Kawaba Village is a peaceful mountain village in Tone District, Gunma Prefecture. Mount Hotaka (Hotakayama) rises to the north, while a number of mountains, including Mount Koseki, surround the village.
The clear waters of the Usune River flow through the area, and the surface of Lake Kawabadani reflects the surrounding scenery as the seasons change. Forests, rivers, and rice fields create a landscape that evokes an idealized image of the traditional Japanese countryside, offering visitors a peaceful escape from the busy pace of city life.
Each season brings a different atmosphere to Kawaba. Cherry blossoms brighten the village in spring, fresh greenery covers the mountains in summer, autumn brings colorful foliage, and snow transforms the landscape in winter.
The village also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, stream fishing, river play, and skiing, making it enjoyable for travelers of many ages.
Kawaba Village is home to numerous temples, shrines, and cultural properties that reflect the area’s long history.
Kichijoji Temple, belonging to the Kenchoji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, is said to have been founded in 1336. Known as a “Temple of Flowers,” it is one of Kawaba’s most notable historical attractions.
The temple gate features elegant carvings, while sixteen Arhats are enshrined on the upper level of the gate. Inside the grounds, the Hyakka-en Garden displays more than 100 varieties of flowers from spring through autumn, creating beautiful seasonal scenery.
Hotaka Shrine traces its history to a Yakushi-do hall built in 1718. One of its most striking features is the dramatic dragon carving on the worship hall.
Kokuzo-do Hall was originally built in 1560 and was later reconstructed as a protective structure for Numata Castle’s northeastern direction, traditionally regarded as the castle’s vulnerable direction. The hall is also associated with traditions connected with Kobo Daishi.
Iwa Kannon, designated as an important cultural property by Kawaba Village, is a group of rock-carved Buddhist images. Thirty-three Kannon figures and an image of Benzaiten are carved into a rock face approximately 20 meters high.
The carvings are traditionally said to have been created as memorials for those who died in battle during the Northern and Southern Courts period.
Every year on February 11, the traditional folk performance known as Monzen Harukoma is dedicated as a prayer for a good harvest and the safety of local households.
The performance has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture. It is a valuable tradition that continues to express the faith, community spirit, and cultural heritage of Kawaba’s residents.
This unique accommodation facility has a real steam locomotive displayed on its grounds. It is popular with railway enthusiasts and families with children and provides an unusual setting for photographs.
Japan Kirie Hyakkeikan is an art museum specializing in delicate Japanese paper-cutting artworks. Works depicting landscapes, stories, and scenes from different parts of Japan provide visitors with a quiet opportunity to appreciate this traditional art form.
A huge traditional waraji straw sandal stands at the entrance to the Nakano district. It was placed there as a prayer for protection from epidemics and for the safety of the village.
This unusual local tradition offers an interesting glimpse into the beliefs and community wisdom that have been passed down through generations.
Akakura Gorge, formed by the Usune and Akakura Rivers, is a scenic area selected as one of Gunma’s notable landscapes.
The gorge is particularly beautiful during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage. Iwana char can be seen in the clear streams, and visitors may occasionally encounter wildlife such as the Japanese serow.
Several distinctive waterfalls are also found in the surrounding mountains, including Megumi Falls, historically associated with ascetic mountain practitioners; Sen Falls, where clear mountain water flows from the foothills of Mount Hotaka; and the impressive Kabuto Falls, which drops approximately 20 meters.
Lake Kawabadani is the only artificial lake in Kawaba Village. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the lake while looking at the reflection of Mount Hotaka on the water.
Throughout the village, clear spring water originating from mountain snowmelt emerges after filtering through the ground over many years. At Takinosawa Meisui Park, visitors can conveniently experience some of this naturally pure water.
Kawaba Central Park features a spacious grassy area and playground equipment, making it a pleasant place for families to relax.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and the park is also a popular local spot for enjoying hanami, the traditional custom of viewing cherry blossoms.
Fureai Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Roadside Station Kawaba Den-en Plaza with Hotel Den-en Plaza.
