Stunning natural baths just a few hours from Tokyo offer a soak in mineral-rich history
Tokyo, Japan -
Newsfile Corp. - December 24, 2024 - Channel 47 announced the launch of the Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair. The limited time event will include the sale of dedicated facility entry/transportation tickets and ticketing for tie-up events in the seven participating onsen hot spring resort areas: Kusatsu, Manza, Ikaho, Shima, Oigami, Isobe and Minakami. The campaign will launch on January 6, 2025 and continue until February 4, 2025. Gunma prefecture is only a couple hours ride from Tokyo, making the experience possible for day trips or extended stays from the capital. The tickets will allow visitors to commute freely between the seven participating regions in Gunma Prefecture using public bus services. The ticket fee also includes entry fees for hot spring facility access. Separate ticket purchases for tie up events on select dates will be offered throughout the campaign period. Widely known for its convenient access from the capital and historical hot spring bathing, Gunma Prefecture is consistently ranked among the top must-visit destinations domestically. Home to world-class, naturally fed hot spring spa resorts that welcome visitors with classic charm and respite from their busy lives, Gunma is becoming a new Golden Route alternative for wellness lovers. From January 6, 2025, until February 4, 2025, the "Seven Great Onsen Resorts in Gunma Hopping Fair" package invites visitors to explore the seven major hot spring towns in Gunma prefecture. Passholders will receive exclusive access to onsen baths, activities, and participation gifts for the duration of the fair and can freely use a dedicated bus line designed to make stress-free transfers between resort towns. Visitors can try "onsen-hopping" across 100 selected hot springs, including private and historical onsen that are not usually accessible. Each offers breathtaking scenery while enjoying a healing bath. The Onsen Hopping tickets will be sold as digital passes that include Onsen entry and bus fare.
The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass) offers unlimited access to all participating hot springs, including those located in hotels and ryokan, for the duration of the campaign (approximately one month).
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass)) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_001full.jpgThe Onsen Hopping Pass(Select 10) gives guests one-time entry to ten of the 100 participating onsen and unlimited transportation on the dedicated bus line.
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Select 10)) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_002full.jpg In addition to onsen access, visitors will be encouraged to participate in a round of events and experiences surrounding the fair that highlight the unique appeal of each hot spring town.
Kusatsu Onsen Traditional bathing and performance experience Pass holders are encouraged to visit Goza-no-yu, a bath facility overlooking Yubatake, the town's central spring, while visiting Kusatsu Onsen. On January 11 and 25, an exclusive performance of the traditional Kusatsu-Bushi at Goza-no-yu will enchant bathers. This song and dance are considered a part of Kusatsu Onsen's cultural heritage.
(Image of
Traditional bathing and performance experience) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_003full.jpgGondola sight-seeing and sushi The town also boasts a recently completed ski resort with some of the highest-quality powder snow in Japan. In the evening, visitors can take the sky gondola up to the ski facilities to enjoy a traditional edo-mae sushi meal while overlooking Kusatsu Onsen town at Crystal Sora.
(Image of
Gondola sight-seeing and sushi) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_004full.jpgManza OnsenOnsen installation art and projection mapping This season's onsen hopping fair at the Prince Hotel will feature an installation piece and private bathing experience courtesy of celebrated contemporary artist Misa Funai. Shimmering stars, birds in flight, and the drama of the art installation transform the Prince Hotel's baths into an elegant stage complete with projection mapping and a starry-sky-themed aperitif. The art baths will be limited to one couple per day, providing a once-in-a-lifetime private experience.
Stars and snowshoe tour Mt. Manza towers high above the snowy landscape, offering unmatched views of Japan's mountainous expanse. At this height, the stars are breathtakingly clear, and the chatter of the busy world below fades away. With the help of an English-speaking guide, pass holders can enjoy a snowshoed evening stroll that reveals the...
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Free Pass)) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_001full.jpgThe Onsen Hopping Pass(Select 10) gives guests one-time entry to ten of the 100 participating onsen and unlimited transportation on the dedicated bus line. 
(Image of The Onsen Hopping Pass (Select 10)) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_002full.jpg In addition to onsen access, visitors will be encouraged to participate in a round of events and experiences surrounding the fair that highlight the unique appeal of each hot spring town. Kusatsu Onsen Traditional bathing and performance experience Pass holders are encouraged to visit Goza-no-yu, a bath facility overlooking Yubatake, the town's central spring, while visiting Kusatsu Onsen. On January 11 and 25, an exclusive performance of the traditional Kusatsu-Bushi at Goza-no-yu will enchant bathers. This song and dance are considered a part of Kusatsu Onsen's cultural heritage. 
(Image of Traditional bathing and performance experience) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_003full.jpgGondola sight-seeing and sushi The town also boasts a recently completed ski resort with some of the highest-quality powder snow in Japan. In the evening, visitors can take the sky gondola up to the ski facilities to enjoy a traditional edo-mae sushi meal while overlooking Kusatsu Onsen town at Crystal Sora. 
(Image of Gondola sight-seeing and sushi) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9948/235074_5a7ced45844a79af_004full.jpgManza OnsenOnsen installation art and projection mapping This season's onsen hopping fair at the Prince Hotel will feature an installation piece and private bathing experience courtesy of celebrated contemporary artist Misa Funai. Shimmering stars, birds in flight, and the drama of the art installation transform the Prince Hotel's baths into an elegant stage complete with projection mapping and a starry-sky-themed aperitif. The art baths will be limited to one couple per day, providing a once-in-a-lifetime private experience. Stars and snowshoe tour Mt. Manza towers high above the snowy landscape, offering unmatched views of Japan's mountainous expanse. At this height, the stars are breathtakingly clear, and the chatter of the busy world below fades away. With the help of an English-speaking guide, pass holders can enjoy a snowshoed evening stroll that reveals the...