This itinerary begins with cultural experiences in Tokyo before taking you to Gunma, where Kusatsu Onsen, daruma painting, and art offer opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate both body and mind.
In Tokyo, discover the beauty of folk crafts at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, then try your hand at origami at Origami Kaikan. At Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza, enjoy a peaceful moment while savoring Japanese tea. From there, travel to Gunma and immerse yourself in the renowned hot springs and natural surroundings at Yubatake (lit. “hot spring field”) and the Sainokawara Open-Air Bath, both in Kusatsu Onsen. Round out the journey by painting your own lucky daruma doll and admiring the art at Shiroiya Hotel. This three-day retreat offers a chance to refresh both the body and soul as you step away from everyday life.
*For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
Destination
Itinerary
3Days
Transport
JR Joetsu / Hokuriku Shinkansen
Tokyo to Takasaki
Tokyo to Takasaki
About
50 minutes
50 minutes
Day1
TOKYO
1
Japan Folk Crafts Museum
画像提供：日本民藝館
The Japan Folk Crafts Museum serves to communicate about the beauty of handicrafts, embodying the philosophy of the so-called Mingei Movement (folk crafts movement) advocated by Soetsu Yanagi and others. Opened in 1936, the building that houses the Main Hall of the museum itself, together with the former home of Soetsu Yanagi, possess high cultural value, and are registered as Tangible Cultural Assets by the Tokyo government. The museum holds and exhibits a collection of approximately 17,000 pieces of folk art, including ceramics, dyed textiles, woodwork, and lacquerware from throughout Japan and the world that were created as part of the daily lives of the common people. Together, these give a sense of the functional beauty of folk crafts through an approach to exhibition that reflects the aesthetic sense of Soetsu Yanagi. Special exhibits are held on a regular basis as the museum continues to communicate about the appeals of folk crafts to a wide audience.
7 minutes by foot
4 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
25 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
7 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
2
Origami experience (Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan)
The allure of the unlimited possibilities of origami to create a variety of shapes from a single piece of square paper. Experience a creativity unique to Japan.
5 minutes by foot
8 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
5 minutes by foot
3
Tea Experience ＠Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza
Adjoining the rooftop garden on the 5th floor of Kabukiza Tower is Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza, a café specializing in Japanese tea, enclosed by 3000 pieces of bamboo. Visitors can enjoy shopping, having tea, and participating in workshops in this "Zen" space designed by architect Kengo Kuma. Experience Japanese tea here, through a tea experience program that introduces you to the first steps of the tea ceremony in two languages, Japanese and English, in a way that is easy to understand. Learn how to make and drink matcha in practical lessons, where each individual will be presented with a new matcha set. Enjoy using it when you get home.
Day2
GUNMA
4
Tokyo Station
1h15minutes by JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
1h25minutes by bus
5 minutes by shuttle bus
5
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
We pride ourselves on our convenient location—just five minutes from the renowned Kusatsu Onsen—allowing you to fully enjoy both winter sports and hot springs. Our slopes cater to all skill levels, ranging from beginner runs with an average gradient of 6 degrees (max 8 degrees) to advanced courses averaging 21 degrees (max 28 degrees). If the weather permits, you might spot Mt. Fuji far away from the top of the slopes!
You can also enjoy year-round attractions—including the green season—by taking the "Pulse Gondola" up to experience "BanZip TENGU" (a zip line with a 108-meter vertical drop, a total length of 500 meters, and speeds reaching 70 km/h) and "SKY-SWING" (Japan’s tallest giant swing, standing 10 meters high).
You can also enjoy year-round attractions—including the green season—by taking the "Pulse Gondola" up to experience "BanZip TENGU" (a zip line with a 108-meter vertical drop, a total length of 500 meters, and speeds reaching 70 km/h) and "SKY-SWING" (Japan’s tallest giant swing, standing 10 meters high).
5 minutes by bus
6 minutes by foot
6
Yubatake
Kusatsu Onsen Tourist Association
Kusatsu Onsen is widely regarded as Japan's premier hot spring area. At its heart lies the iconic Yubatake (lit. "hot spring field"), where more than 4,000 liters of mineral-rich hot spring water flow every minute. The rising clouds of white steam and the gentle hot spring scent instantly melt away the stresses of everyday life.
