2026 Maebashi Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

Scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026: The Maebashi Fireworks Festival! In 2025, three couples, including my partner and me, went to this festival. Thanks to snagging reserved seats and parking tickets, we got to experience the massive, breathtaking fireworks in unbelievable comfort. For anyone planning to go, here are my top tips for having a stress-free and amazing time! ✨ 💡 Tips for Future Visitors! ✅ No Stress Over Finding a Spot: Getting a "pair seat with a long table and two chairs" is the way to go! You won't have to scramble or leave your bags to claim a spot, and you can kick back in a premium seat while the fireworks light up the sky right in front of you. ✅ Enjoy Festival Food in Peace: Having a table makes it so much easier to enjoy the food you buy from the food trucks and stalls at the venue. Sitting down with a drink and a bite to eat while watching the fireworks is an unbeatable experience. ✅ Parking Tickets Are a Must!: You cannot park anywhere near the venue without a pre-purchased parking ticket. If you're driving, make sure securing one is your top priority! ✅ How to Beat the Traffic: The second the grand finale is over, head for the exit before the traffic jam starts! This one move allowed us to hop right onto the highway without a hitch, saving us so much stress on the drive home. After the fireworks, we went for yakiniku at "Amiyaki Honpo Matoba Main Store," our friends' go-to spot 🍖 It's a local favorite, so the food was absolutely guaranteed to be delicious! Digging into great BBQ while soaking in the afterglow of the fireworks was the absolute best. If you're going this year, make sure to plan ahead and have a spectacular night! 🌻 Fireworks Festival Date

#EnjoyJapan To Okawa Shokudo in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture 🚗 I was looking for a restaurant with a good rating on Tabelog in this area, but they all close early 💦 This restaurant seems to be open until 10pm, so I went there before 7pm and there were 4 groups waiting 😳 They had a system where you give your phone number and the restaurant will call you when you can enter. Everyone who was waiting seemed to be waiting in their cars. The phone rang after about 40 minutes and we were shown to our seats 💓 Everything on the menu is so cheap!!! 😳😳😳 I ordered a lot without knowing how much it would be, but the portions per plate were amazing!!! 👏🏻 Is this amount okay for this price? It's to the point where I was worried! 🤣 And in this era when rice is precious, the regular serving of rice is more than the normal large serving (lol) The large serving of rice was really like a manga (lol)🍚 It was too much and I couldn't finish it, but since they were giving out such precious rice, I didn't want to waste it, so I tried my best to eat as much as I could... (lol) Personally, the beef cubes and the pork belly sashimi were very delicious! 🥩 I recommend putting salt and pepper on the pork tongue, which is provided on the table❤️ Soft drinks are also 250 yen, so no matter what you order, it's a bargain, so it's the best😍 We ordered a lot and ate and drank, and the bill came to about 3,500 yen per person🤩 All the other customers were in the 2,000 yen range, but we ate too much (lol) Please stop by on your way back from your trip to Gunma♪ 📍Address: 506-1 Kogure, Fujimi-cho, Maebashi-shi, Gunma Prefecture #Domestic travel #Gourmet trip

Maebashi Galleria, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture While staying at Shiraiya Hotel, I wanted to visit a nearby art spot, so I visited this facility. Maebashi Galleria was born as a source of new culture in a place where a movie theater had been located for over 100 years and for nearly 60 years, a place where local people could come into contact with new culture, gather, and become familiar with culture and exchange in their daily lives. The overall design and planning was handled by architect Akihisa Hirata, and various creators and entrepreneurs representing Japan and abroad, including Junji Tanigawa, participated in the project, and it took about five years for Maebashi Galleria to be completed in the spring of 2023. A complex facility with areas that are open to the public, such as special exhibitions, restaurants, and residences. The unique exterior is sure to catch your eye. When I went there, they were holding a special exhibition that was free to enter. Address: 5-9-1 Chiyoda-cho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture #tripdomestictravel #gunma #maebashi

