Things To Do
in Maebashi

Maebashi, located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, is a charming city known for its beautiful parks, rich history, and vibrant culture. The city is also famous for its hot springs and traditional Japanese architecture, providing a picturesque setting for visitors. Maebashi offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.

With its friendly locals and unique attractions, Maebashi provides a genuine taste of Japanese life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Maebashi
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Maebashi Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among cherry blossoms and serene ponds. Afterward, head to the Maebashi City Museum of History to learn about the city's past.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries specializing in gyūdon (beef bowl), then visit the Daruma Temple, known for its iconic Daruma dolls. Spend some time exploring the surrounding area for local crafts and souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional izakaya for an authentic Japanese dining experience, followed by a leisurely walk along the Tone River to enjoy the evening lights.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at the nearby Akagi Mountain, famous for its scenic views and lush nature trails. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many lookout points.

afternoon
:

Return to the city for lunch, then visit the Gunma Prefectural Art Museum to appreciate local and international art. Spend the afternoon exploring the local shops for unique Japanese goods.

evening
:

Experience local nightlife by visiting a karaoke bar or a local pub, enjoying drinks and entertainment with locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍚Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$3
🚌Public transport fare$2
🏨Hotel night stay$70
🍱Takeout meal$8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences and historical sites.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Genuine local cuisine and friendly locals.
  • Limited English signage in some areas.
  • Public transport may be less frequent in rural areas.
  • Not as many international dining options as larger cities.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Maebashi

Visit one of these nice places.

Maebashi Park

A picturesque park featuring beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, perfect for nature photography.

Daruma Temple

A historic temple adorned with colorful Daruma dolls, offering unique photo opportunities.

Tone River

Capture stunning sunset views along the river, where the landscape transforms into a palette of warm colors.

Culinary Guide

Food in Maebashi

Maebashi is a food lover's paradise, offering a variety of delectable local dishes and vibrant food markets that showcase the region's culinary delights.

Maebashi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Yaki Manju

Grilled sweet buns filled with red bean paste, a local specialty often found at festivals.

Must-Try!

Onsen Tamago

Delicately cooked eggs from hot spring water, known for their creamy texture.

Gyūdon

A rice bowl topped with thinly sliced beef and onions, commonly enjoyed at local restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maebashi Street Market

A bustling market offering fresh produce, street snacks, and local delicacies every weekend.

Climate Guide

Weather

Maebashi experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F), and occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and are ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Always greet people with a bow and use polite language. It’s important to show respect in all interactions.

Shoes Off Indoors

It is customary to remove shoes when entering homes and certain traditional establishments.

Quiet Public Spaces

Maintain a low volume in public areas, especially on public transport, to respect the peace of others.

Safety Guide

Safety

Maebashi is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached easily, and locals are usually willing to help.

Tipping in Maebashi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; good service is expected as part of the experience. Leaving small change can be considered rude.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are increasingly common in larger establishments. Mobile payment options are also available.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild weather with cherry blossoms blooming, making it a picturesque time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Summer

Hot and humid conditions prevail, ideal for enjoying local festivals and evening markets, but be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors provide great conditions for photography and hiking.

Winter

Cold weather with occasional snowfall; perfect for enjoying hot springs and winter festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Maebashi at Night

Maebashi's nightlife is vibrant yet relaxed, featuring a variety of izakayas, karaoke bars, and pubs. The atmosphere is friendly, with many locals enjoying after-work drinks. Live music and local events can often be found, especially during festival seasons.

Hiking in Maebashi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Akagi Mountain Trail

A popular hiking destination with trails of varying length and difficulty, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Yatsu Toge

An easy trail that provides beautiful views and is suitable for families, with picnic spots along the way.

Airports

How to reach Maebashi by plane.

Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)

Located about 90 km from Maebashi, this airport serves domestic flights and is a convenient entry point for travelers heading to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Maebashi is a fairly walkable city, especially in the downtown area where many attractions, restaurants, and parks are located within easy walking distance. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are available at major intersections.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Maebashi, taking advantage of the city's parks and educational facilities.

Students

With several universities and schools, students are a significant demographic, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is immensely popular in Japan, and local teams often have passionate fans.

Soccer

Soccer enjoys a significant following, with local clubs competing in regional leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Maebashi is generally manageable, with well-maintained roads. Public transportation includes buses and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas. Bicycles are also popular for getting around.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Maebashi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; however, it's advisable to check for meat or fish-based sauces.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options can be limited, so it's recommended to inquire about ingredients when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Maebashi is accessible and of high quality, with several hospitals and clinics available. Emergency services are efficient, and many medical professionals speak basic English. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide