Located near the center of Japan, Gunma is a prefecture in northwestern Kanto on Honshu Island known for its mountain resorts, hot springs, lakes and museums. Gunma is home to three professional sports teams and nearly a dozen annual festivals that draw thousands of tourists and locals alike. Just an hour from Tokyo on the "bullet train," Gunma is a popular vacation destination for many Japanese and international tourists.
The staff at Prince Hotel Manza are experts in relaxation. The hot springs resort promises to put "a smile on everyone's faces," and provide a luxurious and comfortable stay for everyone from solo business travelers to families. Guests can choose from rooms of varying sizes with two double beds, a "family room" with the same plus an added futon or even, for large groups, a Japanese tatami room with 10 tatami mats. The immensely popular on-site hot springs are a great way to lower stress and unwind. The property also features a souvenir shop that doubles as a fresh-food market in the summer, a foot-care salon, a lounge and coffee shop, a pool and tennis courts.
Prince Hotel Manza
Manza-onsen, Tsumagoi-mura
Agatsuma-gun
Gunma 377-1595 Japan
011 81 0279 97 1111
princehotels.com
Thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers will find a wide range of activities on at the Alpine Lodge Minakami, located in the north of Gunma prefecture. Paragliding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, bungy-jumping and mountain biking are just a few of the options for the traveler who wants to get out there and have fun. Guest rooms are either private (minimum of two people in a Japanese tatami room) or shared (featuring bunk beds in a room that sleeps up to six). Breakfast is included with all rooms. Local tour guides are available to provide recommendations for every traveler and every budget. After an adrenaline-packed day outside, relax with a massage or a drink at the Alpine Cafe.
Alpine Lodge Minakami Gunma
Yubiso 45 Minakami Machi Tone Gun
Gunma Ken 379-1728 Gunma, Japan
011 81 0278 72 2811
lodge.canyons.jp
The Maebashi Hotel is ideal for travelers more interested in exploring the cultural offerings of the Gunma prefecture. It is a modestly-furnished but clean hotel located within walking distance of many of the area's attractions, including the city center, Maebashi City Cultural Center, Maebashi Museum of Literature, the Green Dome and Shikishima Park. The Maebashi offers a variety of guest rooms, including single, twin, double and "superior." An extra bed can be added to any room for a fee. The hotel also has a restaurant that offers reasonably-priced Japanese food.
Maebashi Hotel
TelHonmati Maebashi
Gunma 371-0023 Japan
011 81 027 220 1818
maebashihotel.com
The cozy Chalet la Neige is a quaint 12-room mountain retreat with a warm and friendly atmosphere, just 30 minutes from the Minakami train station. All rooms at The Chalet la Neige include air conditioning and television. Bathrooms are communal, although available for reservation during the weekday mornings. Snowboards and skis are available for rent and hot springs are just a short distance away. The English-speaking staff, full-course Western-style meals and lots of nearby activities make Chalet la Neige a comfortable and friendly place to rest your head.
Chalet la Neige
Minakami
Gunma, Japan
011 81 0278 75 2828
la-neige.com
