Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Gunma Prefecture (群馬県)
Gunma Prefecture (群馬県) is located in the Kanto region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Maebashi and primary transport gateway at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen). Spanning 35 cities, towns, and villages, Gunma is renowned for Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.
| Gunma Prefecture (群馬県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Kanto · Capital: Maebashi |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) |
| Municipalities Covered | 35 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Takasaki (高崎市), Maebashi (前橋市), Ōta (太田市), Isesaki (伊勢崎市), Kiryū (桐生市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles), Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew), Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns), Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork, Shimonita negi (giant leeks) |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Gunma Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Maebashi or planning regional day trips from Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen), these top municipalities in Gunma Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Takasaki (高崎市) — Core city (pop. 341,838, 401.01 km²) served by Takasaki Station (高崎駅) (0.8 km); key local sights include Haruna Shrine, Lake Haruna, Minowa Castle.
- Maebashi (前橋市) — Core city (pop. 318,058, 241.22 km²) served by Maebashi Station (前橋駅) (1.1 km); key local sights include Gunma Prefectural Government Building, Kōzuke Kokubun-ji ruins, a National Historic Site, Rinkokaku.
- Ōta (太田市) — Special city (pop. 214,049, 176.49 km²) served by Ōta Station (太田駅) (0.5 km); key local sights include Daikoin Temple, Kanayama Castle ruins, Kōzuke Province Nitta District Offices Site.
- Isesaki (伊勢崎市) — Special city (pop. 204,240, 139.33 km²) served by Isesaki Station (伊勢崎駅) (1.7 km); key local sights include Former home of Tajima Yohei, Grave of Kunisada Chūji, Goshiki Onsen.
- Kiryū (桐生市) — City (pop. 124,892, 274.57 km²) served by Tanuma Station (田沼駅) (8.7 km); key local sights include Gunma Insect World, Kiryu Motorboat Race Course, Kiryu Nature Sanctuary.
- Shibukawa (渋川市) — City (pop. 86,134, 240.42 km²) served by Chūōmaebashi Station (中央前橋駅) (1.1 km); key local sights include Ikaho Onsen, Takehisa Yumeji Memorial Museum, Tokutomi Roka Memorial Museum.
How to get to Gunma Prefecture
50m from Tokyo Station to Takasaki on the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to local JR lines and highway buses to Kusatsu and Ikaho. Once at Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 35 municipalities in Gunma. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Gunma
When visiting cities across Gunma, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles) — regional culinary specialty across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県).
- Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew) — regional culinary specialty across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県).
- Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns) — regional culinary specialty across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県).
- Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork — regional culinary specialty across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県).
- Shimonita negi (giant leeks) — regional culinary specialty across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県).
Best time to visit Gunma
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.
All 35 cities & municipalities in Gunma Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maebashi 前橋市 | Core city | 318,058 | 241.22 km² | City guide → |
| Takasaki 高崎市 | Core city | 341,838 | 401.01 km² | City guide → |
| Kiryū 桐生市 | City | 124,892 | 274.57 km² | City guide → |
| Isesaki 伊勢崎市 | Special city | 204,240 | 139.33 km² | City guide → |
| Ōta 太田市 | Special city | 214,049 | 176.49 km² | City guide → |
| Numata 沼田市 | City | 52,319 | 443.37 km² | City guide → |
| Tatebayashi 館林市 | City | 79,023 | 60.98 km² | City guide → |
| Fujioka 藤岡市 | City | 68,710 | 180.09 km² | City guide → |
| Shibukawa 渋川市 | City | 86,134 | 240.42 km² | City guide → |
| Annaka 安中市 | City | 62,270 | 276.34 km² | City guide → |
| Tomioka 富岡市 | City | 53,332 | 122.90 km² | City guide → |
| Midori みどり市 | City | 51,964 | 208.23 km² | City guide → |
| Kusatsu Onsen 草津町 | Historic onsen town | 6,058 | 49.75 km² | City guide → |
| Yoshioka 吉岡町 | Town (町) | 20,289 | 20.46 km² | City guide → |
| Tsumagoi 嬬恋村 | Village (村) | 10,209 | 337.51 km² | City guide → |
| Takayama 高山村 | Village (村) | 3,931 | 64.18 km² | City guide → |
| Shōwa 昭和村 | Village (村) | 7,725 | 64.14 km² | City guide → |
| Ōra 邑楽町 | Town (町) | 27,342 | 31.11 km² | City guide → |
| Nakanojō 中之条町 | Town (町) | 17,713 | 439.28 km² | City guide → |
| Naganohara 長野原町 | Town (町) | 6,093 | 133.85 km² | City guide → |
| Minakami みなかみ町 | Town (町) | 21,051 | 781.08 km² | City guide → |
| Kawaba 川場村 | Village (村) | 3,517 | 85.25 km² | City guide → |
| Katashina 片品村 | Village (村) | 4,943 | 391.76 km² | City guide → |
| Kanra 甘楽町 | Town (町) | 13,789 | 58.61 km² | City guide → |
| Itakura 板倉町 | Town (町) | 15,580 | 41.86 km² | City guide → |
| Chiyoda 千代田町 | Town (町) | 11,880 | 21.73 km² | City guide → |
| Higashiagatsuma 東吾妻町 | Town (町) | 15,589 | 253.91 km² | City guide → |
| Kanna 神流町 | Town (町) | 2,246 | 114.6 km² | City guide → |
| Meiwa 明和町 | Town (町) | 11,381 | 19.64 km² | City guide → |
| Nanmoku 南牧村 | Village (村) | 2,303 | 118.83 km² | City guide → |
| Ōizumi 大泉町 | Town (町) | 40,759 | 18.03 km² | City guide → |
| Shimonita 下仁田町 | Town (町) | 8,640 | 188.38 km² | City guide → |
| Shintō 榛東村 | Village (村) | 14,690 | 27.92 km² | City guide → |
| Tamamura 玉村町 | Town (町) | 37,149 | 25.78 km² | City guide → |
| Ueno 上野村 | Village (村) | 1,351 | 181.85 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Gunma Prefecture (群馬県)?
Top highlights across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県) in Japan's Kanto region include Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Gunma include Takasaki (高崎市), Maebashi (前橋市), Ōta (太田市), Isesaki (伊勢崎市), Kiryū (桐生市).
How do I get to Gunma Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Gunma Prefecture is Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) (prefectural capital: Maebashi). 50m from Tokyo Station to Takasaki on the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to local JR lines and highway buses to Kusatsu and Ikaho. Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Gunma Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Gunma Prefecture (群馬県) include Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles), Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew), Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns), Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork, Shimonita negi (giant leeks)—served at station restaurants around Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen), local morning markets, and izakaya in Maebashi and Maebashi.
When is the best time of year to visit Gunma Prefecture?
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. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.