From Classic to Hidden Gems! 6 Must-Visit Attractions in Sarugakyo Onsen, Gunma

When people think of Sarugakyo Onsen, the first thing that comes to mind is its hot springs. However, this area is also home to many fascinating tourist attractions beyond just the onsen experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in pristine natural landscapes or explore traditional culture that has been passed down for generations.

In addition to classic sightseeing spots, Sarugakyo Onsen offers thrilling experiences, such as bungee jumping, as well as unique attractions, like a former elementary school that has been transformed into an accommodation facility. From legendary and folklore-rich sites to spiritual power spots, Sarugakyo Onsen is a place that captivates visitors, making them want to return again and again. In this article, we have carefully selected some of the best must-visit attractions in Sarugakyo Onsen. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

1. Sarugakyo Bungee Jump

If you want to experience something extraordinary, why not try bungee jumping at Sarugakyo Mizukanbashi, a popular sightseeing spot in Sarugakyo Onsen? "Sarugakyo Bungee" is highly recommended, especially for first-time jumpers.

Opened in 2013, the site is surrounded by a tranquil forest, offering an exhilarating jump experience over a dynamic gorge. You can leap from a height of 62 meters, becoming one with nature and experiencing a sense of ultimate freedom and achievement.

A body harness is used, allowing your arms and legs to remain free, so you can strike any pose mid-air for an even more thrilling experience. This was Japan's first bungee jump to adopt a "winch system." Unlike most bungee jumps in Japan, where jumpers descend after their jump, at Sarugakyo Bungee, an electric winch lifts you back up to the bridge.

Safety is a top priority. The system is designed to eliminate human errors, and operations strictly follow safety-first protocols. Before the jump, your weight is measured, and the equipment is adjusted accordingly. Safety procedures include double and triple checks to ensure maximum security. Only the safest equipment is used, maintained daily, allowing visitors to enjoy their jump with peace of mind.

Participants who complete the jump receive a certificate as proof of their adventure. If you're visiting Sarugakyo Onsen, why not challenge yourself with a thrilling bungee jump in the midst of breathtaking nature?

2. Mount Tanigawa

Standing at 1,977 meters, Mount Tanigawa is a renowned peak of the Mikuni Mountain Range, located on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures. From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and even Mount Fuji, making it a rewarding destination for climbers. The Tanigawa Ropeway allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking scenery from inside the cable car. With the completion of the ropeway, it became easier for tourists to ascend from 750 meters to 1,321 meters at Tenjindaira, significantly boosting the number of visitors.

The most popular season is autumn, especially from early to mid-October, when the vibrant red and orange foliage creates a stunning natural display. The mountainsides are painted in a gradient of yellows to deep reds, offering a mesmerizing view. During this peak season, even weekday mornings see long lines for the ropeway, so it is advisable to visit early.

3. Mantenboshi no Yu

A must-visit spot in Sarugakyo is the Mantenboshi no Yu, a day-use hot spring facility. In addition to its onsen, it offers a variety of outdoor experiences such as agriculture, camping, kayaking, and barbecues, making it an excellent way to enjoy the rich nature of the Satoyama region.

The onsen features 100% natural flowing spring water, with all baths drained and refilled daily. If you visit in the morning, you can enjoy the freshest bath. The clear, light water is ideal for long soaks, warming your body from the core. Rich in calcium and sodium, the water is known for its blood pressure-lowering and pain-relieving effects, as well as its ability to make skin smooth and radiant.

There are two bathing areas, rotating between men and women daily. "Sato no Yu" is surrounded by a stone garden and includes a lying-down bath, while "Tanabata no Yu" features a stone-paved Western-style design. Both baths offer stunning daytime views of Lake Akaya and the surrounding nature.

In addition to hot springs, you can enjoy a variety of seasonal experiences. Stargazing under the clear night sky, barbecuing in the great outdoors, and kayaking on the calm waters of Akaya River, which is perfect for beginners and families. In winter, you can even explore areas only accessible by snowshoeing.

