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. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Kusatsu Onsen (famous Yubatake hot-spring field), Ikaho Onsen stone steps, Shima & Minakami Onsen, UNESCO Tomioka Silk Mill, and Takasaki's Daruma dolls.
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. 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)
- Okkirikomi (wide flat noodle stew)
- Yaki-manju (sweet miso-glazed steamed buns)
- Joshu wagyu & Tontoro pork
- Shimonita negi (giant leeks)
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 13 cities & municipalities in Gunma Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby 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 → |