It’s Not Just Hot Springs! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture

Located in the center of Japan, Shibukawa City is best known for the iconic Ikaho Onsen. While the name 'Shibukawa' may not ring a bell for some, chances are you’ve heard of 'Ikaho Onsen.'
However, there’s so much more to Shibukawa than just its hot springs! From family-friendly spots like Ikaho Green Farm to the serene Akagi Nature Park, this city is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Why not venture a bit further and experience all the wonderful attractions Shibukawa has to offer? In this guide, we’ll introduce 7 top picks for must-see spots in Shibukawa City.

1. Tanashita Fudo Falls

Tanashita Fudo Falls is a waterfall located in the Tanashita district of Akagi Town, Shibukawa City. As it is situated in the most remote area of Shibukawa City, it is a hidden gem for those in the know. While it is slightly off the national highway leading to Numata, it is best accessed by car.
The waterfall cascades down a cliff and is divided into two streams, named "Male Waterfall" and "Female Waterfall." While the Female Waterfall can only be viewed from a distance, you can actually go behind the Male Waterfall! The view from behind the waterfall is truly impressive.
The recommended season to visit is November when the autumn leaves are at their peak. The vibrant reds and yellows of the trees surrounding the waterfall create a picture-perfect scene.

2. Ikaho Green Bokujo (Farm)

Ikaho Green Bokujo is a popular tourist spot in Shibukawa, offering interactions with animals and breathtaking natural scenery. It’s an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
At this farm, you can interact with various animals, including goats, sheep, and plenty of adorable rabbits. A highlight for many visitors is the cow-milking experience. It’s simple enough for anyone, from kids to adults, to enjoy.
Horseback riding is also available, with options for parents and children to ride together, making it a favorite among families.
A unique event at the farm is the Sheepdog Show, a highly anticipated attraction. Watching these well-trained and intelligent sheepdogs skillfully gather sheep scattered across the area is awe-inspiring—don’t miss it!
The farm is also full of delicious food options! After exploring Shibukawa, you can satisfy your hunger with a barbecue, a café meal, or a rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream—always a crowd-pleaser. Depending on the season, you can even enjoy strawberry picking.
There are activities for adults as well, such as archery. Beginners are welcome, as the friendly staff provide thorough guidance. It’s so much fun that you might lose track of time.
Ikaho Green Bokujo is a place where you can spend the entire day. It’s a must-visit spot when exploring Shibukawa, promising a full immersion in nature.

3. Shibukawa Skyland Park

Shibukawa Skyland Park is one of the most popular tourist spots in Shibukawa. This amusement park features about 20 different attractions, making it a favorite destination for families with children.
The park offers unique attractions such as "Sky Rider," Japan's largest air slide, and "Alaska Land," where visitors can experience a world at -30°C. There's also "Chibikko Waterland," where kids can enjoy playing in the water, ensuring that children leave fully satisfied. Additionally, various events and shows are held, so be sure to check the schedule.
On holidays, many families visit this leisure spot in Shibukawa. Why not stop by and create some fun memories?

4. Mizusawa Kannon

When it comes to power spots in Shibukawa, Mizusawa Kannon stands out. As the 16th temple on the Bandō 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, it was established over 1,300 years ago by imperial decree from Emperor Suiko and Empress Jitō. Known for its blessings, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking spiritual benefits.
The main hall enshrines the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, while the adjacent Hexagonal Hall, which houses the Six Jizō statues, is designated as an important cultural property. These impressive structures exude a majestic aura.
The area around Mizusawa Kannon is also home to famous "Mizusawa Udon" restaurants. After visiting the temple, enjoying this delicious local specialty is a must.
Why not stop by this power spot during your visit to Shibukawa to uplift your fortune?

5. Akagi Nature Park

When it comes to relaxing spots to enjoy the changing seasons in Shibukawa, Akagi Nature Park is a top choice. This nature park is certified as a "Forest Therapy Base," scientifically proven to provide healing effects. It’s a perfect place to unwind while sightseeing.
Akagi Nature Park offers various seasonal delights. In spring, visitors can admire flowers like azaleas in bloom. Summer is a vibrant green season, with unique summer flowers and opportunities to encounter insects like beetles, making it a popular destination for families during school vacations. In autumn, the forest transforms with stunning fall colors, and charming flowers like gentians can also be seen.
The park also hosts guided tours and numerous events. Shibukawa offers not just excitement but also rejuvenating spots like this. Spend a tranquil weekend here with family or loved ones.

6. Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum

In Shibukawa, you can also enjoy art. The Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum is an art museum located in the vast and beautiful Taisho Forest.
Painter Takehisa Yumeji loved the seasonal nature of Ikaho and Haruna. In his later years, he dreamed of building an art research institute in Haruna, but he fell ill and was unable to see its completion. The Takehisa Yumeji Ikaho Memorial Museum was created to bring his dream to life.
Takehisa Yumeji’s works include beautiful portraits of women, charming children’s drawings, and commercial designs, all of which have captivated the hearts of many people. You can view these amazing works at the museum.
The newly added "Gizanro" showcases Japanese glass from the Meiji and Taisho periods. The beauty of these pieces will leave you mesmerized and make you lose track of time. In the main building, the "Taisho Romance House," you can enjoy performances of antique music boxes. Their gentle tones will soothe your soul.
This is a tourist spot in Shibukawa where you can experience the romance of the Taisho era. Why not visit it once? You can forget about your daily life and spend a relaxing time here.

7. Shirai Inn

Shirai-juku, on the Mikuni Kaido Road near the confluence of the Tone and Agatsuma Rivers, is a historic sightseeing spot in Shibukawa City where the old townscape with white walls still remains. A waterway running through the middle of the road, typical of an inn town, provides an excellent atmosphere. There are not that many tourists, so you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through history.

Shirai was originally a castle town of the Nagao Shirai clan, the family leader of the Kanto region's chief retainer, the Uesugi clan of Yamauchi. The ruins of Shirai Castle, the residence of the Nagao clan, are not yet complete, but stonewalls and a large moat still remain.

At the northern end of Shirai-juku, there is “Roadside Station Komochi” and a museum, so it is recommended to visit there as well! You can taste Shibukawa cuisine and buy all the specialty konnyaku you can find.

Summary

Shibukawa City in Gunma Prefecture offers an incredible variety of tourist attractions. Whether you want to embrace the beauty of nature, recharge your energy at spiritual power spots, indulge in artistic experiences, or simply unwind in soothing hot springs, there’s something for everyone. With its many family-friendly, romantic, and group-oriented destinations, Shibukawa promises a memorable getaway. Located just a short trip from Tokyo, it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing change of pace.
It’s never too late to start planning your Shibukawa adventure—why not make it your next weekend escape?

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It’s Not Just Hot Springs! 7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture