Gunma is known for its hot springs, mountainous nature, and seasonal charm. The best time to visit is from March to May and October to November, when the weather is cool and the scenery is vibrant with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
The chart above shows monthly travel suitability in Gunma:
🍃 Green (Mar–May, Oct–Nov): Excellent weather for hiking, festivals, and sightseeing.
🌸 Yellow (Jun, Sep): Humid but manageable, with light rain and fewer crowds.
❄️ Orange (Dec–Feb, Jul–Aug): Cold winters with snow, and hot humid summers—good for skiing or hot springs.
🔹 Table of Contents
🌦️ Gunma Weather Overview
Gunma Prefecture experiences four distinct seasons with cool springs and autumns perfect for outdoor adventures, hot summers, and snowy winters ideal for hot springs and skiing.
🌸 Spring & Autumn
Months: March – May, September – November
Cool and comfortable weather with vibrant cherry blossoms and autumn foliage — ideal for sightseeing and hiking.
☀️ Summer & Winter
Months: June – August, December – February
Summer is warm and humid; winter brings snow, perfect for skiing and relaxing in onsen hot springs.
📅 Best Months to Visit Gunma
Planning your trip to Gunma? The prefecture shines in spring and autumn with pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery — perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and hot springs.
🌸 March – May
Springtime brings cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
🍁 September – November
Autumn offers crisp air and stunning fall foliage, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
❄️ December – February
Winter is cold with snow in the mountains — excellent for skiing and enjoying Gunma’s famous hot springs.
☀️ June – August
Summer is warm and humid, but mountain areas provide cooler retreats and lush nature.
🌦️ Gunma Seasonal Weather Overview
🌸 Spring & Autumn
- Months: March – May, September – November
- Weather: Mild and comfortable
- Rainfall: Moderate, mostly clear skies
- Best for: Cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, hiking
☀️ Summer & Winter
- Months: June – August (summer), December – February (winter)
- Weather: Hot and humid in summer; cold and snowy in winter
- Rainfall: Higher in summer; snow accumulation in winter
- Best for: Skiing, hot springs, summer mountain retreats
📅 Best Time to Visit Gunma
Gunma Prefecture experiences distinct seasons. The best times to visit Gunma are during spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and mild weather, and autumn (September to November) for stunning fall foliage and comfortable temperatures.
🌸 March – May
Enjoy cherry blossoms, hiking, and festivals with pleasant, mild weather.
🍁 September – November
Experience crisp air and vibrant autumn leaves, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
🧳 Why This Time?
These seasons offer the best combination of weather, scenery, and cultural experiences including hot springs, hiking, and festivals.
🌍 Gunma Travel Guide
Gunma, known for its stunning mountains, hot springs, and rich cultural heritage, offers year-round attractions. From historic shrines to outdoor adventures, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
📌 Top Attractions
- ♨️ Relax in Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts
- ⛰️ Hike the scenic Mount Haruna and enjoy panoramic views
- 🏯 Visit the historic Takasaki Castle and local shrines
- 🚠 Explore the Oze National Park’s marshlands and hiking trails
- 🎡 Discover Ikaho Onsen and its charming stone steps
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit Gunma are March to May for cherry blossoms and mild weather, and September to November to enjoy crisp air and vibrant autumn foliage.
🚆 Getting Around
Gunma is well connected by train (including the JR lines) and buses. Renting a car is ideal for exploring more remote areas like national parks and hot springs.
🧳 Travel Tips
- Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking.
- Carry cash, as some rural spots may not accept cards.
- Respect hot spring etiquette when visiting onsens.
- Try local specialties like Gunma’s konnyaku and yaki-manju snacks.
🌡️ Gunma Temperature and Rainfall Chart
This chart shows the average monthly temperature and rainfall in Gunma Prefecture. Use this to plan your visits during the most pleasant weather.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 40 |
| February | 3 | 50 |
| March | 7 | 70 |
| April | 13 | 90 |
| May | 18 | 120 |
| June | 21 | 130 |
| July | 25 | 140 |
| August | 26 | 120 |
| September | 22 | 110 |
| October | 16 | 90 |
| November | 10 | 60 |
| December | 5 | 50 |
📅 When to Visit Gunma
Gunma Prefecture, famous for its hot springs and mountain scenery, is best visited during spring and autumn for mild weather and stunning landscapes.
🌸 March – May
Springtime with cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
🌞 June – August
Summer months, warm with occasional rain showers. Great for festivals and mountain hiking.
🍁 September – November
Autumn brings beautiful fall colors, cooler weather, and ideal hiking conditions.
🗓️ Gunma Vacation Planner
Plan your ideal getaway to Gunma, famous for hot springs, mountains, and scenic nature. Discover cultural sites, outdoor activities, and relaxing onsen experiences.
📅 Duration
Recommended Stay: 2 to 4 days
Enough time to relax in hot springs, explore nature trails, and visit cultural landmarks.
🏞️ Must-Visit Places
- Kusatsu Onsen Hot Springs
- Mount Haruna and Lake Haruna
- Ikaho Onsen and Stone Steps
- Oze National Park hiking trails
- Shibukawa Ikaho Shrine
🌄 What to Do
- Relax in world-renowned onsen hot springs
- Hike scenic mountain trails
- Explore local festivals and cultural events
- Visit historic shrines and temples
🧳 Travel Tips
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for trails
- Carry cash as some onsen and shops are cash-only
- Learn basic Japanese greetings for a friendly experience
- Check onsen etiquette before visiting hot springs
How to Reach Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Gunma Prefecture, located northwest of Tokyo, is known for its beautiful mountains, hot springs, and historic towns. It is well connected by rail and road transport.
Here’s how you can reach Gunma from major cities in Japan:
🚆 By Train
Gunma is accessible via the JR Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines from Tokyo, making travel fast and convenient.
🚌 By Bus
Highway buses run frequently between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Gunma’s main cities such as Takasaki and Maebashi.
🚗 By Car
Gunma is reachable by expressways from Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, offering scenic drives through mountainous terrain.
| City | Distance | Estimated Travel Time | Route Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | 100 km | 1 - 1.5 hours by Shinkansen | |
| Nagoya | 250 km | 3.5 - 4 hours by train | |
| Osaka | 500 km | 4.5 - 5 hours by train | |
| Sendai | 300 km | 2.5 - 3 hours by train |
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
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