Maebashi

Maebashi is fairly hot in summer, and you should bring a jacket if heading to Mount Akagi.

Maebashi is the capital of Gunma Prefecture, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Tokyo. The city combines contemporary art renewal with Showa-era neighborhood character, making it a good short weekend destination near Tokyo and also a convenient starting point for a self-drive trip.

Maebashi City Art and History Walk (Day 1)

• Shiroiya Hotel: This 300-year-old inn was renovated by architect Sou Fujimoto, adding art rooms and a hill-like space covered in greenery. The Blue Bottle Coffee at the entrance is also worth a stop.

• ARTS Maebashi: A contemporary art museum converted from an old department store building. Its exhibitions feel close to everyday life, and the surrounding shops continue the area’s simple, design-conscious atmosphere.

• Maebashi Galleria: A new city landmark opened in 2023, designed around the image of a “large tree canopy” and combining galleries, restaurants, and guesthouse-style lodging.
• Sun Bell: Created by artist Taro Okamoto and located along the Hirose River, it is regarded as an important symbol of Maebashi’s urban revival.

• Maebashi Toshogu Shrine and Rinkokaku: The former offers a look at about 400 years of history, while the latter showcases the beauty of Meiji-era Western-style architecture. Rinkokaku’s Japanese garden is well suited to a slow stroll.

Nature and Sacred-Site Pilgrimage (Day 2)

• Mount Akagi: One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The mountain area includes Onuma, a spacious crater lake with wide-open views, making it suitable for driving, hiking, and mountain trips.
• Initial D Sacred-Site Pilgrimage: Around Mount Akagi and Mount Haruna, you can look for AE86-related scenes, including Takumi’s gas station, the five consecutive hairpin turns, and other classic filming and reference locations.
• Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura: The main viewing season is from early to mid-April. About 1,500 cherry trees form a blossom-lined avenue, and the site is listed among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Must-Try Food and Special Experiences

Food in and around Maebashi centers on Gunma’s high-quality meats and local dishes. Together with small shops in the city’s artsy neighborhoods, it can make for a varied dining experience.

• Oyakata Yakiniku: Specializes in selected Gunma meats. The restaurant has a retro Showa feel, and the “hanasaki thick-cut beef tongue” is a popular dish.
• Mizusawa Udon: One of Gunma’s representative noodle dishes. You can try it in Ikaho or at long-running local restaurants in Maebashi; the noodles are known for their firm, chewy texture.
• Onsen Manju: A specialty of Ikaho, with a soft outer layer and sweet filling. It makes a good souvenir.
• Konnyaku Park: Free to enter. You can buy bags of konnyaku and also take part in a hands-on making experience.

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 (City Art Walk): Start from Maebashi Station, then walk or take a bus to Shiroiya Hotel, ARTS Maebashi, and Maebashi Galleria. Have lunch by the Hirose River, visit the Sun Bell and Maebashi Toshogu Shrine in the afternoon, and head to Benten-dori Shopping Street in the evening to experience the atmosphere of a retro neighborhood.
• Day 2 (Nature and Self-Drive Pilgrimage): Drive or hire a car to Mount Akagi, visiting Onuma and Initial D-related locations. Have lunch at Minorei Soba, then in the afternoon go to Ikaho Onsen for the “Golden Hot Spring,” or visit the Toy, Doll and Car Museum before returning.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Getting There: From Tokyo’s Ueno Station, take the JR Jomo Line or a limited express train to Maebashi Station in about 1.5 to 2 hours. By car from Narita Airport, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Getting Around: City-center sights are fairly close together, so walking combined with buses works well. If you plan to visit Mount Akagi or nearby hot springs, driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient.
• Trip Reminders: Some shopping streets in central Maebashi have fewer people after evening, so it is best to decide on your dinner spot in advance. Mount Akagi has many winding mountain roads, so drive carefully and check traffic restriction information ahead of time.