Discover 12 Must-see Destinations in Kawaba Village, Gunma for All Ages!

Kawaba Village in Gunma Prefecture is located about 10 minutes by car from the Numata Interchange. From spring to autumn, you can observe various plants, while in summer, you can enjoy playing in the river, and in winter, you can enjoy winter sports, making it a village that can be enjoyed year-round. This time, we will introduce 12 tourist spots in Kawaba Village where both children and adults can have a great time.

1. Michi-no-Eki Kawaba Denen Plaza

Roadside Station "Kawaba Den-en Plaza" offers a wide range of activities and attractions across its spacious grounds. When visiting, the first thing to do is enjoy Kawaba's unique dining options. At the bakery, you'll find a variety of breads, and the enticing aroma alone is enough to excite you.

Popular among tourists are rice balls made from Kawaba's specialty brand rice, "Yuki Hotaka," handmade soba noodles, and the "Sanzoku-yaki," a dish packed with sausages and other goodies. If you're not driving, pair your meal with some locally brewed beer for the perfect experience. With many workshops available, exploring the area will surely leave your stomach full.

Children especially love the "Chibikko Gelande," where they can enjoy sledding down slopes, often staying longer than planned. Nearby, there’s also a blueberry park, playground equipment, an observatory, and more! Additionally, there are various hands-on activities, such as pottery and woodworking crafts. If you have time, give them a try!

Denen Plaza Kawaba is a roadside station where visitors of all ages, from small children to adults, can fully enjoy their trip. Being a roadside station, you won’t need to worry about parking. It’s a safe and convenient stop even for those traveling by car.

2. Fureai Bridge

Located between Kawaba Village Hall and Denen Plaza Kawaba, the "Fureai Bridge" stretches over 200 meters across the Tone River, dedicated solely to pedestrians. It’s a beloved spot where visitors can enjoy whimsical rice paddy art, and it draws many tourists throughout the year. In the evening, the bridge is illuminated, creating a completely different yet equally charming atmosphere from daytime.

3. Kawaba Ski Resort

Gunma Prefecture is famous for winter sports! It’s well-known for having many popular ski resorts due to their easy access from the Tokyo area. One such resort is "Kawaba Ski Resort," located in Kawaba Village. It offers courses ranging from beginner to advanced, allowing you to enjoy skiing at your own level.

The facility also has rental services for skiing and snowboarding gear, as well as a sports shop, so you can prepare for winter sports right at Kawaba Ski Resort.

There is also a ski school, so if you're a beginner or not confident skiing on your own, you can join a lesson. There’s even a kids’ school, making it a great place for children to have their first skiing experience.

Another convenient feature is its great access, being about a 25-minute drive from Numata Interchange!

4. Kayabuki no Gensen Yuyado Yutorian

Yutorian offers a day-use hot spring, with water classified as an alkaline simple spring. It’s known for its healing properties, especially for those with chronic digestive issues, cold sensitivity, skin problems, and post-illness recovery. With both indoor and outdoor baths, you can soak in the therapeutic waters while enjoying the open air.

After a day of sightseeing or winter sports in Kawaba Village, relaxing in Yutorian’s hot springs is the perfect way to unwind.

For added convenience, women can enjoy a full range of amenities, including makeup remover, lotion, and moisturizer, making it easy to visit without bringing any personal care items.

5. Kissho-ji Temple

Located in Kawaba Village, Kichijoji Temple is part of the Kenchoji Temple network based in Kamakura. It’s believed to have been founded in 1339 by the renowned monk Chugan Engetsu Zenji. The temple grounds are filled with interesting sights, including the Rokujizo statues, Treasure Hall, Shakyamuni Hall, and the serene Fudo Waterfall. Don’t miss the Himekomatsu pine tree, a Gunma Prefecture Natural Monument.

Kichijoji Temple is also famous for its seasonal floral displays, with over 100 varieties of plants blooming from spring to autumn. It’s a spot worth visiting multiple times to experience the beauty of each season.

6. Kawaba Village History and Folklore Museum

The Kawaba Village Historical Folklore Museum is housed in a relocated building that used to be Kawaba Elementary and Middle School, now designated as a national registered cultural property. This gives the museum a charmingly nostalgic atmosphere.

Inside, visitors can explore cultural and folk artifacts that reflect Kawaba Village's history from ancient to modern times. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in local history.
For visitors arriving by car, there is free parking available at Kawaba Village Central Park, just a 6-minute walk from the museum.

7. Kabuto Falls

Kabuto Falls gets its name from its resemblance to a traditional helmet, or "kabuto." With a 20-meter drop, the water, and the way the water splashes upwards when it hits this formation resembles a helmet. It's a must-see in person!

The area near the waterfall is accessible, making it an ideal spot for summer fun like water play. If you visit with children during the warmer months, it’s a great way to create unforgettable summer memories in Kawaba Village.

8. Kawabatani Dam

Kawabatani Dam is located at the headwaters of the Usunegawa River. This river is known as the largest river flowing through Kawaba Village. While the village is home to several rivers, this is the only dam in Kawaba Village.

It’s also a popular fishing spot and a famous location for autumn foliage. During the fall season, many tourists visit to admire the changing colors, bringing lively activity to the area.

9. Seiryu Park

Seiryu Park is within walking distance from Tanbo Plaza Kawaba. It is a popular tourist spot not only for the residents of Kawaba Village but also for visitors. Playing in the river here feels great, especially during the summer season when it helps you forget the heat. Besides river activities, the park offers nature walks, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Nearby, there is "Hotel SL," where you can enjoy a hot spring. After enjoying your sightseeing in Kawaba Village, why not try a day-use bath? With a hot spring nearby, you can fully enjoy playing in the river with your kids without worrying about getting wet.

10. Hōtaka Shrine

Hottaka Shrine is located in Kawaba Onsen and was built in 1755. It enshrines Mount Hottaka, one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. The ceiling of the shrine is said to be adorned with a dragon painting by Edo-period artist Kano Tanyu. Additionally, be sure to take a close look at the main hall, where you can see intricate carvings.

Many visitors come to Hottaka Shrine to enjoy hiking in Mount Hottaka. If you love the outdoors, why not combine your visit to the shrine with a mountain hike?

11. Takinosawa Famous Water Park

Takinosawa Famous Water Park is a well-maintained park where you can easily draw spring water from Mount Hottaka, also known as "Tenjin, the Village of Famous Water." If you’re visiting Kawaba for sightseeing, don’t miss the chance to taste this water, famed for its quality!

The park has a parking lot and is freely accessible. Be sure to stop by and try the famous water, nurtured by Gunma's natural surroundings, during your trip to Kawaba.

12. Nippon Kirie Hyakkeikan (Japanese Paper-Cutting Museum)

As the name suggests, this is a museum specializing in "kirie" (paper cutting art). Works are solicited through competitions from all over Japan, and selected pieces are displayed here. The building is notable for its charming log-house style.

At the Japan Kirie Hyakkeikan, there is a free kirie experience corner where visitors can try their hand at paper cutting. This is a unique experience only available here. If you visit Kawaba, make sure to give it a try as a memorable activity!

◎Summary

Kawaba Village offers a wide range of attractions, from spots where children can play freely in nature to places where adults can relax. And while you're there, why not try "Yukihotaka," a brand of rice produced locally? Enjoy this specialty as part of your sightseeing experience.

Moreover, there are many hot springs and tourist spots in Kawaba Village that we couldn't introduce here. Be sure to explore this village that offers various ways to enjoy your visit!