20 Mountains in Gunma worth your time

The highest peak of the Mikabo Mountains offering views of Mount Fuji and a frozen waterfall during the winter season.

What it is

• The highest peak of the Mikabo Mountains reaching an elevation of 1,523 meters.
• A mountain belonging to the Chichibu Belt geological formation in Kanna and Fujioka.
• A natural habitat for local wildlife including bears, deer, and wild boars.
• A summit featuring a first-class triangulation point and views of Mount Fuji.

What to see

• Deciduous broad-leaved forests and areas of planted cedar trees.
• The Hayataki waterfall which transforms into an ice fall during winter.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the mountain summit.
• Three distinct trailheads located along the Mikabo Super Forest Road.

When to go

• Winter to see the frozen waterfall, though the forest road closes then.
• Clear days to ensure visibility of Mount Fuji from the peak.

Getting there

• Park at the Mikabo Forest Park office to access the mountain area.
• Drive the Mikabo Super Forest Road to reach the high-altitude trailheads.
• Hike thirty minutes from the forest road to reach the summit.

Read more about Akaguna Yama

A 1,945-meter peak in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park offering alpine flowers and challenging trails for experienced hikers.

What it is

• A 1,945-meter mountain spanning Minakami Town and Minamiuonuma City.
• Part of the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• A peak characterized by serpentinite rock formations around the summit area.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma located near Mount Tanigawadake.

What to see

• Rare Hosoba-hina-usuyukisou flowers blooming in the alpine terrain.
• Panoramic views from the summit within a protected national park.
• Natural serpentinite rock landscapes unique to this mountain range.

When to go

• Early June is the best time to see the blooming Hosoba-hina-usuyukisou flowers.

Getting there

• A six-hour hike is required from Doai Station to reach the summit.
• The trail from Takaragawa Onsen takes approximately six hours to complete.
• Buses run from Jomo-Kogen Station to the surrounding mountain area.
• The location is accessible via National Route 291.

Read more about Mount Asahi

A 2,228-meter peak in Oze National Park famous for its unique serpentinite rock and rare alpine flora.

What it is

• A 2,228-meter mountain located at the western end of the Ozegahara marshland.
• Part of Oze National Park and listed as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• Formed from uplifted serpentinite rock which supports rare plant species.
• The eastern main ridge is designated as a Special Natural Monument.

What to see

• Unique serpentinite rock formations that make up the mountain body.
• Rare alpine plants including the Japonolirion osense first collected here in 1929.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding Oze National Park from the summit.
• Strictly regulated hiking trails designed to protect the fragile vegetation.

When to go

• Trails are closed from May 7th to June 30th to protect local vegetation.
• Hiking is available outside of the spring conservation closure period.

Getting there

• Buses run to the area from Jomo-Kogen Station and Numata Station.

Read more about Mount Shibutsu

A 1,549-meter peak in Gunma featured among Japan's 300 Famous Mountains, offering challenging trails and a summit triangulation point.

What it is

• A mountain standing 1,549 meters tall in Ueno Village, Gunma Prefecture.
• One of the 300 Famous Japanese Mountains.
• A peak featuring a third-class triangulation point at its summit.
• A hiking destination included on the Jukkoku Pass topographic map.

What to see

• The summit area marked by a third-class triangulation point.
• Mount Mikasa, which serves as a subsidiary peak along the climbing route.
• The Yunosawa stream located along the Hamahira trailhead path.
• Trail sections equipped with fixed ropes and ladders for climbers.
• Views from the mountain pass via the Narahara trailhead and Mount Ogura.

Getting there

• Access the area via National Route 299.
• Reach the trailheads by traveling on Gunma Prefectural Road 124.
• Start the climb from the Narahara trailhead via Mount Ogura.
• Follow the Hamahira trailhead which tracks along the Yunosawa stream.

Read more about Mount Suwa

A 1,341-meter peak in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offering a scenic 150-minute hike through Gunma's famous natural landscapes.

What it is

• A mountain peak reaching an elevation of 1,341 meters in Minakami.
• One of the Gunma 100 Famous Mountains within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• A natural landmark situated near the Tone River and Lake Omine.
• A hiking destination located close to the Minakami Onsen area.

