🕓 2024/9/18
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GunmaAbout
Gunma Prefecture is known as a region where beautiful nature and rich culture exist in harmony. Located in the inland area of the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad, where you can enjoy the scenery of each season. Particularly popular tourist spots include famous hot springs such as Kusatsu Onsen and Shima Onsen, and Mt. Tanigawa, which has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains.
There are also many cultural events unique to the local area, such as the Takasaki Festival and the Tatebayashi Festival. Furthermore, Gunma is also known as a “food treasure trove,” and is particularly famous for its specialties such as Joshu beef, konnyaku, and fried manju.
Here are three carefully selected luxury hotels that will provide you with a special stay when you visit Gunma.
4 carefully selected luxury hotels in Gunma Prefecture
1. Sekizenkan
Source: Sekizenkan official website
■The charm of “Sekizenkan”
Sekizenkan is a historic hot spring inn founded in 1694, located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. It is known as Japan’s oldest wooden hot spring inn and has been designated as an important cultural property of Gunma Prefecture. Throughout its long history, it has offered a rich charm of hot springs and culture.
1. Architectural charm and historical background 
Sekizenkan’s Genroku-no-Yu is a bathhouse built in the Taisho Romanesque style in 1930, with an impressive arched window. This style means “Roman style,” and the luxurious design at the time of construction remains intact today. Genroku-no-Yu also has a steam bath (a prototype of a sauna), and the structure consists of two rooms side by side, allowing you to relax in a dark and quiet atmosphere. The hot spring floor naturally overflows with hot water, giving you a unique hot spring experience.
2. Room characteristics and accommodation style 
There are three buildings, and the main building in particular is the oldest wooden hot spring inn in Japan, where you can enjoy the traditional hot spring style. The rooms for bathing guests are simple, and the futons are self-service, recreating the hot spring culture that has continued since the Edo period. On the other hand, “Kashotei” and “Sanso” offer more modern and luxurious rooms, and some rooms have “natural floor heating” with hot springs flowing under the floor.
3. Attractiveness as a movie setting 
It is also said to be one of the models for the Studio Ghibli movie “Spirited Away.” In particular, the “Romantic Tunnel” is reminiscent of the tunnels that lead to other worlds in movies due to its fantastical atmosphere, and has become a photo spot visited by many fans. There is an elevator at the end of the tunnel, and it is a place where you can feel like you have wandered into another world. This place is especially popular with Ghibli fans who want to experience the world of “Aburaya” and movies.
4. Activities and History Tours 
Historical tours of the property are offered to guests. On this tour, guided by the inn’s owner, you’ll learn about Sekizenkan’s rich history dating back to the Genroku era. In particular, the detailed explanation of Sekizenkan’s architecture and explanations while looking at slides with old photos is a very interesting experience for visitors..
5. The appeal of food 
Sekizenkan is also particular about its food. Breakfast is a healthy Shokado bento style, featuring healthy dishes such as side dishes and porridge made with local ingredients. In addition, for dinner, there are plans such as the “Shiki Gozen” that change depending on the season, and beautiful Kaiseki cuisine made with Gunma Prefecture’s special ingredients is served. In particular, you can enjoy luxurious ingredients such as Joshu beef and matsutake mushroom courses.
■Access information to “Sekizenkan”
- Official website: https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/
- Access: 40 minutes by Kanetsu Kotsu bus from Nakanojo Station
- Address: Shima Onsen, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-0601
- Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/T9P7SkG8KChbssjg6
2. Kusatsu Onsen Naraya
Source: Naraya official website
■Charm of “Kusatsu Onsen Naraya”
Kusatsu Onsen “Naraya” is a long-established inn that was founded in 1877, and its biggest attraction is its hot springs that use Kusatsu’s famous hot spring, “Shirahata Source.” While valuing history and tradition, we provide a comfortable stay for modern guests, allowing you to spend a rich time enjoying the atmosphere of Kusatsu Onsen.
1. History and sources 
Kusatsu Onsen “Naraya” is a long-established inn with a long history, founded in 1877. In particular, it draws from Kusatsu Onsen’s oldest source, the Shirahata source, which is highly acidic and is said to have a high bactericidal effect and be effective against skin diseases. At Naraya, the tradition of maintaining the quality of the hot spring water is maintained by having the “Yu-mori” carefully manage the temperature and cleaning of the hot springs. This hot water feels soft on the skin and is particularly popular among Kusatsu Onsen.
2. Hot spring facilities and hot water massage 
There are multiple hot spring facilities within the hotel, including a large public bath and private baths, where you can fully enjoy the Shirahata hot spring source gushing out from the Yubatake. The culture of “Yumomi” is also valued, and the tradition of adjusting the temperature using a spatula continues. The hot springs are uniquely acidic and have a characteristic tingling sensation on the skin, but one of the attractions of “Naraya” is that the hot springs carefully massage the water, making it soft to the touch.
3. Cooking with fresh ingredients 
We serve Kaiseki cuisine using plenty of fresh ingredients from local Gunma Prefecture. In particular, the menu is characterized by making use of seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy different flavors depending on the time of year you visit. You can also enjoy local cuisine such as Joshu beef, local wild vegetables, and river fish, and each dish is prepared using traditional Japanese cooking techniques, enriching your culinary experience during your trip.
