great designer deals! In Karuizawa you will find 240 shops, a lot of them carrying luxury brands that are offering jaw-dropping discounts. A Michael Kors bag which normally sells for 25,000Php or up in the Philippines is sold here at around 25,000Y, roughly 9,750 Pesos TAX FREE. The facility also offer sports, accessories, outdoor gears and other items, which are almost always on great bargains. There are also restaurants to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger after hours of bargain hunting.