What to see

• Panoramic views from the summit across the Gunma mountain range.
• The surrounding waters of Lake Omine and the Tone River.
• Natural landscapes protected within the Minakami UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Nearby attractions including the Gunma Cycle Sports Center and ski resort.

Getting there

• The hike from Hotokeiwa Pocket Park to the summit takes about 150 minutes.
• Hotokeiwa Pocket Park is a 20-minute drive from the Minakami Interchange.
• Access the trailhead via National Route 291 and Prefectural Road 270.

Read more about Mount Azumaya

A 1,598-meter peak in Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park offering rugged hiking trails through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

What it is

• A 1,598-meter mountain peak located within the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• A key point along the Gunma Border Ridge Trail near the Akaya and Shima rivers.

What to see

• Views of nearby Mikuni Mountain and Shirasuna Mountain from the summit.
• Diverse natural landscapes protected within the Minakami UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• The surrounding river valleys of the Akaya and Shima rivers.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Jomo-Kogen Station to the Hoshi line for the trailhead.
• The ascent from Hoshi Onsen takes approximately three hours of hiking.
• A four-hour hiking route is available starting from the Akasawa Ski Resort.
• Drivers can reach the trailhead via Route 17 from the Tsukiyono Interchange.

Read more about Mount Inatsutsumi

A 1,852-meter peak in Gunma offering a challenging climb through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and along the Border Ridge Trail.

What it is

• A mountain peak standing at 1,852.1 meters in the Minakami UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• One of Gunma's 100 famous mountains located within a prefectural nature conservation area.
• A significant point along the Gunma Border Ridge Trail near Mount Asahi.
• A hiking destination featuring a four-hour ascent from the Shiragomon trailhead.

What to see

• Views of the surrounding Yubiso River valley from the high elevation ridge.
• The rugged landscape of the Gunma Border Ridge Trail connecting to Mount Shiragomon.
• Protected alpine flora and fauna within the designated nature conservation area.

Getting there

• Walk twenty minutes to the site from Doai Station.
• Take a forty-five minute bus ride from Jomo-Kogen Station.
• Drive twenty minutes from the Mizukami Interchange to reach the area.

Read more about Kasaga Dake

A 2,141-meter peak on the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains list featuring high-altitude marshes and wooden boardwalks near the summit.

What it is

• A 2,141-meter peak located on the border of Uonuma City and Minakami Town
• One of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains and part of a Quasi-National Park
• A significant point on Japan's central watershed with high-altitude marshes
• A mountain with no mountain huts or campsites available for visitors

What to see

• High-altitude marshes and ponds located around the summit area
• Wooden boardwalks designed to protect the fragile ponds and vegetation
• Views from the summit where Emperor Naruhito climbed in October 1986

When to go

• October is a notable month for climbing, following the Emperor's historic visit

Getting there

• The main trailhead is accessible from National Route 352
• Private vehicles are restricted on the Nakanomata Forest Road shortcut route

Read more about Mount Hiragatake

A 2,171-meter volcano featuring five summit craters and rare alpine flora, though volcanic activity has restricted access in recent years.

What it is

• A 2,171-meter volcano in Gunma Prefecture consisting of several pyroclastic cones.
• The site features five large craters located near the mountain summit.
• The mountain is home to naturally growing Dicentra peregrina alpine plants.
• The slopes host the Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort for winter visitors.

What to see

• Five large volcanic craters situated near the highest point of the mountain.
• Rare Dicentra peregrina flowers that grow naturally in the volcanic soil.
• A series of pyroclastic cones forming the mountain's unique volcanic landscape.
• The remains of the Shirane Volcano Ropeway damaged by volcanic cinders.

When to go

• Check the Japan Meteorological Agency alert levels before planning any visit.
• Winter months for those visiting the Kusatsu Kokusai Ski Resort slopes.

Read more about Mount Motoshirane

A 294-meter peak in Kiryu City offering hiking trails and views as one of the 100 famous mountains of Gunma.

What it is

• A mountain with an elevation of 294 meters located in Kiryu City.
• The highest point of the Chausuyama Hills on the Watarase River bank.
• One of the 100 mountains of Gunma Prefecture.
• A summit featuring television relay stations and views of the surrounding district.