4. Guest rooms where you can enjoy your privacy 
There is a wide variety of rooms available, from quiet Japanese-style rooms to luxurious rooms with open-air baths, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences. Rooms with open-air baths are especially popular, and the appeal is that you can relax and enjoy the hot springs in a private space. In addition, the view from the guest room overlooks the rich nature of Kusatsu and the beautiful scenery of Yubatake, allowing you to spend a special time.
■” Kusatsu Onsen Naraya ”Access information
- Official website: https://www.kusatsu-naraya.co.jp/
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Kusatsu Onsen bus terminal
- Address: 396 Kusatsu, Kusatsu-cho, Azuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 377-1711
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WKE5c7FBVdAdCAY7
3. Shima Onsen Shima Tamura
Source: Shima Onsen Shima Tamura Official Website
■Charm of “Shima Onsen Shima Tamura”
Shima Onsen “Shima Tamura” is a historic hot spring inn located in the Shima Onsen area of Gunma Prefecture, known as a famous hot spring with a history of over 500 years. We are proud of our luxurious facilities, which have seven in-house hot springs, all of which are fed by natural hot springs. The hot spring culture that has been nurtured over this long history and the harmony with nature have provided exceptional healing to visitors.
1. History and tradition 
This is a long-established inn located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, with a history of 500 years. This inn, which has been around since the Muromachi period, has prospered as a hot spring inn for generations. Shima Onsen itself was designated as the first national hot spring resort in 1954, and among these, Shima Tamura is particularly widely known as a traditional hot spring inn. At the hot springs, you can enjoy the natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source, and soothe your mind and body in the tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. 7 hot springs and free flowing hot water 
There are seven hot spring sources, and you can enjoy each bath with a different atmosphere. All hot springs are fed directly from their own sources, and are characterized by an abundant amount of hot water. Shima Onsen, which has long been known as a therapeutic hot spring, has great beauty and relaxation effects, and soothes the people who visit. For those seeking a sense of privacy, a private bath is also available, allowing you to spend some quiet time.
3. Kaiseki cuisine with a seasonal feel 
Meals are characterized by seasonal kaiseki cuisine made with plenty of local ingredients. Dishes using Joshu beef and local wild vegetables are particularly popular as they allow you to enjoy the changing seasons on your tongue. Kaiseki cuisine is served monthly, and the menu focuses on seasonal flavors. As a result, meals are attracting attention as one of the pleasures of Shima Tamura.
4. Harmony of tradition and modernity 
The interior design maintains the traditional Japanese architecture while incorporating modern comfort. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Shima Onsen from the spacious rooms, making it the perfect place to spend some quiet time. There are various types of guest rooms, including the purely Japanese-style “Suiwakukan”, the historic “Kinwakukan”, and the more premium “Kiwakukan”, and each room allows you to fully enjoy the beautiful nature of Shima.
You can also enjoy a walk inside the inn and the surrounding sightseeing spots, where facilities with a long history are in harmony with rich nature.
■“Shima Onsen Shima Tamura”Access information
- Official website: https://shima-tamura.co.jp/
- Access: Approximately 25 minutes by taxi from JR Nakanojo Station
- Address: Shiman 4180, Nakanojo-cho, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-0601
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bgdBKPwCZP6Mydku8
4. Villa Senjuan
Source: Bettei Senjuan Official Website
■Charm of “Bettei Senjuan”
Bettei Senjuan is a hideaway hot spring inn located in Tanigawa Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the seasons. All rooms are equipped with open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious time in a private space. The hotel has also been selected as a member of the global luxury accommodation group “Relais & Châteaux” and has received high praise both domestically and internationally.
1. Spectacular view and quiet location 
Located in Tanigawa Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, the biggest attraction is the location where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the famous peak Tanigawadake and Tanigawa Valley. Surrounded by beautiful nature that changes with the seasons, guests can relax both physically and mentally in the tranquility. This inn has received high praise worldwide and has been selected as a member of the French luxury accommodation group “Relais & Châteaux.”
2. All rooms have open-air baths 
There are 18 guest rooms in total, all of which have open-air baths with natural hot spring water. This allows you to enjoy the rich waters of Tanigawa Onsen while maintaining your own private space in each room. The quality of the hot spring water is calcium, sodium, sulfate, and chloride, and its weak alkalinity makes it gentle on the skin, making it less tiring even after a long soak. You can also soak in the hot springs while admiring the beautiful scenery of Mt. Tanigawa, so you can spend time relaxing both physically and mentally.
3. Meal experience using jobs in Gunma 
We serve creative Japanese cuisine using local seasonal ingredients grown in Gunma’s rich nature. The cuisine is characterized by a fusion of traditional methods and modern techniques, using carefully selected ingredients such as mountain produce, river produce, and Joshu beef. The dishes are beautiful to the eye, with delicate presentation that brings out the quality of the ingredients. Since meals are usually served in a private room, one of the appeals of this restaurant is that you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed manner while maintaining your privacy.
4. Relaxation and hospitality 
Not only the rooms and hot springs, but also the warm hospitality of the staff are highly praised. From check-in to check-out, our guests will have a special time with attentive attention and courteous service. In addition, there is a relaxation room and a garden where you can take a walk, so you can spend some luxurious time doing nothing..
■” Villa Senjuan ”Access information
- Official website: https://www.senjyuan.jp/
- Access: Approximately 25 minutes by bus from Jomo Kogen Station on the Shinkansen
- Address: 614 Tanigawa, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1619
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuVPuGAEwTRZJTWo8
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