I went to the one and only art hotel "Shiraiya Hotel / SHIROIYA HOTEL" ✨ Shiraiya Ryokan was founded in Maebashi, Gunma during the Edo period and was loved by many famous people. It had a history of about 300 years, but closed down in 2008. And in 2020, "Shiraiya Hotel" was reborn under the design of Sou Fujimoto. I'm happy to finally be able to go to this hotel that I've been wanting to go to ever since it opened. When I arrived, I was surprised to see that the Heritage Tower, which is eye-catching from the outside, is also a work of art (Pic.7). When I entered the building, I felt like I had wandered into a museum, with all the art works inside. And above all, there was an atrium that went up to the 4th floor. Leandro Erlich's Lightning Pipes were installed as if they were threading through the stairs, which was fantastic. It was also impressive that I could experience the art works just by going up and down the stairs... At night, it was illuminated in various colors, which was also fantastic. Each room had a different work of art on display, and I stayed in a room designed by Sou Fujimoto, which I had always wanted to stay in. #Kanto Tourism #Gunma Tourism

This bakery doesn't compromise just because it's inside a hotel, and bakers make their bread in the oven every day. Of course, there are many people who go here to buy bread, as well as guests staying at the hotel. 😚⭐️ Both the exterior and interior of this bakery are stylish, and the bread is of course delicious. 🙏

SHIROIYA the RESTAURANT/SHIROIYA HOTEL! This restaurant is located in the Shiroiya Hotel! It was so delicious that I wanted to go there every month...! Beautiful and delicious food made with plenty of local specialties from Gunma, where the hotel is located, and luxurious alcohol pairings including red wine, white wine, sake, and even shochu! It was always delicious...Next time I'd like to try the 7,000 yen lunch course🤣💓💓

this is a show before the football game is about to happen. Everyone showed up very early. There are many food stalls around. The atmosphere is so cool and cheerful #japan #awesomepic

Mount Akagi is home to a variety of natural wonders, but the most spectacular of these is Kakumanbuchi. The beautiful marshland, also known as Little Oze, has a promenade where you can take a stroll. Although it is not as grand as Onuma and Konuma, the scenery is just as complete. #AutumnFoliage #MountAkagiMountainClimbing

Mount Akagi is one of the famous peaks in northern Kanto. Although Mount Akagi is a general term for multiple mountains, let me just write Mount Akagi here. The path from the base to the ridgeline is easy to walk on. It's a long climb, but the autumn leaves along the way are soothing. When you reach the ridgeline, you'll feel a great sense of openness. #AutumnFoliage #MountAkagi #MountAkagi

There are three Akagi Shrines in Gunma Prefecture alone, with Mount Akagi as the object of worship, and this one is located at the foot of Mount Akagi. The date of its founding is unknown, but it is known to have been here since ancient times. It is a little dark, perhaps because it is located in a cedar forest, but this creates a solemn atmosphere. #Shrine #MountAkagi #AutumnFoliage

Mount Akagi is one of the three mountains of Jomo, along with Mount Haruna and Mount Myogi. Like Mount Haruna, it is a collective name for multiple mountains. It is a famous peak chosen as one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, and there is a variety of rich natural scenery within the mountain, including Lake Onuma. This is a photo of Mount Komagatake, which is part of that range. #MountainClimbing #AutumnFoliage #MountAkagi

I stayed at Dormy Inn in Maebashi! The room was very clean, and the service was excellent. It had a hot spring bath, a comfortable room, and a delicious breakfast buffet. It was a wonderful business hotel! I highly recommend it to everyone! #HotSprings #SummerTrip #GunmaPrefecture #JapanGenkiProject2021