What to see

• Television relay stations situated at the highest point of the peak.
• The Watarase River flowing along the base of the mountain.
• Multiple hiking paths including the Ichiki, Daiyuin, and Ubazawa trails.
• Nearby landmarks such as Yabuzuka Onsen located to the south.

Getting there

• Access the trailheads via National Route 50.
• The Momiyama entrance is located near Gunma Prefectural Road 332.
• Trailhead entrances are available at Ichiki, Daiyuin, Ubazawa, Hoshuin, and Momiyama.

Read more about Chausuyama

A 1,757-meter peak in Gunma offering views of Mount Asama and listed among Japan's 200 Famous Mountains.

What it is

• A mountain peak reaching 1,757 meters on the border of Higashiagatsuma and Naganohara.
• One of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains, also known as Kawaurafuji or Yahazuyama.
• The name refers to the mountain hiding Mount Asama from view.
• The summit is divided into two separate peaks.

What to see

• Views of the nearby Mount Asama and Mount Ryugatake from the summit.
• The two distinct peaks that form the top of the mountain.
• Natural scenery along the shortest climbing route which takes 90 to 120 minutes.

Getting there

• The Nidoage Pass trailhead is located on Gunma Prefectural Road 54 with parking available.
• One climbing route starts from the Warabidaira Campground in Takasaki.
• A northern hiking route begins at the Asamakakushi Onsen hot spring resort.

Read more about Mount Asamakakushi

A dramatic 802-meter peak in Gunma featuring volcanic rock walls and the historic ruins of a Sanada clan castle.

What it is

• A volcanic mountain formed six million years ago reaching an elevation of 802.6 meters
• Site of a Sengoku period castle historically associated with the famous Sanada clan
• One of the 100 mountains of Gunma featuring a 200-meter high southern rock wall
• The filming location for the opening sequence of the historical drama Sanada Maru

What to see

• The Senryuin ruins which mark the site of the former Furuyagoten palace
• Hiking trails equipped with chains and ladders for navigating the steep terrain
• Remnants of Iwabitsu Castle located on the eastern slope of the mountain

When to go

• The annual Autumn Leaves Festival held every year on November 3rd

Getting there

• The mountain is a 40-minute walk from JR Gohara Station

Read more about Mount Iwabitsu

A 491-meter peak in Gunma featuring castle ruins, a shrine, and views that inspired ancient Man'yoshu poetry.

What it is

• A 491-meter mountain in Takasaki City listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma.
• The site of the Ichigoyama Castle ruins and Kotohira Shrine.
• A source of quartz sandstone used to create the ancient Tago Monument.
• A historic landscape mentioned in the Man'yoshu poetry collection.

What to see

• A stone statue of a prostrate cow located at the summit.
• The remains of Ichigoyama Castle and the Kotohira Shrine buildings.
• Radio towers belonging to NHK and FM Gunma at the peak.
• Natural quartz sandstone formations known locally as Tago stone.

When to go

• Visit from mid-June to early July to see the hydrangeas in bloom.

Getting there

• Take a 15-minute taxi ride from Yoshii Station to reach the site.

Read more about Mount Ushibuse

A 1720-meter peak in Gunma offering a challenging three-hour ascent through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and National Park.

What it is

• A 1720-meter mountain listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma.
• Part of the Gunma Border Ridge Trail within a Nature Conservation Area.
• Located inside the Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• A peak requiring a three-hour ascent from the local trailhead.

What to see

• Panoramic views from the summit along the Gunma Border Ridge Trail.
• The Yubiso River flowing through the surrounding mountain landscape.
• Protected flora and fauna within the designated Nature Conservation Area.

Getting there

• The trailhead is a 20-minute walk from Doai Station.
• Buses from Jomo-Kogen Station reach the area in 45 minutes.
• The site is a 20-minute drive from the Mizukami Interchange.

Read more about Mount Shiragamon

A 980-meter mountain in Gunma featuring dual peaks, a summit shrine, and rare flora within a protected conservation area.

What it is

• A 980-meter mountain in the Ashio range consisting of Kiryudake and Nitayamadake peaks.
• A designated natural environment conservation area spanning the towns of Umeda and Kawauchi.
• The site of Raijindake Shrine which is located near the mountain summit.
• Part of the Narukami Azuma hiking course featuring natural oak and chestnut forests.

