Meiwa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Awa-cho, the top choice for authentic cultural immersion is Awa Town Hot Spring Inn, a traditional Japanese ryokan nestled beside the Awa River. Featuring hinoki wood interiors, tatami rooms, and private onsen baths, it offers guests a serene connection to nature. Daily breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients like fresh rice and mountain vegetables. Guests can participate in seasonal events such as koma-dyeing workshops (a regional Shibori technique) and visit the Awa Shrine during spring festivals. The inn also hosts evening storytelling sessions by elderly locals, sharing folktales of the mountains—perfect for travelers seeking deep cultural roots beyond tourism.

The central district of Awa-cho is ideal for first-time visitors wanting peace and simplicity. Located near the Awa Town Hall and Community Plaza, this quiet neighborhood offers easy access to local shops, a farmers' market, and the scenic Awa River Trail. Morning coffee at a family-run café, afternoon walks through rice paddies, and evening strolls under starlit skies create a rhythm of calm. Many guesthouses here provide multilingual guides and organize short excursions to nearby farms or forest trails. With minimal noise and no commercialization, this area perfectly embodies the slow-living spirit of rural Gunma.

Awa-cho offers deeply rooted traditions like the Spring Cherry Blossom Festival and Autumn Rice Harvest Celebration. During cherry season, the Awa River banks transform into a blooming corridor lined with paper lanterns and handmade craft stalls showcasing Gunma’s signature koma-dyeing techniques and bamboo weaving. In autumn, visitors can join hands-on rice planting and harvesting activities, taste freshly made local rice balls (onigiri), and attend community feasts. These events not only highlight agricultural heritage but also strengthen intergenerational bonds—offering an authentic glimpse into Japan’s rural soul.

Yes, Awa Onsen Area features several natural hot spring sources with high mineral content, including bicarbonate and sulfur compounds, known for skin rejuvenation and muscle relief. The springs are located in a secluded valley, surrounded by dense forests. Most accommodations offer private or open-air baths (rotenburo) with views of the mountains and night sky. The Awa Spa House, a wooden ryokan with minimalist design, provides a tranquil atmosphere enhanced by indoor koi ponds and meditation corners. Soaking under the stars, listening to rustling leaves, and breathing in pine-scented air make this one of the most peaceful onsen experiences in Gunma Prefecture.

Awa Kids Stay is a standout family-friendly lodging in Awa-cho, offering spacious family suites and a dedicated outdoor play zone with garden plots and animal pens. Children can feed goats, collect eggs, and take part in weekend hands-on workshops like making clay figurines inspired by local folklore or crafting bamboo wind chimes. Nearby, the Awa River Park features shallow pools and gentle slopes perfect for kids. The staff speaks English and provides activity kits, making it ideal for parents seeking both fun and educational experiences in a safe, green environment.

Must-try dishes in Awa-cho include Akagi beef hot pot, made from premium local wagyu; fresh river trout sashimi caught daily from the Awa River; and Awa-style soba noodles served with homemade dashi broth. Don’t miss the homemade rice wine (mizu-shochu) brewed using local mountain water and fermented rice—a crisp, aromatic drink with a hint of sweetness. All ingredients are sourced directly from nearby farms, emphasizing organic, pesticide-free produce. Meals are often served in rustic dining rooms with views of rice fields, enhancing the farm-to-table authenticity that defines Awa-cho’s culinary identity.

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking along the Awa River Trail, a 5-kilometer path winding through lush forests and meadows, ideal for birdwatching and photography. The trail features rest stops with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. For cyclists, the Kitaoji Mountain Bike Route offers a gentle, shaded path connecting villages and scenic overlooks. Summer brings opportunities for river fishing and firefly watching tours along the riverbank. In winter, guests can join snow painting workshops or explore snow-covered rice terraces. Each activity connects visitors with the region’s seasonal beauty and ecological harmony.

Yes, Awa-cho is reachable via public transit and car. From Maebashi Station, take the Gunma Bus to Awa-cho center (approx. 30 minutes). For those driving, the National Route 17 provides a direct route from Takasaki and Sagano. The town has a Tourist Information Center offering multilingual maps, bike rentals, and guided tour bookings. Nearby attractions like Mount Akagi, Kusatsu Onsen, and Udagawa Town are all within a 60-minute drive, making Awa-cho an excellent base for exploring central Gunma with ease and privacy.

Absolutely. Awa-cho welcomes long-term stays with weekly and monthly rental options at local guesthouses and eco-retreats. Many accommodations feature fully equipped kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and quiet workspaces overlooking rice fields or forests. Guests can join farm volunteering programs, craft workshops, or evening mindfulness sessions hosted by local elders. The low population density, clean air, and absence of urban distractions make it ideal for digital nomads and wellness seekers. Waking up to birdsong and working beneath maple trees creates a truly restorative rhythm of life.

The highlight is the July Awa River Lantern Festival, where thousands of handcrafted paper lanterns float down the river, symbolizing prayers for harvest and safety. Locals perform traditional taiko drumming and folk songs along the banks. Another unique event is the December Snow Lantern Walk, when the village streets glow with handmade lanterns under snowy skies. Visitors receive warm mugs of red bean soup and thermal gloves while walking through illuminated alleys. These festivals preserve ancient customs while fostering community pride—offering an intimate, heartfelt experience rarely found in larger tourist destinations.