🗺️【Itinerary】 Day 1: Lake Senba Walking Trail Day 2: Mito President Hotel - Kairakuen Park - Hitachi Seaside Park - Hanamiyama Park Day 3: Sansui-so - Shiraishi River Embankment - Ichimoku Senbonzakura (Sakura Trees) - Funaoka Castle Ruins Park - Mutsu Park - Nishi Park (West Park) - Fujisaki Main Building 5F - Sanrio - PARCO (Sendai Store) - Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port Store) Day 4: Matsushima Century Hotel - Zuiganji Temple - Entsuin Temple - Zuiganji Temple Godaido Hall - Akagi South Slope Cherry Blossom Festival Day 5: Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture Station North Exit Toyoko Hotel - Sano Tourist Farm Agritown - Ashikaga Flower Park - Gongendo Embankment Day 6: MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kisarazu (Outlet) - Sakura Hometown Square Day 7: Shulanza Hotel, Makuhari Bay 📍【Must-Visit Attractions】 1. Lake Senba Walking Trail 2. Kairakuen Park 3. Hitachi Seaside Park (National Park) 4. Hanamiyama Park 5. Shiraishi River Embankment - A Thousand Cherry Blossoms at a Glance 6. Funaoka Castle Ruins Park 7. Mutsu Park 8. Nishi Park (West Park) 9. Fujisaki Main Building 5F - Sanrio 10. PARCO (Sendai Store) 11. Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port Store) 12. Zuigan-ji Temple 13. Entsuin Temple 14. Zuigan-ji Temple - Godaido Hall 15. Akagi South Slope Cherry Blossom Festival 16. Sano Tourist Farm Agritown 17. Ashikaga Flower Park 18. Gongendo Embankment 19. MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kisarazu (Outlet Mall) 20. Sakura Hometown Square 🥘【Must-Try Food】 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 1. Mito President Hotel 2. Sansui-so 3. Matsushima Century Hotel 4. Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture Station North Exit Toyoko Ryokan 5. Makuhari Bay Shulanza Hotel 📷【Photo Spots】 📣【Tips】

Walking slowly up the trail from the foot of the mountain, maple trees on both sides sprouted tender red new leaves. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, scattering shifting flecks of gold across the ground. Little wildflowers dotted the roadside grass in shades of blue, purple, and yellow, like crushed gemstones accidentally spilled onto green velvet. A few hikers in activewear chatted as they walked, their steps light and completely effortless. An older man carrying a thermos followed slowly behind, stopping occasionally to snap a few photos of the blossoms, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out into a warm smile. Next to a pavilion halfway up the mountain grew several blooming redbud trees, their pinkish-purple petals blanketing the stone table inside. Whenever the wind blew, fresh petals drifted down from the branches, landing softly on the shoulders of passersby. Standing by the pavilion and gazing out into the distance, the city's skyline faintly peeked through the lush greenery, evoking a sudden sense of vast openness—like the classic poetic feeling of "standing at the summit and seeing all other mountains as small." The steps along the trail are treated with an anti-slip surface, ensuring secure footing even right after a rainstorm. The signboards along the route feature large, clear fonts, making it easy to read the remaining distance from far away. The entire hike is embraced by vibrant, lush greenery, and every breath of air is filled with the fresh, earthy scent of nature.

#sightseeing

Lightning

#hotelcomfy Shiroiya Hotel in Maebashi City Impressive large space with 4 layers Founder of "JINS" bought it with private money Creators from all over the world coming together Reborn art hotel The room is built by world-class creators I design each one. The room I stayed in Room designed by the designer Sosuke Fujimoto. The vision of Maebashi City "Mebuku" is the theme Benjamin branches were growing from everywhere. Finnish sauna, Spaces to bathe outside are art too si Dinner at '"the RESTAURANT''" in the hotel. They even had a non alcoholic pairing Room, food, sauna I'm so glad. Satisfaction. Fulfilling. I wish I could go stay again. <3

