Kawarayu Onsen

Kawarayu Onsen is a quiet hot spring town with a history of over 800 years since its founding. This hot spring town is a place where you can experience the charm of traditional Japan, with old-fashioned inns and restaurants lining the streets. Even just walking around the town is enjoyable. In addition, there are lodging facilities that have renovated old Kawarayu houses and warehouses, where you can feel the history and culture of Kawarayu that has continued since the Edo period. When you visit, why not tour the hot spring town and enjoy the charm of traditional Japan?

Kawarayu Onsen is popular for its hot springs cuisine, particularly its "Meat and Salmon Roe Rice Bowl," which is said to be exquisite. This dish is a luxurious item that features plenty of meat and salmon roe cooked on top of rice, with a hot spring egg on top. In addition, there is a ryokan called Yamaki-kan that has been in business for about 360 years since its establishment, and the "Mini Kaiseki x Modern Kamado Cuisine" served here is also recommended. The cuisine at Yamaki-kan is creative Japanese cuisine using local ingredients, with each dish showcasing the chef's original ideas. The cuisine at Kawarayu Onsen features many dishes that make use of nature's blessings and are deeply flavorful, making them a must-try when visiting!

The Yukake Festival at Kawarayu Onsen is an annual festival held in January. The origin of the festival dates back to about 400 years ago when Minamoto no Yoritomo discovered the hot springs. When the hot springs suddenly stopped flowing, the villagers were at a loss. However, one villager boiled the eggs of a chicken and smelled the aroma, which reminded him of the hot springs. He poured the boiled water on the ground, and the hot springs started to flow again. This is said to be the beginning of the festival. Currently, men strip down to their loincloths and engage in a "Yukake Battle," pouring hot water on each other. The Yukake Festival at Kawarayu Onsen allows you to experience the customs of ancient Japan and is a valuable cultural experience for us living in modern times!

Kawarayu Onsen boasts a wonderful view that spreads along the stream. The steep rocks on both sides of the Agatsuma River are known as a famous scenic spot called "Yabakei of Kanto". In addition, you can enjoy various types of architecture unique to the Edo period in a non-daily space renovated from old houses and warehouses in the former Kawarayu. Kawarayu Onsen is a quiet and traditional hot spring in Gunma Prefecture, where you can enjoy the rich nature from the open-air bath along the stream. You can spend a luxurious time soaking in the hot springs while listening to the sound of the river.

Mt. Haruna is an active volcano with an elevation of 1,449 meters and has been designated as one of Japan's top 100 mountains. Mt. Haruna is divided into two periods: the ancient Haruna volcano and the new Haruna volcano, which formed the Haruna Caldera. There are multiple climbing routes, with the Sobu-ga-take course being particularly famous. Sobu-ga-take is one of the mountains that make up Mt. Haruna and is also known as Haruna-Fuji. During the autumn foliage season, it is bustling with many climbers. In addition, if the weather is good, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery from Mt. Haruna, which is a scenic spot. Mt. Haruna in Gunma Prefecture, which became the model for Akina Mountain, also has many tourist spots. The mountains such as Lake Haruna, Binzuru Mountain, and Ikanikeisa are attractive with their quiet atmosphere, making them perfect for trekking and hiking. Mt. Haruna is not only a place to enjoy nature, but also a tourist spot where you can enjoy hot springs and delicious food. If you visit Kawarayu Onsen, why not stop by and see for yourself?