After dark, the Yubatake is beautifully illuminated, and a leisurely stroll through the nostalgic hot spring town in a yukata invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
After dark, the Yubatake is beautifully illuminated, and a leisurely stroll through the nostalgic hot spring town in a yukata invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
6 minutes by foot
7
Sainokawara Park/Open-Air Bath
The surrounding area is designated as a special zone within Joshin'etsukogen National Park, and a large open-air bath has been constructed at its innermost point. True to its status as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs—and boasting the country's highest volume of naturally gushing hot spring water—Kusatsu Onsen sees 1,400 liters of water welling up every minute from various points across the wide riverbed. This water flows out to form a "river of hot water," creating a magical landscape of cascades and pools. The park is illuminated from sunset until midnight, allowing visitors to enjoy a romantic evening stroll after their bath.
7 minutes by foot
8
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kusatsu
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kusatsu
Kai Kusatsu, nestled on a quiet highland in Kusatsu, is distinguished by its expansive grounds. Buildings are dotted throughout a garden that reflects the natural beauty of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane; as you stroll along paths through the trees, you are enveloped by dappled sunlight and the songs of wild birds.
Passing through a tunnel from a forest path brings you to the bustling hot spring town. Here, you can enjoy a unique way of spending your time by experiencing two sides of Kusatsu: the lively hot spring town and the tranquil inn embraced by the woods.
Furthermore, in a building reminiscent of the Tomioka Silk Mill, you can try your hand at "Joshu-zaguri"—a traditional silk-reeling technique that has been practiced since the Edo period.
Passing through a tunnel from a forest path brings you to the bustling hot spring town. Here, you can enjoy a unique way of spending your time by experiencing two sides of Kusatsu: the lively hot spring town and the tranquil inn embraced by the woods.
Furthermore, in a building reminiscent of the Tomioka Silk Mill, you can try your hand at "Joshu-zaguri"—a traditional silk-reeling technique that has been practiced since the Edo period.
10 minutes by bus
25 minutes by bus
1h10minutes by train (JR)
10 minutes by foot
Day3
GUNMA
9
Daimonya Co., Ltd.
Daimonya Co., Ltd.
The Daruma is the iconic symbol of fortune and perseverance in Japanese culture and the Takasaki Daruma has been designated a traditional local craft, reflecting its history dating back to the Edo Period.
Daimonya Co., Ltd in Takasaki is a premier manufacturer of the Takasaki Daruma, where generations of master craftspeople have plied their trade. Besides being a place where the tradition is supported, Daimonya is also a destination for visitors who wish to paint their own Daruma! You can follow the exclusive teaching of Daimonya to make a souvenir for yourself or family or friends that will grant memories lasting a lifetime.
Daimonya Co., Ltd in Takasaki is a premier manufacturer of the Takasaki Daruma, where generations of master craftspeople have plied their trade. Besides being a place where the tradition is supported, Daimonya is also a destination for visitors who wish to paint their own Daruma! You can follow the exclusive teaching of Daimonya to make a souvenir for yourself or family or friends that will grant memories lasting a lifetime.
10 minutes by foot
7 minutes by train (JR)
16 minutes by train (JR)
3 minutes by bus
10
Shiroiya Hotel
©Takeo Watanabe
SHIROIYA HOTEL is an innovative boutique hotel in Maebashi, Gunma, combining art and culinary experiences. Reborn in 2020 on the site of a historic inn with over 300 years of history, it was redesigned by world-renowned creators, including architect Sou Fujimoto.
The hotel features contemporary artworks by Japanese and international artists throughout the guest rooms and public spaces, offering a stay like sleeping in a museum. Guests can also enjoy fine dining made with local ingredients and authentic sauna facilities. It serves as a cultural landmark uniting history and modern art.
The hotel features contemporary artworks by Japanese and international artists throughout the guest rooms and public spaces, offering a stay like sleeping in a museum. Guests can also enjoy fine dining made with local ingredients and authentic sauna facilities. It serves as a cultural landmark uniting history and modern art.
update: Oct.28.2026