This spacious and beautiful roadside station has hot springs that are open from the morning and a 24-hour 7-Eleven! The food court is lined with popular shops, and the bakery offers a wide variety of freshly baked bread. The farm stand sells fresh vegetables at reasonable prices, and there's even an on-site fish market. 😊 Kids can play all day on the spacious lawn, and there's even a dog run, making it a great place for 🐶-friendly!❣️ There were also many campers parked there. 🚌 The legendary bananas I was looking for (440 yen each 😳) are apparently grown without pesticides, so you can even eat the skin. There's even a banana farm on the premises! It was a battle to get it, but I'm very happy I managed to get it. 🍌 📍Location 36 Taguchi-cho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture 371-0048 🚘Parking Spaces 414 Compact Car Parking Spaces, 2 Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces 75 Large Vehicle Parking Spaces, 8 Specialty Parking Spaces 29 Motorcycle Parking Spaces 🕰️Hours: 9:00 AM - (varies by store) Closed: December 30th - January 3rd ☎️ 027-233-0070 #GunmaTourism #RoadsideStation

· —————————— Discover the breathtaking autumn scenery! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Recently took the little one to Mikawa Hirose Station, and the autumn colors here are absolutely stunning! Every snap is like a wallpaper-worthy masterpiece~📸 This photo casually taken by the platform is truly amazing! 🚉 A man full of artistic vibes sits on the station bench, with a backdrop of vibrant red leaves and a fresh green small building. This color combination is literally nature’s palette! 🎨 Favorite autumn limited edition "Four Seasons Cherry Blossoms" 🌸🍁 Compared to ordinary red leaf spots, the special feature here is the rare sight of cherry blossoms and red leaves blooming simultaneously! Pink cherry blossoms intertwined with red maple leaves, paired with the quaint train station, instantly creates a Japanese drama feel~ Family trip tips 💡 · Best viewing period: Mid to late November · Recommended photo spot: Bench on the west side of the platform · Best time to check in: Around 10 AM or 3 PM for the most beautiful light · Nearby food: Handmade red bean cakes next to the station are super delicious! Although it was a bit rainy when we went ☔️ The red leaves in the rain actually feel more poetic! When the rain stops and the sun comes out, sunlight filtering through the red leaves is super dreamy ✨ Hurry and catch the tail end of the red leaves season, bring your little cutie to check in! Remember to wear matching family outfits for even better photos 👕👚

#tokyospots This itinerary focuses on the vibrant districts of Asakusa, Ginza, and Akihabara, featuring major landmarks, popular shopping spots and essential Halal food options. DAY 1: Arrival & Asakusa Base Check-in: APA Hotel Asakusa Shin-Okachimachi Ekimae 📍1 Chome-6-11 Motoasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0041, Japan · Dinner: Halal Wagyu Yakiniku Panga 📍3 Chome-27-9 Taito, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan 💡One of the most highly-rated Halal dining experiences in Tokyo 💡Book a table online in advance to secure your spot · Shopping: Yodobashi Ueno 📍4 Chome-10-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan DAY 2: Ginza Shopping Spree · Shopping: Tokyu Plaza Ginza 📍5 Chome-2-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan · Shopping: Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store 📍6 Chome-9-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 💡 Tip: Be sure to check out Uniqlo Coffee on the 12th floor! 💡Look for Japan or Ginza-Exclusive Apparel. · Shopping: GU Flagship Store 📍5 Chome-7-7 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan 💡GU is generally more affordable than Uniqlo. · Dinner: Tendon Itsuki Ginza 📍Nishi 3-1, Inns 1 2F, Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 💡Affordable, high-quality, and Halal-certified tempura rice bowls DAY 3: Cultural Heritage & Asakusa Exploration · Sightseeing: Sensoji Temple 📍2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan · Shopping: Nakamise Shopping Street 📍1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan · Sightseeing: Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) 📍2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan · Coffee Break: Hatcoffee Latte Art Stand 📍2 Chome-19 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo 💡 Feature: They create stunning 3D latte art tailored to your request! · Shopping: Matsumoto Kiyoshi Asakusa 💡1 Chome-25-17 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 💡This is a popular drugstore for cosmetics and skincare products. · Shopping: Don Quijote Asakusa 💡 A huge discount store selling everything from food and skincare to clothing and souvenirs. · Dinner: Saray Kebab NishiAsakusa 📍2 Chome-14-18 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 💡A fast, tasty, and affordable option for a satisfying Doner Kebab. DAY 4: Akihabara Electronics & Halal Ramen · Lunch: Ayam-ya Halal Ramen Tokyo 📍3 Chome-10-3 Motoasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 💡 Tip: This is a unique, cool restaurant where you place your order via a vending machine. Their ramen features a delicious halal chicken-based soup. · Shopping: Yodobashi Akiba 📍1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo · Shopping: BicCamera AKIBA Store 📍4 Chome-1-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo · Visit: Masjid Nusantara - Akihabara Tokyo 📍2 Chome-17 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo · Snack/Dinner: ASLAN KEBAB (HALAL) 📍1 Chome-8 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 💡 They offer several varieties of kebab, including kebab rice, kebab wrap, and kebab potato. 💡 They only accept WeChat Pay and cash. #tokyospots #tokyoart #traveltokyo #TokyoTravel #VisitJapan #Asakusa #GinzaShopping #HalalJapan #TokyoCuisine #JapanTrip #TokyoVibes

