Full of Nature! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots Surrounding Takemin Mountain in Gunma Prefecture

Takemin Mountain, designated as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, is surrounded by Minakami Town, Kawaba Village, and Katashinami Village in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture.

Every year, many climbers from all over Japan gather around Takemin Mountain. With several different hiking trails approaching from various directions, the sightseeing spots you encounter vary depending on which route you choose.

For those who love mountain climbing or simply want to enjoy nature, here are 8 recommended tourist spots surrounding Takemin Mountain.

1. Takemin Mountain

Takemin Mountain is comprised of eight major peaks: Okinotakeru, Nakanodake, Ienokushi, Maetakeru, Kenokamine, Kenokamine-yama, Shishiganobeyama, and Nishimine.

The mountain’s name comes from the legend of Yamato Takeru. This association began during the Edo period when shugendō practitioners from Edobacchō-bori spread the legend of Yamato Takeru.

The highest peak is Okinotakeru, with an elevation of 2158 meters. How about making climbing memories while exploring this mountain?

2. Takemin Ranch Campground

Located on the Katashinami Village side of Takemin Mountain, Takemin Ranch Campground is situated near the mountain’s trailhead. The area is surrounded by virgin beech forests, and in June, you can see rengetsu tsutsuji (a type of azalea) in bloom, while in July, yanagiran and lavender bloom in clusters. This rengetsu tsutsuji has even been designated as a Natural Monument.

The campground features a central tent site and is surrounded by log houses, auto-camping sites, and a shower building. Log houses are recommended for families with small children who wish to relax together.

Many tourists enjoy climbing while camping here, and you can also experience forest bathing on 2 km or 4 km trekking courses. It’s also a great spot to visit when the season is right for viewing flowers on Takemin Mountain.

3. Takemin Ranch Campground Genghis Khan & BBQ House

Within the Takemin Ranch Campground is the “Genghis Khan & BBQ House,” located near the campground’s administrative building.

The set menus include a Genghis Khan set for 1240 yen per person, a pork loin set for 1290 yen, and a barbecue set for 1440 yen. By using the Genghis Khan & BBQ House, you can enjoy a barbecue and socialize with friends without having to prepare your own meal.

Please note that reservations are required two weeks in advance if you plan to use this service for tourism, camping, or mountain climbing. Enjoy the natural beauty of Takemin with your family or friends!

(Prices are as of January 6, 2017.)

4. Natsuyama Lift

Also located within Takemin Ranch Campground, the “Natsuyama Lift” is another recommended attraction. Near the campground parking area, you can find the lift ticket counter.

Enjoy an approximately 8-minute ride through the air. In summer, you can gaze down upon fields of lavender and clusters of yanagiran. The fresh, clear mountain air and beautiful blossoms will soothe your soul.

The lift operates from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (with the final boarding at 4:30 PM). It is especially recommended to ride early in the morning when the air is crisp.

Round-trip tickets cost 720 yen for adults and 410 yen for children, making it an affordable family-friendly activity.

(Prices are as of January 16, 2017.)

5. Takemin Tashiro Wetland

Takemin Tashiro Wetland, also known as Koise, is a wetland area that you can stroll around.

Here, you can observe wetland plants such as mineral-loving species and ferns. Although you can only view it from a distance, it is a great area for a leisurely walk.

6. Hanasaki no Yu

Surrounded by mountains and with beautiful seasonal flowers in bloom, Hanasaki no Yu is a hot spring where you can relax while enjoying the view. In winter, it is especially popular with visitors to winter sports like skiing who come to warm up their chilled bodies.

The outdoor baths “Kou no Yu” and “Kaze no Yu” are alternated daily between men and women. The simple alkaline hot spring is reputed to help with neuralgia, joint pain, and frozen shoulder.

Inside the facility, you can also dine at the restaurant “Hanasaki,” which serves local dishes made with ingredients from Katashinami Village. It’s the perfect place to rest your body after a day of walking or mountain climbing.

7. Hodai-ju Campground

Hodai-ju Campground is located on the Minakami Town side of Takemin Mountain. It offers spacious areas including an auto-camping site, camping trailer site, tent site, and bungalows.

The campground is well-equipped with sports facilities such as a putt golf course, tennis court, and a “Chibi Playground,” making it extremely popular with families. Nearby, the Natural Flower Garden features a dazzling array of flowers including nikkousugi, yanagiran, Annabelle, yamayuri, and linden.

It’s a refreshing campsite where you can enjoy the magnificent flowers and rugged mountains while recharging your energy.

8. Takaragawa Onsen Wōsenkaku

Takaragawa Onsen Wōsenkaku is the oldest and most frequently featured hot spring in media at Takaragawa Onsen. Its famous “Maka no Yu” outdoor bath is a mixed-gender bath; for women who are uncomfortable with mixed baths, there is also a women-only bath available.

Opposite the changing room at Maka no Yu is Hannya no Yu, a shallow bath that is safe even for children. This makes it an ideal hot spring for visitors with children. Across the river from Hannya no Yu is the "Kodakara no Yu." The roof of the bath’s tub features Takemin Shrine. The large public bath in the facility is divided into “Don Yu” and “Hime Yu,” with the original large rocks incorporated into the bath.

Takaragawa Onsen is a hot spring with a long history said to have been discovered by Yamato Takeru. It is recommended for families and groups alike.

◎ Summary

We have introduced 8 tourist spots surrounding Takemin Mountain in Gunma Prefecture. Although Takemin Mountain is mainly known for mountain climbing and skiing, we focused on hot springs and campgrounds that can be enjoyed all year round.

Takemin Mountain is an area filled with the unique charm of every season, and it is easily accessible—only a 30-minute drive from Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. For those who want to enjoy outdoor activities, it is the perfect destination.

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