Maebashi Travel Guide
Discover Maebashi's rich cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, local cuisine, where to stay, and much more with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Maebashi
- List of Places to Visit in Maebashi
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Maebashi
- Best Things to Do in Maebashi: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Maebashi
- Food and Drink Scene of Maebashi
- Where to Stay in Maebashi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Maebashi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Maebashi
- Best Time to Visit Maebashi
- Do’s and Don’ts of Maebashi
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Maebashi: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Maebashi
- Where to Go Next from Maebashi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Maebashi
Welcome to Maebashi, a vibrant city located in the heart of Gunma Prefecture in Japan. Lying just 100km from Tokyo, Maebashi is easily accessible by train, car or bus, and makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors, history and culture, or simply enjoy exploring new places, Maebashi has something to offer everyone.
List of Places to Visit in Maebashi
There is so much to see and do in Maebashi that you really need to set aside a few days to explore it all. Here are some of the must-visit attractions that we recommend:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Maebashi is home to several museums and historic sites that are well worth a visit:
- Gunma Museum of Art: This impressive museum has a collection of over 8,000 works, mostly by Japanese artists, including paintings, prints, ceramics and sculptures.
- Maebashi Castle: Built in the 17th century, this castle is now in ruins but still worth visiting for the great views over the city.
- Gunma Insect World: This unique attraction is home to over 20,000 insects from around the world, and is a great place for families with children.
Natural Attractions of Maebashi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Maebashi is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the great outdoors:
- Mount Akagi: This beautiful mountain offers great hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to see wild monkeys up close.
- Ishidan-gai Steps: A picturesque set of 231 stone steps, lined by cherry blossoms, that lead to the top of Mount Haruna.
- Haruna Shrine: This historic shrine is located at the base of Mount Haruna and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and scenic surroundings.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Maebashi
Maebashi is a great place for hiking and cycling, with many picturesque routes to explore:
- Gunma Astronomical Observatory Trail: This hike takes you through beautiful forests, with views of the mountains and the city. It’s also a great place to stargaze at night.
- Takasaki Green Line: This cycling route takes you on a scenic tour of Maebashi and the surrounding countryside, allowing you to experience the beauty of Gunma Prefecture at a leisurely pace.
Best Things to Do in Maebashi: Activities and Tours
Maebashi has a lot of fun activities to enjoy, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends or family:
- Hot Springs: Gunma is famous for its hot springs, and Maebashi is no exception. There are many hot springs in and around the city, offering a relaxing way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
- Maebashi Shimin Fireworks Festival: Held in August each year, this festival boasts one of the largest fireworks displays in the Kanto region, attracting visitors from all over.
- Kimono Rental Experience: Dress up in a traditional kimono and explore Maebashi in style.
Week-Long Itinerary for Maebashi
Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Maebashi:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Maebashi Castle and the Gunma Museum of Art |
| Day 2 | Hike Mount Akagi and visit Haruna Shrine |
| Day 3 | Relax in a local hot spring and explore the local cuisine |
| Day 4 | Take a scenic drive along the Gunma Green Line and visit Ishidan-gai Steps |
| Day 5 | Enjoy a kimono rental experience and take a stroll through the city |
| Day 6 | Visit Gunma Insect World and Takasaki City Museum of History and Folklore |
| Day 7 | Attend the Maebashi Shimin Fireworks Festival and watch the spectacular display |
Food and Drink Scene of Maebashi
Maebashi has a rich culinary culture, with a variety of local dishes and drinks to try:
Must-Try Dishes
- Gunma-gyuu: This local beef is a must-try for meat lovers, and is often served in sukiyaki or shabu-shabu style.
- Okkirikomi: A hearty soup made with udon noodles, carrots, and burdock, often served with a side of tempura vegetables.
- Houtsuu-ume: These sour plums are a favorite snack among locals and are often used as a sour addition to many dishes.
