Sarugakyo Hot Spring (Gunma Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Sightseeing, and Access Information
Sarugakyo Hot Spring, located in Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, is a historic hot spring resort surrounded by the majestic nature of the Tanigawa mountain range. As a hot spring area that harmonizes the tradition of a famous hot spring dating back to the Edo period with the beautiful scenery of Lake Akaya, it is loved by many tourists. This article provides detailed information about the charm of Sarugakyo Hot Spring, from its history, water quality, nearby sightseeing spots, to access methods.
History and Origin of Sarugakyo Hot Spring
The Beginning of a Hot Spring Colored by Legend
The name of Sarugakyo Hot Spring has a heartwarming legend. Long ago, a hungry macaque was helped by a young couple. In return for their kindness, the monkey healed the couple’s child who had suffered severe burns with the hot spring water, which is said to be the beginning of this hot spring. This legend continues to be passed down among the people of the region and has become the identity of the hot spring resort.
Sasanoya and Yushima Hot Spring in the Edo Period
During the Edo period, it was called “Sasanoya” or “Yushima Hot Spring” and flourished as a post town connecting Edo and Niigata along the old Mikuni Highway. As a post town at the foot of the Mikuni Pass, the most difficult section of the route, it was a place where many travelers came to rest and heal. Known as a famous hot spring since the early Edo period, it thrived as an important hot spring resort along the highway.
Dam Construction and Relocation of the Hot Spring Resort
In 1958 (Showa 33), with the construction of the Aimatsu Dam, the historic hot spring town sank deep to the bottom of Lake Akaya. Facing this major turning point, the hot spring resort relocated to the shores of Lake Akaya and was reborn as “Sarugakyo Hot Spring.” While developing into a modern hotel district, it has continued to preserve the traditional hot spring. Overcoming the difficulty of relocation, the current beautiful lakeside hot spring resort was formed.
Water Quality and Efficacy of Sarugakyo Hot Spring
Abundant Hot Spring Water
The greatest characteristic of Sarugakyo Hot Spring is its abundant volume of hot spring water. A source spring at 56 degrees Celsius continuously flows and has nourished the entire hot spring resort for a long time. The colorless and transparent hot water has a light, smooth texture and leaves the skin feeling moist and supple after bathing.
Characteristics of Sulfate Springs
The water quality is classified as a sulfate spring and the following benefits can be expected:
- Rheumatism
- Women’s diseases
- Arteriosclerosis
- Skin diseases
- Neuralgia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
The colorless and transparent hot water is non-irritating and safe for those with sensitive skin. Due to the abundant supply of hot water, many accommodations offer outdoor baths and source spring flow-through bathing, allowing guests to fully enjoy authentic hot spring water.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
The area around Sarugakyo Hot Spring has a diverse range of sightseeing spots including nature, history, and experiential facilities. Enjoying these spots alongside the hot spring will make for a more fulfilling trip.
Lake Akaya: A Beautiful Body of Water Surrounded by the Majestic Scenery of the Tanigawa Mountain Range’s Mikuni Mountains
Lake Akaya is an artificial lake created by the Aimatsu Dam, but visitors can enjoy the majestic scenery of the Tanigawa mountain range’s Mikuni Mountains, which is registered as a UNESCO Ecopark, and the beautiful changes through the four seasons. The lake presents different faces with each season: fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscape in winter. The lakeside has walking trails, allowing for leisurely strolls.
Sarugakyo Checkpoint Museum: A Former Checkpoint From the Early Edo Period Now Open as a Museum
The Sarugakyo Checkpoint Museum is one of the 53 checkpoints established by the shogunate throughout Japan in the early Edo period. Preserved as a prefectural historical site, it displays exhibits recreating the appearance of the checkpoint at that time and valuable historical materials. Visitors can learn about the hardships endured by Edo period travelers and the role of checkpoints. Understanding the history of the Mikuni Highway deepens appreciation for the origins of the hot spring resort.
Michi-no-Eki Takumi-no-Sato
Takumi-no-Sato is a popular tourist spot where visitors can experience traditional craftsmanship. Over 20 experiential workshops offer pottery, soba-making, washi paper-making, bamboo crafts, and more, allowing visitors to create lasting memories. The beautiful rural landscape tour and seasonal fruit picking experiences make it ideal for families. Located at 479-139 Terama, Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, it is easily accessible, being about 5 minutes from the Kan’etsu Expressway Mizuho IC.
Gunma Cycle Sports Center: A Playground for Unusual Bicycles Where Adults Can Also Get Exercise
The Gunma Cycle Sports Center is a unique facility where visitors can ride a variety of unusual bicycles. It features numerous bikes that both children and adults can enjoy, making it ideal for those looking to improve their fitness. Visitors can enjoy cycling on the vast grounds while refreshing themselves in nature.
Norn Minakami Flower Garden: A Flower Garden Where Daffodils Bloom in Magnificent Display – Over One Million Flowers of 90 Varieties, the Largest in the Northern Kanto Region
Norn Minakami Flower Garden features daffodils that bloom in spectacular numbers in spring, representing the largest scale in the northern Kanto region. The sight of 90 varieties and one million daffodils blooming all at once is breathtaking. During winter, it operates as a ski resort, offering different enjoyment options for each season.
