Top Things to Do and See in Grass Onsen: A Day Trip Itinerary

Top Reasons to Visit

Grass Onsen, located in the western part of Gunma Prefecture, is a hot spring town with a long history and rich culture. It is one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan and is known for its abundant hot spring water and beautiful scenery.

Here are some of the top reasons to visit Grass Onsen:

• Experience the healing power of the hot springs: Grass Onsen is home to numerous hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. The water is acidic and contains a high concentration of minerals, which is believed to be effective in treating various ailments, such as skin diseases, rheumatism, and neuralgia.
• Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery: Grass Onsen is located in a mountainous area, and the town is surrounded by beautiful scenery. The hot springs are located in a valley, and the surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
• Explore the rich culture: Grass Onsen has a long and rich history, and the town is home to many traditional buildings and temples. The town also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, which are a great way to experience the local culture.

Whether you are looking to relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs, explore the beautiful scenery, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Grass Onsen has something to offer everyone.

Attractions

Grass Onsen is home to a variety of attractions, including hot springs, temples, and museums. Here is a detailed overview of some of the most popular attractions in Grass Onsen:

Yubatake (hot spring field)

The Yubatake is a large hot spring field located in the center of Grass Onsen town. The water in the Yubatake is very hot, and it is used to cool down the water in the hot springs before it is used for bathing. Visitors can watch as the hot spring water flows through the Yubatake, and they can also purchase souvenirs and snacks from the shops that line the Yubatake.

Onutei Theater

The Onutei Theater is a traditional theater where visitors can watch a performance of Yumoto-odori, a traditional dance that is unique to Grass Onsen. The dance is performed by young women wearing colorful costumes, and it is said to have originated in the Edo period. Visitors can purchase tickets to a performance of Yumoto-odori at the Onutei Theater.

Nishinohara Street

Nishinohara Street is a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can find a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and local products on Nishinohara Street. The street is also home to a number of historical buildings, including the Grass Onsen Museum.

Iiyama Shoten

Iiyama Shoten is a restaurant that specializes in Kamameshi, a traditional Japanese dish made with rice and various ingredients cooked in a small pot. Iiyama Shoten has been serving Kamameshi to visitors for over 100 years, and it is one of the most popular restaurants in Grass Onsen.

Nishinohara Park

Nishinohara Park is a park located on a hill overlooking Grass Onsen town. The park offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also find a number of walking trails and picnic areas in the park.

Yumoto-ori shrine

Yumoto-ori shrine is a small shrine located in Nishinohara Park. The shrine is dedicated to the god of hot springs, and visitors can pray for good health and good luck. The shrine is also home to a number of sacred trees, and visitors can purchase amulets and other religious items at the shrine.

West River open-air hot spring

The West River open-air hot spring is a large 露天風呂 (outdoor hot spring) located in Nishinohara Park. The hot spring is surrounded by nature, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountains while they bathe. The West River open-air hot spring is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.

Kusa Onsen Purin

Kusa Onsen Purin is a dessert shop that sells a variety of puddings, including a special pudding that changes color when lemon juice is added. The puddings are made with local ingredients, and they are a popular souvenir for visitors to Grass Onsen.

Ura-Kusata

Ura-Kusata is a new tourist area located on the opposite side of Grass Onsen town from the Yubatake. Ura-Kusata is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a hot spring called Kao-yu, where visitors can steam their faces. Ura-Kusata is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Grass Onsen.

Tsuki no Kao

Tsuki no Kao is a cafe located in Ura-Kusata. The cafe serves a variety of drinks and snacks, including scones and other baked goods. Tsuki no Kao is a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Mangado

Mangado is a comic gallery located in Ura-Kusata. The gallery has a large collection of comics, including works by famous Japanese漫画家 (comic artists). Visitors can browse the collection for free, and they can also purchase comics and other merchandise at the gallery.

Delicacies

Grass Onsen is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes a variety of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Here is a detailed overview of some of the most popular delicacies in Grass Onsen:

Age-manju

Age-manju is a deep-fried steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste. The buns are made with a light and fluffy dough, and they are fried until they are golden brown. Age-manju is a popular snack in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the shops and restaurants in town.

Onsen tamago

Onsen tamago is a hot spring egg, which is a boiled egg that has been cooked in hot spring water. The eggs have a slightly runny yolk and a firm white, and they are said to be very delicious. Onsen tamago is a popular snack in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the hot springs in town.

Kamameshi

Kamameshi is a traditional Japanese dish made with rice and various ingredients cooked in a small pot. The ingredients in Kamameshi vary depending on the season, but common ingredients include chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Kamameshi is a popular dish in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the restaurants in town.

Haribo

Haribo is a German candy company that produces a variety of gummy candies. Haribo candies are very popular in Japan, and they can be found at many of the shops and convenience stores in Grass Onsen.

Kusa Onsen Purin

Kusa Onsen Purin is a pudding that is made with local ingredients. The pudding has a smooth and creamy texture, and it is flavored with a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha. Kusa Onsen Purin is a popular dessert in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the shops and restaurants in town.

Scones

Scones are a type of baked good that is made with flour, butter, and milk. Scones are typically served with jam and cream, and they are a popular snack in Grass Onsen. Scones can be found at many of the cafes and bakeries in town.

Souvenir Guide

Grass Onsen is a great place to purchase souvenirs, including a variety of local products and traditional crafts. Here is a detailed overview of some of the most popular souvenirs in Grass Onsen:

Yubatake no Yu Hana

Yubatake no Yu Hana is a bath salt made from hot spring deposits. The bath salts are said to have a variety of benefits, including relieving stress and improving circulation. Yubatake no Yu Hana is a popular souvenir in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the shops and pharmacies in town.

Umareka-no-Suna

Umareka-no-Suna is a sacred sand that is believed to bring good luck. The sand is said to have come from the bottom of a hot spring, and it is said to have healing properties. Umareka-no-Suna is a popular souvenir in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the temples and shrines in town.

Kusa Onsen Purin

Kusa Onsen Purin is a pudding that is made with local ingredients. The pudding has a smooth and creamy texture, and it is flavored with a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha. Kusa Onsen Purin is a popular souvenir in Grass Onsen, and it can be found at many of the shops and restaurants in town.

Local crafts

Grass Onsen is home to a number of skilled craftspeople who produce a variety of traditional crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and woodwork. Visitors can purchase these crafts at many of the shops and galleries in town.

Food products

Grass Onsen is also known for its delicious local cuisine, and visitors can purchase a variety of food products as souvenirs, including age-manju, onsen tamago, and kamameshi. These products can be found at many of the shops and restaurants in town.

Detailed Itinerary

Here is a detailed, minute-by-minute table format of a possible itinerary for a day trip to Grass Onsen:

This itinerary can be customized to fit your interests and time constraints. For example, if you are interested in hiking, you could spend more time exploring Nishinohara Park. Or, if you are interested in shopping, you could spend more time exploring Nishinohara Street and Ura-Kusata.