Things to Do in Kanra (甘楽町), Gunma: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

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

Overview & City Profile

Kanra (甘楽町) in Gunma Prefecture (Kanto, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty., Ryōgami San (両神山), Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山) and served by Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) via the regional hub at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen). Set at 362 m elevation (36.2098°N, 138.9034°E), Kanra 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) (5.7 km), Kanna (神流町) (11.4 km), Annaka (安中市) (13 km), Takasaki (高崎市) (15.3 km).

Kanra is located in the southwestern portion of Gunma Prefecture on the south bank of the Kabura River. During the Edo period, the center of present-day Kanra was the jōkamachi of Obata Domain, a feudal domain under the Tokugawa shogunate in Kōzuke Province. Obata village, Akihata village, Fukushima town, and Niiya village were created within Kitakanra District of Gunma Prefecture on April 1, 1889, with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration. The economy of Kanra is heavily dependent on agriculture. Within Gunma Prefecture, Kanra (甘楽町) serves as a town (町) in Gunma Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 1889-04-01) 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 Kanra (甘楽町): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Kanra (甘楽町) from Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) at 362 m elevation (36.2098°N, 138.9034°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Kanra):

• Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty. — local sightseeing landmark near Kanra (甘楽町).
• Ryōgami San (両神山) — local sightseeing landmark near Kanra (甘楽町).
• Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山) — local sightseeing landmark near Kanra (甘楽町).
• Higashimikabo Yama (東御荷鉾山) — local sightseeing landmark near Kanra (甘楽町).
• Akaguna Yama (赤久縄山) — local sightseeing landmark near Kanra (甘楽町).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Kanra: Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) (connecting to Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Kanra

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Kanra (甘楽町) and Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Gunma Prefecture and Kanto:

• Tomioka (富岡市) — 5.7 km from Kanra (Gunma Prefecture)
• Kanna (神流町) — 11.4 km from Kanra (Gunma Prefecture)
• Annaka (安中市) — 13 km from Kanra (Gunma Prefecture)
• Takasaki (高崎市) — 15.3 km from Kanra (Gunma Prefecture)
• Fujioka (藤岡市) — 16.3 km from Kanra (Gunma Prefecture)

Getting to Kanra & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Kanra (甘楽町) via Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 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 Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) to reach central Kanra (36.2098°N, 138.9034°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Maebashi with Kanra (甘楽町) and neighboring Tomioka, Kanna, Annaka. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Kanra, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Kanra 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 Kanra: While Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) anchors public transit for Kanra, picking up a rental car at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) makes it easy to link Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty. and Ryōgami San (両神山) with nearby Tomioka (富岡市) (5.7 km), Kanna (神流町) (11.4 km), Annaka (安中市) (13 km), Takasaki (高崎市) (15.3 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Kanra (甘楽町) & Gunma

Dining near Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) and across Kanra (甘楽町) highlights the regional food culture of Gunma Prefecture and Kanto. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Kanra:

• Local specialty & terroir of Kanra (甘楽町): sweet cherry (sakuranbo) orchards and highland fruit farming alongside regional agriculture, seasonal produce, and traditional local craftsmanship.
• Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kanra (甘楽町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kanra (甘楽町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kanra (甘楽町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork — regional specialty enjoyed across Kanra (甘楽町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Shimonita negi (giant leeks) — regional specialty enjoyed across Kanra (甘楽町) and Gunma Prefecture.

If you are dining in Kanra (甘楽町) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km).

Where to Stay in Kanra (甘楽町)

Visitors staying overnight in Kanra (甘楽町) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km), or base at major rail hubs in Maebashi (Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)) or neighboring Tomioka, Kanna, Annaka for quick train access into Kanra. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Kanra & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Kanra (甘楽町, 362 m elevation at 36.2098°N, 138.9034°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 Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty. in Kanra (甘楽町) 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 Kanra (甘楽町)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Kanra: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) or Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) for local bus schedules to Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty. and walking maps of Kanra (甘楽町).
• Cash & ATMs in Kanra: Convenience stores and major hotels around Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Rakusan-en gardens, National Place of Scenic Beauty. often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Kanra accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Kanra: Around Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) and neighboring Tomioka, Kanna, Annaka, 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.