What to see

• Raijindake Shrine situated close to the highest point of the mountain.
• Rare Primula kisoana plants that grow within the protected mountain environment.
• Local wildlife including Hakone salamanders that inhabit the natural surroundings.
• Dense forests of oak and chestnut trees covering the slopes.
• Panoramic views from the two distinct peaks of Kiryudake and Nitayamadake.

Read more about Mount Narukami

A 1,296-meter stratovolcano in Gunma featuring a massive volcanic neck and panoramic views of the Kanto Plain.

What it is

• A stratovolcano in central Gunma Prefecture reaching an elevation of 1,296 meters.
• One of the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma spanning three different municipalities.
• A site of ancient volcanic activity that ceased approximately 200,000 years ago.
• Home to Komochi Shrine located at the southern foot of the mountain.

What to see

• Shishiiwa, a 100-meter-high volcanic neck standing near the center of the mountain.
• Approximately 150 radial dikes identified throughout the mountain area.
• Summit views overlooking the Tone River and the Kanto Plain.
• Steep cliffs on the southern climbing route equipped with chains and ladders.

When to go

• The annual mountain opening ceremony held on May 1st.

Read more about Mount Komochi

A dual-peak mountain featuring high-altitude grasslands, diverse wildlife, and a distinctive giant character carved into the western slope.

What it is

• A mountain consisting of two peaks known as West Mikabo and East Mikabo.
• The western peak reaches an elevation of 1,287 meters above sea level.
• The terrain is primarily composed of Mesozoic Jurassic green schist rock formations.
• The area serves as a natural habitat for bears, deer, and wild boars.

What to see

• A large character meaning big is cut into the side of the West peak.
• A monument of a large halberd stands at the start of the trail.
• Daylilies and irises grow in the grassland near the West Mikabo summit.
• Cedar trees and deciduous broad-leaved forests surrounding the upper elevations.

When to go

• The Mikabo Super Forest Road is closed to traffic during the winter season.

Read more about Mount Mikabo

A dual-peak lava dome in Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park offering high-altitude hiking and views of the surrounding marshland.

What it is

• A mountain on the border of Gunma and Nagano prefectures with two distinct peaks
• Formed as a lava dome approximately 80,000 years ago from two-pyroxene andesite
• Part of the Joshin'etsu Kogen National Park and listed among Gunma's 100 famous mountains
• The highest point is the eastern peak reaching an elevation of 2,227.9 meters

What to see

• The eastern summit which features a first-class triangulation point
• The western peak known as Nishi Kagonoto at 2,212 meters high
• Ikenodaira Marsh located at the southern foot of the mountain
• The Yunomaru Takamine Forest Road passing through the surrounding landscape

Getting there

• The eastern summit is a 50-minute walk from the trailhead

Read more about Mount Kagonoto

A 591-meter mountain in Gunma famous for 7,000 winter cherry trees that bloom alongside autumn colors in a national park.

What it is

• A 591-meter mountain in Fujioka City formerly known as Mount Kokuzo.
• A 47-hectare park designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument.
• Local villagers planted the first cherry and maple trees here in 1908.
• The site is officially listed among Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

What to see

• Approximately 7,000 winter cherry trees planted across the mountain slopes.
• A traditional Japanese garden and a large lawn square for visitors.
• Mandarin orange and apple orchards located on the sides of the mountain.
• Scenic views from the summit area which is a protected natural monument.

When to go

• Late November to early December to see the winter cherry blossoms bloom.

Read more about Sakurayama

A historic 235.8-meter peak featuring a National Historic Site castle, ancient shrines, and diverse birdlife in Gunma Prefecture.

What it is

• A 235.8-meter mountain in Ota City listed among the 100 Famous Mountains of Gunma.
• Site of the National Historic Site Kanayama Castle and Nitta Shrine at the summit.
• Home to 6th-century pottery kiln ruins and mentioned in the ancient Man'yoshu poetry collection.
• A natural habitat for approximately 100 species of wild birds.

What to see

• The ruins of Kanayama Castle located at the mountain summit.
• Nitta Shrine and military plants including bamboo and plum trees near the peak.
• Daikoin Temple situated at the foot of the mountain.
• Geological formations primarily composed of Kanayama rhyolite.

Getting there

• A 30-minute walk from Tobu Ota Station to reach the mountain area.

Read more about Mount Kanayama