Things to Do in Annaka (安中市), Gunma: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Annaka (安中市) in Gunma Prefecture (Kanto, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Asazuma Art Museum, Isobe Onsen, Kirizumi Onsen and served by Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) via the regional hub at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen). Set at 170 m elevation (36.3263°N, 138.8871°E), Annaka offers travelers a base for sampling regional Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles), Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew), Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) cuisine and exploring neighboring Tomioka (富岡市) (7.4 km), Takasaki (高崎市) (10.4 km), Kanra (甘楽町) (13 km), Shintō (榛東村) (14.4 km).

Annaka is located in the southwestern portion of Gunma Prefecture at the very northernmost point of the Kantō Plain, bordered by Nagano Prefecture to the west. The Usui Pass connects Annaka with neighboring Karuizawa, Nagano. Annaka is located within traditional Kōzuke Province. During the Edo period, central Annaka was the jōkamachi of Annaka Domain, a feudal domain held by the Itakura clan under the Tokugawa shogunate. Annaka is a regional commercial center and transportation hub. Within Gunma Prefecture, Annaka (安中市) serves as a city in Gunma Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 2006-03-18) and pairs naturally with wider prefectural highlights such as Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.

What to See & Do in Annaka (安中市): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Annaka (安中市) from Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) at 170 m elevation (36.3263°N, 138.8871°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Annaka):

• Asazuma Art Museum — local sightseeing landmark near Annaka (安中市).
• Isobe Onsen — local sightseeing landmark near Annaka (安中市).
• Kirizumi Onsen — local sightseeing landmark near Annaka (安中市).
• Ruins of Matsuida Castle — local sightseeing landmark near Annaka (安中市).
• Myogi Sanroku Art Museum — local sightseeing landmark near Annaka (安中市).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Annaka: Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) (connecting to Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Annaka

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Annaka (安中市) and Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Gunma Prefecture and Kanto:

• Tomioka (富岡市) — 7.4 km from Annaka (Gunma Prefecture)
• Takasaki (高崎市) — 10.4 km from Annaka (Gunma Prefecture)
• Kanra (甘楽町) — 13 km from Annaka (Gunma Prefecture)
• Shintō (榛東村) — 14.4 km from Annaka (Gunma Prefecture)
• Yoshioka (吉岡町) — 17.2 km from Annaka (Gunma Prefecture)

Getting to Annaka & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Annaka (安中市) via Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km): 50m from Tokyo Station to Takasaki on the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to local JR lines and highway buses to Kusatsu and Ikaho. From Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen), transfer to local JR or private rail lines serving Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) to reach central Annaka (36.3263°N, 138.8871°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Maebashi with Annaka (安中市) and neighboring Tomioka, Takasaki, Kanra. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Annaka, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Annaka and continuing toward Tomioka can store bags at major transfer stations or check suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker and ship large bags ahead via Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental around Annaka: While Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) anchors public transit for Annaka, picking up a rental car at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) makes it easy to link Asazuma Art Museum and Isobe Onsen with nearby Tomioka (富岡市) (7.4 km), Takasaki (高崎市) (10.4 km), Kanra (甘楽町) (13 km), Shintō (榛東村) (14.4 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Annaka (安中市) & Gunma

Dining near Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) and across Annaka (安中市) highlights the regional food culture of Gunma Prefecture and Kanto. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Annaka:

• Local specialty & terroir of Annaka (安中市): geothermal hot-spring (onsen) ryokan hospitality and mountain tourism.
• Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles) — regional specialty enjoyed across Annaka (安中市) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew) — regional specialty enjoyed across Annaka (安中市) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) — regional specialty enjoyed across Annaka (安中市) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork — regional specialty enjoyed across Annaka (安中市) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Shimonita negi (giant leeks) — regional specialty enjoyed across Annaka (安中市) and Gunma Prefecture.

If you are dining in Annaka (安中市) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km).

Where to Stay in Annaka (安中市)

Visitors staying overnight in Annaka (安中市) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km), or base at major rail hubs in Maebashi (Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)) or neighboring Tomioka, Takasaki, Kanra for quick train access into Annaka. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Annaka & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Annaka (安中市, 170 m elevation at 36.3263°N, 138.8871°E): Year-round for hot springs; July–August for cool Oze National Park boardwalks; October for Minakami &谷川岳 (Mount Tanigawa) autumn leaves; winter for snow onsen.

Wider sightseeing across Gunma Prefecture that pairs well with visiting Asazuma Art Museum in Annaka (安中市) includes: Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.

Practical Travel Tips for Annaka (安中市)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Annaka: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) or Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) for local bus schedules to Asazuma Art Museum and walking maps of Annaka (安中市).
• Cash & ATMs in Annaka: Convenience stores and major hotels around Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Asazuma Art Museum often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Annaka accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Annaka: Around Annaka Station (安中駅) (2.5 km) and neighboring Tomioka, Takasaki, Kanra, lunch service typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM with last orders between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.