Nakanojo: The heart of hot springs in Japan
Nakanojo is a town that sits against a backdrop of lush forests and scenic mountains in the Gunma Prefecture in Japan’s Kanto region. Just three hours away from Tokyo, this place is known for its hot springs and fairly new but thriving artistic community. The Matsumoto Airport is the closest entry point to Nakanojo if you intend to go there by plane. Another option is the Tokyo Haneda Airport, which is about 87 miles away.
Best Time to Visit
Like the rest of Japan, the hottest months in Nakanojo are from July through September. Nakanojo JP hotels and ryokans are widely available during this time and guests may even score excellent deals. Tourists often come in droves in January, when the cold weather and a nice, warm onsen make a perfect match. March and April also attract tourists for the cherry blossoms, and guests can expect hotel and plane ticket prices to shoot up during these months.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Nakanojo is famous for its onsen, or natural hot spring. A popular destination is the Shima Onsen, where tourists can enjoy the view of waterfalls and a lake. Visitors may also swing by other nearby attractions such as Chatsubomigoke Park and Okushima Lake.
For hotels and accommodation, Ryokan Sakurai is the perfect hideaway for tourists who want to enjoy nature. It is steps away from trendy cafes such as Taisho Roman Kurofuneya and Café & Bar Rakusurakusan. Another option is Conifer Iwabitsu, a business-friendly hotel located in Higashiagatsuma-machi. Miyataya Ryokan is also an excellent choice for nature-loving travelers as it sits close to hiking and fishing destinations.