It's really great! Be sure to check it out sometime.

At Torihira Main Store in Maebashi City, I enjoyed Torimeshi Matsuju, Nankotsu Skewer, and Young Chicken Teriyaki. Torihira's Torimeshi is a must-try when it comes to Gunma's soul food. Established in 1953, this long-standing restaurant, with its main store in Maebashi City, is a renowned chicken specialty shop representing Gunma. The ordered "Torimeshi Matsuju" is a luxurious dish featuring both chicken thigh and breast coated in a sweet and savory secret sauce. The chicken, generously spread over the rice, glistens beautifully with the sauce, and the moment you take a bite, the umami flavor spreads in your mouth. The breast meat is moist and tender, while the thigh is juicy, making it hard to stop eating. The "Nankotsu Skewer" I added as a side dish has an addictive crunchy texture. The "Young Chicken Teriyaki" boasts a fragrant crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, making it another masterpiece. 🐓 It's clear why Torihira's Torimeshi is a must-eat when visiting Gunma. Address: 1-18-6 Rokku-cho, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Closed: None

Sanban Hormone @ Maebashi City: Pork Bones + Bamboo Shoots + Tongue + Liver + Skirt Steak I was surprised when I arrived at this popular yakiniku restaurant known as the holy grail of pork innards in Maebashi. It's rare to find a yakiniku restaurant with such a long history. According to advance information, the "Sanban" in the restaurant's name comes from the owner's fanaticism for Shigeo Nagashima. Indeed, the soot-covered interior features a photo of what appears to be Nagashima on display. With sticky tables and a smoky atmosphere, the restaurant truly exudes the ultimate in local pork yakiniku. To begin, I grabbed a bottle of Akaboshi from the refrigerator. As my order of meat was served, I grilled it on the built-in gas stove, keeping my airway open with a beer. 🍺 The pork bones had a crunchy texture and were incredibly satisfying, while the bamboo shoots (aorta) had a unique chewiness that allowed the flavor to spread with each bite. The thick-sliced ​​tongue has an exquisite balance of charcoal aroma and saltiness, the liver is fresh and odorless and is best lightly seared, and the skirt steak is tender and juicy. We dipped all of this meat in the homemade sauce and ate it all on rice. Maebashi is the holy land of pork yakiniku! #SanbanHormone