At the Kazaguruma Restaurant, you can dine while overlooking the majestic Lake Akaya. After a full day of outdoor activities, there’s nothing better than soaking in a relaxing hot spring. Be sure to stop by when visiting Sarugakyo Onsen.

4. Sarusho – A School You Can Stay In

Based on the concept of "Stay, Play, and Learn," Sarusho is a former elementary school renovated into a one-group-per-day accommodation, offering a nostalgic and heartwarming experience.

This unique lodging facility allows you to stay overnight in a school building—an experience you won’t find anywhere else. It is perfect for sports training camps, club activities, or private group events. With friends, you can enjoy sports, campfires, stargazing, or hot pot parties.

The facility features various rooms, including a library stocked with nostalgic books and comics, a music room with a piano, and a visual room for watching DVDs or playing games. Sleeping arrangements involve laying futons in a room called "Rindou." A fully equipped home economics room allows guests to cook their own meals.

There is also a health room with a washing machine and a separate men’s and women’s bath featuring a unique kettle-style tub. If you opt for the bath-inclusive plan at booking, you can use this exclusive bath. At Sarusho, you can relive childhood memories and enjoy a completely free and flexible stay. This is an unforgettable experience that can only be found in Sarugakyo Onsen.

5. Takumi no Sato

Located in Sukawadaira, an area that retains the charm of old Japan, Takumi no Sato is a large village (about 70 times the size of Tokyo Dome) where visitors can engage with traditional craftsmanship. The village features numerous craft houses, shopping spots, and restaurants, including the Michi-no-Eki Takumi no Sato roadside station, making it a place where you can spend an entire day without getting bored.

You can experience traditional craftsmanship, such as making straw sandals, bamboo crafts, ceramics, or painting wood-fired pottery. There are also hands-on food experiences like soba noodle making, pickling, and tofu crafting. Handmade food always tastes extra special.

For a leisurely tour, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village, enjoying the old-fashioned scenery. However, this service may be suspended due to weather or the horse’s condition. Dining options include handmade konjac, authentic hand-cut soba, and udon noodles. Be sure to try the buckwheat flour galette, made with 100% locally grown Minakami soba flour.

6. Tsukiyono Vidro Park

At the glass theme park “Tsukiyono Beedoro Park,” you can fully experience the allure of glass. The word “beedoro” means glass, and here you can join glass factory tours, learn about the history of glass craftsmanship in the museum, and even enjoy a “glass experience workshop” that’s fun for everyone—from small children to adults.

The park’s shops offer a wide array of glass products perfect for commemorative souvenirs, as well as local specialties and craft beers, and there are cafes and restaurants on site. During the guided tours of the glass factory, you can get an up-close look at the skills of glass artisans renowned as some of the finest in Japan. At the Glass Art Museum, you can explore the history of glass while admiring works by various glass artists.

In the hands-on glass experience workshop, you can craft a single-flower vase or even carve your own drawings or inscriptions into glass to create a truly one-of-a-kind original piece. The glass shop features a diverse selection ranging from decorative items to practical everyday objects. And if you get hungry, there are dining options available—plus, you can enjoy locally brewed craft beer served in original glasses. Here, you can savor a uniquely eye-catching and distinctive craft beer that you won’t find anywhere else.

◎ Summary

From popular tourist spots to hidden gems, Sarugakyo Onsen offers a wide variety of sightseeing destinations. There are so many unique experiences and attractions that can only be enjoyed here, making it impossible to explore everything in just one day.

In addition to the places introduced here, there are also many fascinating sites, such as ancient power spots, the Enmusubi Waterfall (known for bringing romantic connections), and the "Akaya Seven Lucky Gods Tour", which allows visitors to visit the seven shrines dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods, a unique feature found only in Sarugakyo Onsen. There is also the historic Mikuni-kan, where you can enjoy traditional theater performances. With countless attractions and experiences, Sarugakyo Onsen has so much to offer that one day is simply not enough. If you ever visit Gunma, be sure to explore Sarugakyo Onsen!

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From Classic to Hidden Gems! 6 Must-Visit Attractions in Sarugakyo Onsen, Gunma