Shibukawa Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Shibukawa, Japan? Check out our comprehensive travel guide for information on where to stay, what to do, and how to get around this beautiful city.


Introduction to Shibukawa

Shibukawa is a city located in Gunma Prefecture, in the Kanto region of Japan. It is situated in the northern part of the prefecture, between the Tone River and Mount Akagi.

Shibukawa is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful natural scenery, numerous hot springs, and rich cultural traditions. In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary to ensure you make the most of your trip to this beautiful city.

List of Places to Visit in Shibukawa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ono Castle - This castle was built in the 15th century and is located on a hill overlooking Shibukawa City. Visitors can explore the castle’s gardens, moat, and ruins.

  • Shibukawa City Museum of Local History - This museum has several exhibitions on local history, culture, and traditions. There is also a traditional Japanese tea ceremony room that visitors can participate in.

  • Minoya Town Historic Village - This village has several old-style Japanese houses that have been preserved and restored to their original state. Visitors can explore the houses and experience what life was like in rural Japan in the past.

Natural Attractions of Shibukawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Haruna - This mountain is located about 30 kilometers south of Shibukawa and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can hike to the summit or drive to a lookout point to admire the view.

  • Ikaho Green Bokujo - This farm is located on the slopes of Mount Haruna and offers visitors the chance to see farm animals and pick fresh produce. There are also several hiking trails in the area.

  • Shikishima Park - This park offers beautiful views of Mount Akagi and the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and enjoying the scenery.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shibukawa

  • Mount Akagi Hiking Course - This course is about 12 kilometers long and offers beautiful views of Mount Akagi and the surrounding countryside. It is a moderately difficult hike that takes about 4-5 hours to complete.

  • Ikaho Green Bokujo Bike Course - This course is about 10 kilometers long and takes visitors through the countryside around Mount Haruna. It is a relatively easy bike ride that takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Shibukawa: Activities and Tours

  • Onsen Bathing - Shibukawa is famous for its hot springs, or onsen, which are scattered throughout the city. Visitors can choose from several different types of baths, including outdoor, indoor, and mixed-sex.

  • Takayama Herb Gardens - This garden is filled with various herbs and flowers, as well as a small shop selling herbal goods. Visitors can also participate in classes on making herbal products.

  • Shibukawa Skyland Park - This amusement park features several thrill rides, as well as a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shibukawa

Day 1: Ono Castle and Shibukawa City Museum of Local History Day 2: Mount Haruna and Ikaho Green Bokujo Day 3: Minoya Town Historic Village and Shikishima Park Day 4: Mount Akagi Hiking Course and onsen bathing Day 5: Takayama Herb Gardens and Shibukawa Skyland Park Day 6-7: Relaxation and more onsen bathing

Food and Drink Scene of Shibukawa

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gunma Beef - This is a high-quality beef that is raised in Gunma Prefecture and is known for its tender and juicy meat.

  • Mizusawa Udon - This is a type of thick, chewy noodle that is made from local wheat and is served in a savory broth.

  • Houtou - This is a type of noodle soup that is made with vegetables and pork or chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Sake - Gunma Prefecture is known for its high-quality sake, which is made from locally grown rice.

  • Shibukawa Beer - This beer is made from local hops and is known for its refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Shibukawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Tenbo - This hotel is located on a hill overlooking Shibukawa City and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It also has several hot spring baths and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

  • Ryokan Fukuzen - This traditional Japanese inn has several hot spring baths and serves traditional Japanese meals made with seasonal ingredients.

  • Guesthouse Rakukei - This guesthouse is located in the center of Shibukawa City and offers affordable accommodations in a traditional Japanese-style room.

What to Buy in Shibukawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Gunma Sweets - Shibukawa has several shops selling traditional Japanese sweets, such as yokan and manju.

  • Shibukawa Pottery - Shibukawa has a long tradition of pottery-making, and visitors can buy locally made pottery at several shops in the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Shibukawa

  • Onsen Etiquette - When visiting an onsen, it is customary to wash oneself thoroughly before entering the bath.

  • Respect for Nature - Shibukawa has a beautiful natural landscape, and visitors are expected to show respect for the environment by not littering or damaging plants and animals.

Best Time to Visit Shibukawa

The best time to visit Shibukawa is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. However, Shibukawa is a great destination to visit year-round due to its numerous hot springs and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shibukawa

Do:

  • Take off your shoes when entering a traditional Japanese-style room.

  • Mind your manners when visiting an onsen.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside a traditional Japanese-style room.

  • Throw trash on the ground or in the river.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shibukawa

Shibukawa is a safe city to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take precautions to protect their belongings and avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Shibukawa

Shibukawa has a high-quality healthcare system, and visitors can receive medical treatment at several hospitals and clinics throughout the city. It is also important to take precautions when bathing in hot springs, such as not staying in the water for too long and drinking plenty of fluids.

Getting to Shibukawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shibukawa

The closest airport to Shibukawa is Haneda Airport in Tokyo, which is about a two-hour train ride away.

Bus Stations Near Shibukawa

Shibukawa has several bus stations, including the JR Shibukawa Station and the Shima Onsen Bus Terminal.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Shibukawa by taking the Shinkansen, or bullet train, to Takasaki Station and then transferring to a local train to Shibukawa Station.

How to Get Around in Shibukawa

The best way to get around Shibukawa is by car or bus. Visitors can also take taxis or use the city’s bicycle rental service.

Where to Go Next from Shibukawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Karuizawa - This resort town is located about 40 kilometers north of Shibukawa and is known for its beautiful nature and upscale shopping.

  • Nakanojo - This small town is located about 20 kilometers south of Shibukawa and is known for its hot springs and traditional crafts.

Conclusion

Shibukawa is a beautiful city with something to offer every visitor. Whether you’re looking for natural scenery, cultural attractions, or outdoor activities, Shibukawa has it all. This travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Shibukawa and ensure that you have an unforgettable experience.