4 recommended onsen inns by the "Japan Secret Hot Springs Protection Association" known only to those in the know [Gunma Edition]
maria
Gunma is known as one of the best onsen spots in the Japan. Highly well-known onsen spots such as Kusatsu and Ikaho are popular, but for those who want to enjoy a quiet onsen trip, we recommend ryokan registered with the "Japan Secret Hot Spring Protection Association"! Although access is not good, the reliable quality of the spring attracts onsen fans. We would like to introduce you to the inn of the Association for the Protection of Japan Secret Hot Springs, which is full of charm where you can experience the blessings of nature that Gunma is proud of!
table of contents
Kusatsu is popular for its hot spring baths, and Ikaho is a place where you can enjoy strolling through the stone steps. Gunma is one of the best hot onsen paradises in Japan. Easy access from the Kanto area is also attractive. However, this time, instead of visiting such onsen resorts that are crowded with tourists, we have selected quiet onsen ryokan that are registered with the ``Japan Secret Hot Springs Preservation Association''.
First of all, I would like to introduce the Gunma Minami Town, which is dotted with 18 onsen. It is a popular spot that is well known to onsen fans. Among them, this "Hōshi onsenChojukan" is known as a famous hot spring that has been loved for more than 140 years since its establishment. Nestled along the Hoshi River, this quiet inn is one of the most well-known in Gunma.
This bath is synonymous with Hoshi onsen. You can feel the dignity of having been used carefully for over a century. It is said to have been discovered by Kobo Daishi, hence its name, making it a hot onsen full of history. Take note of the shape of the windows during the day when the bright light pours in. The Western-style design is reminiscent of Rokumeikan, and you can see the same romantic atmosphere that has remained unchanged since the bath's founding. The spring water bubbles up from under your feet and has a slightly different temperature in each of the four baths, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the hot onsen.
Detailed information
Hoshi onsen Chojukan
Gunma /Minakami/ ryokan
- address
- Gunma 650 Nagai, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun
- access
- 50 minutes by bus bound for Hoshi Onsen, changing to Sarugakyo from Jomo-onsen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen / 25 km from the Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway (about 40 minutes)
“Oze Kamata onsen Onsen ryokan no Yu Umedaya Ryokan” is about 40 minutes by car from Katashina Village via Route 120 (commonly known as Japan Romantic Road) from Numata Interchange. It is a single-family inn with a cute folk-art style appearance. The location is perfect as a base for walking around Oze, which is famous for Mizubasho.
Groundwater (onsen) in mountains contains a lot of nutrients.
Nutrients from trees, flowers, forests, and lakes are washed away by rain, and eventually the water containing these nutrients flows underground and is warmed underground, creating onsen.
Spring quality Alkaline simple hot spring
Neuralgia, muscle pain, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive diseases, hemorrhoids, sensitivity to coldSource: Bath: Umedaya ryokan
There is also an indoor bath with a large window that is very comfortable, as shown in the photo. The Mizubasho-no-Yu and Himebasho-no-Yu baths are switched between men and women, so be sure to check the times and try both. Apparently your skin will be silky smooth after bathing. There is also a private bath called Hanaemi-no-Yu, which is available 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy bathing in a variety of different baths.
It also has a good reputation for its warm kaiseki cuisine, which is mainly made with locally-sourced ingredients. The mountain delicacies raised by the spring water of Oze are not flashy, but they have a gentle taste that seems to soothe the fatigue from the inside out.
Detailed information
Umedaya Ryokan
Gunma /Oze/ ryokan
- address
- Gunma 4073 Kamada, Katashina Village, Tone-gun
- access
- Get off at Numata Station on the JR Joetsu Line, take a bus bound for Togura or Kamata, get off at Kamata, and walk for 1 minute. Kanetsu Expressway Numata IC → 50 minutes by R120.
It is said that this Shimonita onsen was first discovered when wild boars were found healing in the hot springs. It is located next to a mountain stream, so please enjoy the murmuring of the trees, the sound of the flowing river, and the singing of birds while soaking in the water.
The "carbon dioxide-containing hydrogen carbonate spring", which is rare in Japan, has the effect of expanding capillaries and lowering blood pressure, and it is good for the stomach and intestines and makes the skin smooth. Soaking in a rustic bath will heal your body and mind.
Spending time in a Japanese-style room is unique to a onsen inn. There are 6 guest rooms in the main building and 7 guest rooms in the annex, all of which are full of the warmth of wood. This is a onsen ryokan that is perfect for those who want to enjoy a higher-grade adult trip.
Detailed information
Shimonita onsen Seiryuso
Gunma / Shimonita/ ryokan
- address
- Gunma 769 Yoshizaki, Shimonita-cho, Amaraku-gun
- access
- About 6 km from Joshin Dentetsu Shimonita Station/Joshinetsu Expressway Shimonita IC, 15 minutes
Our pride is the riverside open-air rock bath. This bathtub exudes a unique atmosphere, as it was made from local specialty Sanbasite and natural rock. As the name Yashio onsen suggests, the onsen spring that gushes out from this hot onsen is characterized by its extremely high salt concentration, although there is no sea in Gunma.
Detailed information
onsen Onsen Shinsuikan
Gunma /Fujioka/ ryokan
- address
- 6 Joboji, Fujioka City, Gunma
- access
- From Honjo Station, take a bus bound for Kamikawa-cho Shinsen General Branch, get off at Yashio Onsen onsen, and walk for 5 minutes.
Although it is located in the Kanto region, it is a Gunma full of deep mountains, rich clear streams, and natural attractions where you can experience the snow country. The quiet secret hot spring that springs up nearby is highly recommended as a base for travel. There are plenty of inns perfect for a quiet adult trip. Next weekend, why don't you go to a secret hot spring inn in Gunma?