Sarugakyo Hot Spring Yushima Auto Campground: A Campground Where Visitors Can Enjoy the Grand Nature Created by Forest, River, and Lake
The Sarugakyo Hot Spring Yushima Auto Campground features spacious grounds with a lawn plaza and multiple campsites in a quiet setting. Visitors can enjoy the grand nature created by forest, river, and lake, with possibilities for every type of enjoyment. Being close to the hot spring resort, it’s possible to stay combining camping and hot spring bathing.
Other Points of Interest
The Lake Akaya Lakeside Walking Trail is a hiking route connecting the Sarugakyo Checkpoint Museum to the Aimatsu Dam, allowing visitors to enjoy nature during their walk. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and bird watching, making it an ideal walking course.
Various gourmet spots such as Meishiro Keisenbei Moto Okamura Udon Restaurant and Shingetsu Confectionery, and cultural facilities such as the Match Picture House are scattered throughout the area, offering diverse tourism experiences.
Nearby Hot Spring Resorts
The area around Sarugakyo Hot Spring is dotted with other attractive hot spring resorts.
Minakami Hot Spring Resort
About 15 minutes north by car from Sarugakyo Hot Spring is the Minakami Hot Spring Resort, a representative hot spring destination in Gunma Prefecture that extends along the Tone River. Outdoor activities such as rafting and canyoning are popular, allowing visitors to combine hot spring bathing with activities.
Tanigawa Hot Spring
Located at the foot of Mount Tanigawa, Tanigawa Hot Spring is a quiet mountain hot spring resort. It is also popular with mountain climbers and features a calm atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Hoshi Hot Spring
Known as a hidden gem hot spring, Hoshi Hot Spring is famous for its historic single-inn accommodation, “Chojukan.” The wooden bathhouse is designated as a registered cultural property of Japan, and its retro atmosphere is drawing popularity.
Access Methods
By Car
Using the Kan’etsu Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Tsukiyono IC
- Approximately 15 minutes from Minakami IC
From the Tokyo area, it is accessible via the Kan’etsu Expressway in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and from the Niigata area in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route via National Route 17 is the most common.
By Train
Using JR Joetsu Line:
- Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo)
- Transfer to JR Joetsu Line at Takasaki Station and get off at Minakami Station (approximately 1 hour)
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus or taxi from Minakami Station
Some accommodations operate a free shuttle bus from Minakami Station. It’s convenient to confirm with your accommodation in advance.
By Bus
Express buses also operate from the Tokyo area, and some reservation-based services provide direct access to the hot spring resort. Travel time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Accommodations in Sarugakyo Hot Spring
Sarugakyo Hot Spring has various types of accommodations ranging from large hotels to small-scale inns.
Large Hotels
Large hotels overlooking Lake Akaya offer complete facilities and diverse cuisine. The views from outdoor baths are magnificent, making them ideal for families and group travel.
Inns and Guesthouses
Inns and guesthouses with a homey atmosphere allow guests to enjoy local cuisine made with local ingredients and source spring flow-through bathing. They are recommended for those who want to spend time quietly.
Gensennyu-no-Yado Sen-no-Yani and Hatago Maruichi
Accommodations affiliated with the Sarugakyo Hot Spring Innkeepers’ Cooperative preserve the traditional hot spring while providing comfortable stays. Each accommodation has its own characteristics and can be chosen based on budget and purpose.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March to May)
As the snow melts, fresh green foliage emerges, and the daffodils at Norn Minakami Flower Garden come into full bloom. The mild climate makes this an ideal season for strolling and sightseeing.
Summer (June to August)
The area around Lake Akaya, enveloped in deep green, is perfect for hiking and camping. The cool highland climate also makes it popular as a summer retreat. Experiential activities at Takumi-no-Sato and fruit picking are summer pleasures.
Autumn (September to November)
During the autumn foliage season, the Tanigawa mountain range and Lake Akaya turn brilliant shades of red and gold, creating breathtaking beauty. Visitors can enjoy the luxury of soaking in hot spring water while viewing the autumn leaves.
Winter (December to February)
Soaking in hot spring water while surrounded by snow is truly special. The typical winter activity is enjoying winter sports at nearby ski slopes and then warming up in the hot spring. The quiet snowy hot spring resort allows visitors to forget their everyday worries.
Summary of the Charm of Sarugakyo Hot Spring
Sarugakyo Hot Spring is a charming hot spring resort that harmonizes a rich history and legend, abundant hot spring water of excellent quality, beautiful natural scenery, and diverse sightseeing spots. While preserving the hot spring tradition dating back to the Edo period, it also offers modern comfort.
The luxury of soaking in the legendary hot spring while gazing at the majestic scenery of the Tanigawa mountain range on the quiet shores of Lake Akaya will soothe the fatigue of daily life. With abundant nearby sightseeing spots, there are always new discoveries to be made on each visit to this hot spring resort.
The easy accessibility from Tokyo, being about 2 hours and 30 minutes away, is also a charm, making it ideal for weekend getaways. Enjoy a trip to Sarugakyo Hot Spring where you can appreciate the beauty of each season and refresh both body and mind.
When planning a trip to Sarugakyo Hot Spring in Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, please refer to this article’s information for an enriching hot spring vacation. The historic hot spring resort colored by legend awaits you.
