The birthplace of hot springs, Isobe Onsen! 4 spots where you can enjoy sightseeing and hot springs!

Gunma is known for its convenient access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, and it is a popular sightseeing destination where you can enjoy plenty of nature and activities, including the Tomioka Silk Mill, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2014.
And did you know that the origin of the hot spring symbol is in Gunma Prefecture? It is said to have started in the Edo period when it was used in the notation for “Isobe Onsen.” This time, among the many popular hot springs in Gunma Prefecture, we will introduce Isobe Onsen, the birthplace of the hot spring symbol, along with sightseeing spots and hot spring inns where you’ll want to stay during your visit!

1. Isobe Onsen Footbath

Gunma’s Isobe Onsen has a free footbath hot spring. Located about 5 minutes from Isobe Station, even those who don’t have time to fully soak in the hot springs can casually enjoy sightseeing at Isobe Onsen, such as during a day trip.

This footbath was opened free of charge with the hope of becoming a new sightseeing spot in Annaka City and Isobe Onsen. It is managed by the Isobe Onsen Association so that visitors who come for sightseeing can use it as a place of relaxation.
It is available from 8:00 to 19:00. By soaking your feet, you can revive your tired legs after sightseeing around Isobe Onsen!

2. Isobe Onsen Megumi-no-Yu

This is a hot spring facility where you can enjoy sightseeing in Isobe even on a day trip. It is loved as a health-promoting hot spring where both local citizens and visitors can relax.
The “sand salt bath,” which requires a reservation, is a rare feature for a day-trip hot spring! It is expected to improve blood circulation, promote metabolism, and enhance natural healing power. The facility also offers a large public bath, open-air bath, far-infrared sauna, steam sauna, cold bath, and welfare bath, making it enjoyable for people of all ages.
Additionally, there are plenty of relaxing options such as a lounge, dozens of varieties of herbal teas with herbal tea counseling, and a large hall for free use. There are also private rooms available by reservation, so you can spend the whole day relaxing and sightseeing.

3. Isobe Onsen Festival

Every year from August 14 to 16, when the Usui River brings a refreshing breeze in midsummer, the “Isobe Onsen Festival” is held. On the 14th, there is an event to catch ayu fish by hand and rakugo storytelling; on the 15th, children carry portable shrines; and on the 16th, floating lanterns and fireworks displays take place. Also, on the 15th, a traditional fireworks festival that has been held for more than half a century is celebrated.
With a variety of events, this festival promotes interaction between generations and contributes to the revitalization of the community, making it very popular with children. It is beloved not only by locals but also by tourists. The rakugo you hear and the fireworks you see as a child are often remembered well into adulthood. Adults are sure to feel nostalgic and be captivated by the beautiful fireworks.
The floating lanterns on the Usui River add elegance and a cool visual element. It’s also nice to relax by the river and forget the midsummer heat. Don’t miss the fireworks festival on the 15th, and especially the spectacular fireworks on the 16th! Everyone visiting Isobe Onsen in summer should definitely enjoy the Isobe Onsen Festival as well.

4. Tomioka Silk Mill

Up to now we’ve been introducing sightseeing in Isobe Onsen, but of course, if you come to Isobe Onsen, the must-see spot is the World Heritage Site, Tomioka Silk Mill. You’ve probably heard its name at least once in a Japanese history class.
The origins of the Tomioka Silk Mill go back to the Edo period. Around the time Japan gradually eased its isolation policy, raw silk became Japan’s top export, but as demand increased, poor-quality silk began to be exported. Concerned about this situation, the government at the time decided to build a government-run factory to produce high-quality model silk. Thus, with the cooperation of hired foreign experts, the Tomioka Silk Mill was established in the Meiji era as a model government-operated factory.
Tomioka was chosen because it had all the necessary conditions for silk production: a thriving sericulture industry, abundant water, coal for fuel, wide open land, and most importantly, local residents who supported the construction of the factory.
Usually, when new factories are built, opposition movements often occur, but in the early years of modernization, the people of Tomioka had the foresight to accept a factory run under foreign guidance. That acceptance was remarkable and visionary. Even today, as a World Heritage Site, the courage of those people continues to bring benefits to the local community.
The Tomioka Silk Mill is open for visits from 9:00 to 17:00, except at the end of the year. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 250 yen for high school and university students, and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Depending on the day, you may also see demonstrations of hand-reeling or French-style reeling machines. There are also silkworm exhibitions, recommended for those who have never seen them before. In addition, seasonal exhibitions are held, so be sure to check them out.

◎Summary

As the birthplace of the hot spring symbol, Isobe is full of historic hot spring sites. Gunma, surrounded by mountains, offers natural scenery that you can enjoy while soaking in Isobe Onsen. Here you can immerse yourself in the hot springs while appreciating rich nature, and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a hometown. There is no doubt that Isobe Onsen, as the birthplace of the hot spring symbol, will continue to attract many hot spring fans! Be sure to keep an eye on Gunma’s Isobe Onsen in the future.

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The birthplace of hot springs, Isobe Onsen! 4 spots where you can enjoy sightseeing and hot springs!