Things to Do in Ōizumi (大泉町), Gunma: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

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

Overview & City Profile

Ōizumi (大泉町) in Gunma Prefecture (Kanto, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period, Koizumi Castle ruins, Koizumi shrine and served by Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) via the regional hub at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen). Set at 35 m elevation (36.2497°N, 139.4070°E), Ōizumi 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 Ōra (邑楽町) (4.9 km), Ōta (太田市) (5.4 km), Chiyoda (千代田町) (5.6 km), Ashikaga (足利市) (10.8 km).

Approximately 20 percent of the total population are foreign citizens, mostly Japanese Brazilians, who work at many factories in the town. Since 1990, Japanese descendants from foreign countries have been permitted to stay in Japan freely. Ōizumi is located in the extreme southern corner Gunma prefecture, bordered by Saitama Prefecture to the south. The Tone River flows through the southern part of the town. The villages of Ōkawa and Koizumi were created within Ōra District, Gunma Prefecture on April 1, 1889, with the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration. Within Gunma Prefecture, Ōizumi (大泉町) 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 Ōizumi (大泉町): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Ōizumi (大泉町) from Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) at 35 m elevation (36.2497°N, 139.4070°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Ōizumi):

• Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period — local sightseeing landmark near Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Koizumi Castle ruins — local sightseeing landmark near Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Koizumi shrine — local sightseeing landmark near Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Ryusenji temple — local sightseeing landmark near Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Tatara Numa (多々良沼) — local sightseeing landmark near Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Ōizumi: Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) (connecting to Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Ōizumi

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Ōizumi (大泉町) and Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Gunma Prefecture and Kanto:

• Ōra (邑楽町) — 4.9 km from Ōizumi (Gunma Prefecture)
• Ōta (太田市) — 5.4 km from Ōizumi (Gunma Prefecture)
• Chiyoda (千代田町) — 5.6 km from Ōizumi (Gunma Prefecture)
• Ashikaga (足利市) — 10.8 km from Ōizumi (Tochigi Prefecture)
• Kumagaya (熊谷市) — 11.5 km from Ōizumi (Saitama Prefecture)

Getting to Ōizumi & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Ōizumi (大泉町) via Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 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 Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) to reach central Ōizumi (36.2497°N, 139.4070°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Maebashi with Ōizumi (大泉町) and neighboring Ōra, Ōta, Chiyoda. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Ōizumi, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Ōizumi and continuing toward Ōra 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 Ōizumi: While Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) anchors public transit for Ōizumi, picking up a rental car at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) makes it easy to link Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period and Koizumi Castle ruins with nearby Ōra (邑楽町) (4.9 km), Ōta (太田市) (5.4 km), Chiyoda (千代田町) (5.6 km), Ashikaga (足利市) (10.8 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Ōizumi (大泉町) & Gunma

Dining near Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) and across Ōizumi (大泉町) highlights the regional food culture of Gunma Prefecture and Kanto. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Ōizumi:

• Local specialty & terroir of Ōizumi (大泉町): regional agriculture, seasonal produce, and traditional local craftsmanship.
• Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles) — regional specialty enjoyed across Ōizumi (大泉町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew) — regional specialty enjoyed across Ōizumi (大泉町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) — regional specialty enjoyed across Ōizumi (大泉町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork — regional specialty enjoyed across Ōizumi (大泉町) and Gunma Prefecture.
• Shimonita negi (giant leeks) — regional specialty enjoyed across Ōizumi (大泉町) and Gunma Prefecture.

If you are dining in Ōizumi (大泉町) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km).

Where to Stay in Ōizumi (大泉町)

Visitors staying overnight in Ōizumi (大泉町) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km), or base at major rail hubs in Maebashi (Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)) or neighboring Ōra, Ōta, Chiyoda for quick train access into Ōizumi. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Ōizumi & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Ōizumi (大泉町, 35 m elevation at 36.2497°N, 139.4070°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 Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period in Ōizumi (大泉町) 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 Ōizumi (大泉町)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Ōizumi: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) or Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) for local bus schedules to Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period and walking maps of Ōizumi (大泉町).
• Cash & ATMs in Ōizumi: Convenience stores and major hotels around Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Ainohara remains (間之原遺跡) of Jōmon period often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Ōizumi accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Ōizumi: Around Nishikoizumi Station (西小泉駅) (1.0 km) and neighboring Ōra, Ōta, Chiyoda, 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.