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

For an authentic Japanese experience, stay at Gyōrō-ji Hotel, located just steps from the Gujō Castle Ruins. This boutique hotel blends Edo-period architecture with modern comfort, featuring tatami rooms, a traditional tea room, and a serene garden. Another excellent choice is Hotel Mikadu, a family-run inn offering kaiseki meals made with local Gunma ingredients like kurobuta pork and red bean mochi. Both hotels emphasize cultural immersion, providing guests with access to seasonal festivals and local craft workshops, making them ideal for travelers seeking deep-rooted traditions.

The Gujō Station area is the most convenient district for hotel stays. It offers easy access to public transportation, including the Tobu Railway Nikko Line, and is within walking distance of key attractions like Gujō Castle Ruins, Otemachi Shopping Street, and the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Art. Most hotels here, such as Toyoko Inn Gujō and Hotel Sangetsu, provide free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and breakfast with regional specialties like gunma beef and horse sashimi. Its central location makes it perfect for day trips or extended stays exploring the city’s historical and culinary heritage.

Visit the Gujō Castle Ruins, a historic site dating back to the Edo period, where remnants of the donjon base and stone walls still stand. Nearby, Otemachi Shopping Street preserves Meiji-era wooden buildings, housing traditional confectionery shops and artisan studios. For spiritual insight, explore Engyo-ji Temple, home to the revered Sanjūsan-gen-ku Kannon statue. The annual Gujō Shrine Festival features elaborate processions and taiko drumming, showcasing the town’s enduring local customs and community spirit. These sites offer a rich tapestry of Gunma’s cultural identity.

Try Gunma Beef, known for its marbled texture and tender flavor—best enjoyed grilled at Izakaya Kanrin. Don’t miss Horse Sashimi, a regional delicacy served fresh with soy sauce and wasabi, reflecting the area’s long-standing equestrian tradition. Also sample Red Bean Mochi, a sweet treat made with locally grown azuki beans, available at century-old shops along Otemachi Street. During seasonal events, join a local cooking class at the Gujō Community Center to learn how to prepare these dishes yourself, connecting deeply with the region’s culinary roots.

Take the Tobu Railway Nikko Line from Asakusa Station to Gujō Station, a journey of about 80 minutes. Alternatively, board the express train Kinokawa from Tokyo Station, which reaches Gujō in just over 70 minutes, passing scenic landscapes across the Kanto Plain. Upon arrival, use the Gunma Prefecture Tourist Pass for free rides on local buses, enabling easy access to Gujō Castle Ruins, Engyo-ji Temple, and other attractions. HopeGoo tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Absolutely. Gujō City offers family-friendly attractions like the Gujō Children’s Museum, featuring interactive science exhibits and hands-on craft activities. Otemachi Park provides spacious green space for children to play, with shaded benches and a playground. The expansive grounds of Gujō Castle Ruins allow kids to explore ancient stone walls and imagine life in the Edo era. Many hotels, including Hotel Mikadu, provide complimentary child-sized yukata and bedding, while restaurants offer high chairs and kid-friendly menus, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip for all ages.

In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Gujō Castle Ruins lights up the park with illuminations and food stalls. Summer brings the Gujō Gion Festival, featuring grand mikoshi processions and traditional taiko drum performances. Autumn hosts the Gunma Prefectural Museum of Art’s Special Exhibition, highlighting local artists and nature-inspired works. During winter, the Gujō Snow Lantern Festival transforms the castle grounds into a magical snowy wonderland, complete with warm sake and cozy lantern-lit walks—perfect for experiencing the city’s seasonal charm.

While Gujō City doesn’t have natural hot springs, nearby Kusatsu Onsen and Ikebukuro Onsen are easily accessible—just 30 minutes by car. Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s top three hot springs, is famous for its unique "Yunessan" (steam) and sulfur-rich waters that soothe muscles and skin. For a more secluded experience, try Ikebukuro Onsen, nestled in mountainside villas with private baths. Some hotels in Gujō offer shuttle services to these resorts, allowing visitors to enjoy a full-day combo of castle exploration + therapeutic soaking.

Gujō City was once the seat of the Gujō Domain, established by Honda Toshinaga, son of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s trusted general Honda Tadakatsu. As a strategic stronghold in the Kanto region during the Edo period, it played a vital role in regional governance and trade. Though the original castle was dismantled after the Meiji Restoration, its ruins remain a symbol of the city’s historical legacy. Today, Gujō continues to honor its past through preserved architecture, local crafts like Gujō weaving and lacquerware, and annual festivals celebrating its samurai heritage.

Capture the iconic view of the Gujō Castle Ruins’ donjon base surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring—ideal for golden-hour shots. Stroll down Otemachi Shopping Street, where vintage wooden facades and old-style signage create a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere. Engyo-ji Temple’s stone path lined with towering pines offers a peaceful, meditative backdrop perfect for portrait photography. At dusk, the illuminated Gujō Station Square blends modern architecture with warm lighting, creating a striking contrast between tradition and urban life—great for night photography enthusiasts.