MY FIRST trip to Japan was in 2011. It was winter time. The cold was tolerable in Tokyo, where I stayed for a couple of nights, but a bit too much for comfort in Isesaki in the Gunma Prefecture, where I stayed longer.
After seven years, I was back in Gunma, and at the season I love most in Japan—spring. It was a good place to chase sakura and add to the list.
Isesaki in the Gunma Prefecture is a 100-kilometer and an hour’s train ride from Tokyo. It is a “driving city.” There is no commuter service, except for the train station that takes you to major destinations. A car is a necessity to get around. A costly alternative is flagging a taxi.
There is much I need to learn about the mountainous, landlocked prefecture of Gunma. One of which is it is famous for its onsen. It wasn’t until the recent visit that I discovered its charms. Traveling with friends this time, we were able to explore some of the exciting attractions of the area.
Sakura at Tobu Sports Square. The sakura’s magic is fleeting, so it blooms seize the moment. One can never have enough photos with the flowers. We drove to Takasaki to catch the sakura and a football field surrounded with the cherry blossom trees—all in full bloom—was breathtaking.
Ikaho Onsen experience. A train and bus rides took us to the hot spring town of Ikaho. Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Haruna, the small old town centers around a 300-meter long stone stairs lined with ryokans and shops. Ikaho is one of the four renowned hot spring resorts of Gunma.
The Oyado Tomaki Inn was where I had my Ikaho Onsen experience relaxing in the Hashibami no Yu, a shared bath. If there was no scheduled lunch, I would have stayed longer.
Wafu lunch at Oyado Tamaki. It was a traditional meal on tatami mats but the elders outnumbered the young, so raised tables were requested. The complete meal, made with seasonal ingredients, was stacked in three-tiered lacquer dining set. A feast for both the eyes and the palate. Surprisingly, the group of small servings was quite filling, contrary to what I initially perceive the meal to be.
A trip to a Kokeshi doll factory. I was surprised to find out that Gunma is the leading producer of SoSaku (original) Kokeshi dolls in Japan. We took a cab from Ikaho Onsen to Nagaoka, Shinto-mura (yea, it was costly), where Usaburo Kokeshi is. It is the largest craft center of Sosaku Kokeshi dolls in Japan. I would have bought one but I knew I can score one in a flea market (grin).
Quick stop at a Takasaki mall. What to buy in Takasaki? Daruma Dolls. Aside from the Kokeshi dolls, Gunma is the leading producer of Daruma dolls in Japan. It’s available just about any mall and gift shops in the area.
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