Last reviewed: · 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 Ryōgami San (両神山), Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山), Higashimikabo Yama (東御荷鉾山) 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).
Situated across rolling inland terrain at 362 m elevation in Gunma Prefecture, Kanra is anchored by local landmarks including Ryōgami San (両神山), Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山), Higashimikabo Yama (東御荷鉾山) and connects to neighboring Tomioka, Kanna, Annaka via Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km). 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.
| Fact | Details for Kanra (甘楽町) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 甘楽町 (Kanra) |
| Top Local Landmarks | Ryōgami San (両神山) · Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山) · Higashimikabo Yama (東御荷鉾山) · Akaguna Yama (赤久縄山) |
| Nearest Rail Station | Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) |
| Primary Regional Hub | Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen) (Capital: Maebashi) |
| Prefecture & Region | Gunma Prefecture · Kanto |
| Elevation & Coordinates | 362 m · 36.2098°N, 138.9034°E |
| Administrative Status | Town (町) in Gunma Prefecture (Incorporated: 1889-04-01) |
| Area & Population | 58.61 km² (235/km²) · 13,789 residents |
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):
- 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: Day-trippers stopping in Kanra between Maebashi and 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 Ryōgami San (両神山) and Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山) 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:
- 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 Ryōgami San (両神山) 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 Ryōgami San (両神山) 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 Ryōgami San (両神山) 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to see and do in Kanra (甘楽町)?
Top local sights and scenic landmarks in and around Kanra (甘楽町) in Gunma Prefecture include Ryōgami San (両神山), Nishimikabo Yama (西御荷鉾山), Higashimikabo Yama (東御荷鉾山), Akaguna Yama (赤久縄山). Visitors often combine sightseeing in Kanra with side trips to 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).
How do I get to Kanra (甘楽町) by train?
The nearest rail gateway for Kanra (甘楽町) is Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km), connected via the regional hub of Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen). 50m from Tokyo Station to Takasaki on the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to local JR lines and highway buses to Kusatsu and Ikaho. Use our Shinkansen Fare Calculator to price bullet-train connections to Takasaki Station (Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen).
What local food should I eat in Kanra and Gunma Prefecture?
When dining around Higashitomioka Station (東富岡駅) (5.7 km) in Kanra (甘楽町), look for Gunma Prefecture specialties including Mizusawa udon (thick spring-water noodles), Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew), Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns), plus Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork and Shimonita negi (giant leeks) at local shokudo, izakaya, and station bento counters.
When is the best time to visit Kanra (甘楽町)?
Situated at 362 m elevation (36.2098°N, 138.9034°E) in Kanto, Kanra follows Gunma's seasonal calendar: 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. Compare month-by-month weather in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: