Maebashi

Maebashi City (the capital of Gunma Prefecture) is a small city that perfectly blends a “renaissance” spirit with “Showa nostalgia.” Just 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo, it is ideal for a weekend escape from the city or as a starting point for a self-drive trip.

Maebashi City Art and History Tour (Day 1)

• ​​Shiroiya Hotel​​: A 300-year-old former inn renovated by architect Sou Fujimoto, combining art-filled guest rooms with a green hillside. The Blue Bottle Coffee at the entrance is an excellent photo spot.

• ​​ARTS Maebashi​​: A contemporary art museum converted from an old department store, bringing art into everyday life. The surrounding shops have a very stylish design sensibility.

• ​​Maebashi Galleria​​: A landmark building opened in 2023, inspired by the image of a “large tree canopy,” combining galleries, restaurants, and guesthouse accommodation.
• ​​Sun Clock​​: A work by artist Taro Okamoto, standing on the banks of the Hirose River and serving as a symbol of Maebashi’s urban revival.

• ​​Maebashi Toshogu Shrine​​ and ​​Rinkokaku​​: Experience 400 years of history and the beauty of Meiji-era Western-style architecture. Rinkokaku’s Japanese garden is perfect for a stroll.

Nature and Pilgrimage Spots (Day 2)

• ​​Mount Akagi​​: One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, home to the spectacular crater lake Onuma. It is a paradise for self-drive travelers and hiking enthusiasts.
• ​​Initial D Pilgrimage​​: Search for traces of the AE86 on Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, and check in at classic spots such as Takumi’s gas station and the five consecutive hairpin turns.
• ​​Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura​​: A must-visit in spring (early to mid-April), where around 1,500 cherry trees form a magnificent tunnel. It has been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”

Must-Try Food and Local Experiences

Maebashi’s food scene centers on Gunma’s high-quality meats and local cuisine, complemented by small shops in artsy neighborhoods for a rich and varied experience.

• ​​Oyakata Yakiniku​​: Selected Gunma meats in a retro Showa-style atmosphere. The “Hanasaki thick-cut beef tongue” is extremely popular.
• ​​Mizusawa Udon​​: A Gunma specialty. Try it at an established local restaurant in Ikaho or Maebashi for its firm, chewy texture.
• ​​Onsen Manju​​: A famous Ikaho souvenir, with a soft outer skin and sweet filling—perfect to take home.
• ​​Konnyaku Park​​: Free admission, with all-you-can-pack bags of konnyaku, plus hands-on handmade konnyaku experiences.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• ​​Day 1 (City Art Walk)​​: Start from Maebashi Station, then walk or take the bus to visit Shiroiya Hotel, ARTS Maebashi, and Maebashi Galleria. Have lunch by the Hirose River, visit the Sun Clock and Maebashi Toshogu Shrine in the afternoon, and experience the retro atmosphere of Benten-dori Shopping Street in the evening.
• ​​Day 2 (Nature and Self-Drive Pilgrimage)​​: Drive or hire a car to Mount Akagi, visit Onuma and Initial D photo spots, have lunch at Minorei Soba, then head to Ikaho Onsen in the afternoon to soak in the “Golden Hot Spring” or visit the Toy, Doll & Car Museum, before returning.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• ​​Intercity Transportation​​: From Tokyo’s Ueno Station, take the JR Ryomo Line or a limited express train to Maebashi Station in about 1.5 to 2 hours; by car from Narita Airport, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• ​​Getting Around the City​​: City-center sights are relatively concentrated, so walking and buses work well together. If you plan to visit Mount Akagi or nearby hot springs, driving yourself or hiring a car is strongly recommended.
• ​​Things to Watch Out For​​: Some shopping streets in central Maebashi become rather quiet after evening, so plan your dinner spot in advance. The mountain roads to Mount Akagi have many bends, so drive carefully and check traffic restriction information ahead of time.