This long-established restaurant is one of the most well-known eel restaurants in Maebashi. Unusually, they don't close on specific days of the week, but rather on the 3rd and 4th of each month (the 3rd, 4th, 13th, 14th, 23rd, and 24th), making it a unique business practice. It's important to check the calendar before visiting. When I visited for lunch on Friday, it was their regular closing day (the 24th), so I was disappointed. However, I returned the following Saturday night and was able to enter without any problems. I ordered the "Special Unaju" (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl). Opening the lid, I was greeted by a lustrous, glossy kabayaki kabayaki. The flavor wasn't as strong as it looked, with just the right amount of sweet and spicy, resulting in a refined finish. The eel, slowly grilled over binchotan charcoal, was fragrant, and the sauce clung to the plump flesh. The sharpness of the sauce and the lingering aroma of the charcoal were exquisite, making it hard to stop eating. The accompanying liver soup, with its rich flavor and strong shiitake mushroom broth, was a perfect match for the unaju. Every dish conveyed the careful work and sincerity you'd expect from a long-established restaurant, making for a very satisfying dinner. Also, from January 2026, the restaurant will be closing every Thursday. This will make it even easier to visit, which is great news. #Kokuya

Located in a shopping district just a short distance from Maebashi Station, this Western-style restaurant boasts a retro atmosphere lined with red leather sofas. After torn between the "tonton Neapolitan," which won the grand prize at the "T-1 Grand Prix" pork dish competition, I decided on the "tonton Omurice." 🐷 Ketchup rice wrapped in fluffy, runny eggs is topped with a generous amount of savory sauteed Joshu Mugi Pork. Their special demi-glace sauce, a rich, sweet and spicy flavor, perfectly brings together the delicious flavors of the egg, rice, and pork. Every bite brings to mind the classic Western-style restaurant experience, a dish brimming with nostalgia and satisfaction. #tontonOmurice #MaebashiGourmet

Maebashi's specialty is grilled manju, and Harashimaya Souhonke, a long-established shop founded over 160 years ago, is said to be the original. As you step through the noren curtain, the aroma of savory miso sauce fills the store. It takes a while for the manju to be served, as they are slowly grilled over charcoal after your order is taken at the counter. The store has a charming atmosphere, but on weekends and holidays they only offer takeout.The freshly baked manju are fragrant on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Rather than being called "manju," they have a texture more like a light sweet miso bread, and are much lighter and easier to eat than you might imagine. The balance between the savory, slightly burnt miso sauce and the chewy dough is exquisite, making for a simple yet addictively delicious dish. #GrilledManju #HarashimayaSouhonke

Located in the heart of Maebashi City, amidst a lush green park, stands the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, Rinkokaku. This historic wooden structure transforms into a magical sight as night falls, illuminated by modern color LED lights. Originally built as a guesthouse during the Meiji era, the building's elegant architecture is beautifully highlighted, creating a scene that feels like a timeless piece of art. The nighttime ambiance offers a completely different experience from the daytime, showcasing a stunning harmony of history and light. The illumination schedule varies by season: from January to April and October to December, the lights are on from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, and from May to September, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The changing colors of the sky with the seasons add another layer of charm, as the building reveals different expressions throughout the year.

#hellohalloween At the heart of SHIROIYA HOTEL in Maebashi lies The Lounge, a breathtaking dining space set beneath the hotel’s iconic open atrium. Designed by Sou Fujimoto, the space is a harmony of raw concrete, artful lighting pipes, sleek furniture, and lush greenery — every element balanced to create a modern yet organic aesthetic. We ordered the Roasted Sea Bream with Summer Vegetables, a dish that was light yet full of depth, perfectly capturing the freshness of the season. The Shiroiya Burger, paired with Craft Cola and Craft Ginger Ale, was another highlight — playful and beautifully plated, matching the artistic spirit of the space. Dining here isn’t just about food; it’s a visual and sensory experience where art, architecture, and cuisine intertwine. A must-visit for anyone who loves design-forward gastronomy in Japan. 📍 The Lounge, SHIROIYA HOTEL (Maebashi, Gunma) #shiroiyahotel #thelounge #soufujimoto #designhotel #maebashi #artandarchitecture #japanrestaurants #gourmettravel #interiordesign