The bridge is illuminated at night and offers views of the Usune River and surrounding rice fields. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful from the bridge, making it a popular location for photography.
Roadside Station Kawaba Den-en Plaza is one of the village’s best-known attractions. It welcomes more than 2.7 million visitors annually and is widely recognized for its high visitor satisfaction.
The complex offers local vegetables, regional specialties, restaurants, bakeries, and other facilities, making it possible to spend several hours or even an entire day exploring the site.
At Kawaba Fishing Plaza, visitors can fish for iwana char, rainbow trout, and other fish in a clean fishing area supplied with water from the Usune River.
After fishing, visitors can have their catch grilled with salt and enjoy it on the spot. Barbecue facilities are also available, making this a popular activity for families.
In winter, Kawaba Ski Resort and the nearby Tambara snow resort attract skiers and snowboarders.
During the warmer months, Seiryū Park is popular for playing in the river and enjoying camping in the natural surroundings.
During summer, the Tambara Highlands become a colorful flower destination, with one of the largest lavender fields in the Kanto region. Tens of thousands of lavender plants bloom across the highlands, creating a spectacular purple landscape.
In autumn, approximately 10,000 kochia plants turn deep red, while in winter the area becomes a popular snow resort for skiing and snowboarding.
Some areas are also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to enjoy the highland scenery with their dogs.
Agriculture is an important part of life in Kawaba Village. The area is particularly known for its premium rice brand, Yuki Hotaka.
Fruit cultivation is also thriving, with seasonal produce including apples, grapes, blueberries, and strawberries.
Kawaba apples regularly receive awards at Gunma Prefecture agricultural competitions and are known for their sweetness and abundant honey-like centers.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit through fruit-picking experiences, farm stands, and locally made sweets, making the village an appealing destination for food lovers.
Setagaya-Kawaba Furusato Public Corporation operates facilities including Fujiyama Village and Nakano Village, which promote interaction between urban and rural communities.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers and agricultural experiences, while the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring make the facilities especially attractive at that time of year.
Local farm stands operated by the Kawaba Apple Study Group and Grape Producers’ Association offer fresh seasonal fruit.
Freshly harvested apples and grapes are popular both for eating during a trip and as gifts to take home.
Kawaba’s clear water and high-quality rice provide ideal conditions for sake brewing. The village is home to renowned breweries producing sake such as Homare Kokko by Tsuchida Sake Brewery and Mizubasho and Tanigawadake by Nagai Sake Brewery.
The village also has several hot spring areas, including Kawaba Onsen, Shiogawara Onsen, Hotaka Onsen, Sakuragawa Onsen, Kozumi Onsen, and Miyayama Onsen.
Each of Kawaba’s hot spring areas has its own atmosphere and character. Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by quiet mountain scenery is a relaxing way to recover after hiking, sightseeing, or other outdoor activities.
For travelers looking for a peaceful rural experience, visiting one or more of these hot springs can be a memorable part of a stay in Kawaba.
Kawaba Village is conveniently located approximately 15 minutes by car from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
The drive from Nerima Interchange takes approximately 90 minutes, making it possible to reach this peaceful mountain village within about two hours from central Tokyo while leaving the urban environment far behind.
Each season offers a different reason to visit Kawaba Village. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers river activities and fresh greenery, autumn brings colorful foliage and seasonal fruit, and winter offers skiing and locally brewed sake.
With its combination of nature, history, agriculture, local food, sake, and hot springs, Kawaba Village provides a peaceful setting for travelers seeking an authentic rural side of Japan.
Surrounded by the natural blessings of Mount Hotaka, Kawaba is a destination where visitors can slow down, explore the countryside, and enjoy the changing beauty of the Japanese seasons.
Kawaba Village offers much more than scenic mountain landscapes. Its historic temples and shrines, cultural facilities, outdoor recreation, agricultural experiences, local foods, and hot springs provide a wide range of ways to explore the area.
Despite its convenient access from Tokyo, the village retains a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by mountains, forests, rice fields, and clear streams.
With something new to discover in every season, Kawaba Village is an inviting destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty, history, food, and everyday traditions of rural Japan.