Local Beverages
- Konnyaku-shochu: A distilled spirit made from the konjac root, this beverage is a popular local drink.
- Kinchakuda: A fermented tea with a tangy flavor and believed to be great for digestion.
Where to Stay in Maebashi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Maebashi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:
- APA Hotel Maebashi Ekimae: Located near the train station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a hot spring bath, and free Wi-Fi.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Maebashi: This modern hotel features a fitness center, spa, and an on-site restaurant.
- Maebashi Guesthouse: A budget-friendly option, this guesthouse offers a shared kitchen, lounge and laundry facilities, perfect for backpackers or solo travelers.
What to Buy in Maebashi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Maebashi offers plenty of unique souvenirs, gifts, and local products to take home:
- Traditional Japanese Crafts: Maebashi is famous for its traditional crafts such as Akagi Dolls, Yatate Inkstones, and Haruna Lacquerware.
- Kirimisu: Maebashi’s unique take on the classic Italian dessert Tiramisu, using traditional Japanese sweets called yokan.
- Konjac Products: Taking advantage of the abundance of konjac roots, Maebashi offers a variety of konjac products including noodles, jelly, and skincare items.
Local Culture and Customs of Maebashi
Respect for the local culture and customs is essential when visiting Maebashi. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Etiquette: It is customary to bow when greeting someone, and shoes should be taken off when entering homes or temples.
- Sake Drinking: When drinking sake, it is customary to pour a small amount for others before pouring for yourself as a sign of respect.
- Onsen Rules: When visiting a hot spring, bathing suits are not allowed and you must wash yourself before entering the bath to keep the water clean.
Best Time to Visit Maebashi
Maebashi is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn. In the spring, you can enjoy cherry blossom season while in the autumn, the fall foliage is breathtaking.
Do’s and Don’ts of Maebashi
Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Maebashi:
Do:
- Try the local cuisine
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Explore the great outdoors
Don’t:
- Wear shoes inside homes or temples
- Litter or smoke in public places
- Be loud and disruptive in hot springs
Safety and Health
Maebashi is a safe and healthy destination, with excellent healthcare facilities and low crime rates:
Safety in Maebashi
- The crime rate is low in Maebashi, and it is safe to walk around the city even at night.
- Follow standard safety precautions in regards to road safety and personal safety.
Health in Maebashi
- Maebashi has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can find English-speaking doctors and medical staff.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, and take necessary precautions when exposed to sun or heat.
Getting to Maebashi: Transportation Options and Logistics
Getting to Maebashi is easy, with several transportation options available:
- By Air: The closest airport to Maebashi is Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, which is approximately 2 hours away by car or train.
- By Train: Maebashi is easily accessible by train, with the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen stopping at the city’s train station.
- By Bus: There are several bus companies that offer regular services to and from Maebashi to Tokyo, and other nearby cities.
How to Get Around in Maebashi
Maebashi is accessible on foot, but if you want to explore more of the city or surrounding areas, there are several transportation options available including:
- Bus: Maebashi City Bus, Joetsu Bus and Gunma Bus are the major bus companies running throughout the city.
- Train: There are several train lines in Maebashi, offering convenient travel to other cities in the region.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Maebashi and can be hailed on the street, or called in advance.
Where to Go Next from Maebashi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Maebashi is a great base to explore nearby destinations in Gunma Prefecture and Kanto region:
- Kusatsu Onsen: A popular hot spring resort town, located approximately an hour and a half away from Maebashi.
- Takasaki: A city known for its historic sites, including the Takasaki Castle Ruins and the Haruna Shrine, located just a short train ride from Maebashi.
- Karuizawa: A fashionable resort town located in Nagano Prefecture, known for its great shopping and skiing opportunities.
Conclusion
Maebashi is a fascinating destination with so much to offer. From its rich cultural heritage to its scenic natural beauty, Maebashi is a city that you should definitely add to your Japan travel list. We hope that this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip and enjoy all that Maebashi has to offer.
