Things To Do
in Numata

Numata is a quaint city located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, nestled between stunning mountains and rivers. Known for its rich history and beautiful natural landscapes, it offers a mix of traditional culture and outdoor activities. The city is particularly famous for its hot springs and local delicacies, making it a great destination for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

With easy access to hiking trails and scenic views, Numata serves as a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Numata City
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Numata Castle Ruins, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the historical scenery.

afternoon
:

Head to the Numata History and Folklore Museum to learn about the city's heritage, followed by lunch at a local soba noodle shop.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local ryokan, followed by a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring).

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Go for a morning hike at the nearby Oze National Park, renowned for its beautiful marshlands and diverse wildlife.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch at the park, then visit the local craft shops in the area to pick up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a visit to a local izakaya, where you can experience the vibrant local nightlife and sample various small dishes.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Bowl of Ramen$8
🍣Sushi Plate$15
🍵Cup of Matcha$5
🏨Budget Hotel (per night)$50
🚆Train Ticket (within city)$2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Delicious local cuisine with unique dishes.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Less English signage may pose challenges for some travelers.
  • Public transportation can be less frequent outside peak hours.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me/Sorry
  • "トイレはどこですか?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "お会計お願いします" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Numata

Visit one of these nice places.

Numata Castle Ruins

An ideal location to capture the remnants of the castle against the backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

Oze National Park

Stunning landscapes filled with wildflowers and marshes, perfect for nature photography.

Shikishima Park

A picturesque park that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is particularly beautiful during autumn foliage.

Culinary Guide

Food in Numata

Numata's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Japanese dishes and local specialties, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Numata Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Soba Noodles

Delicious buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce.

Must-Try!

Yuba

Tofu skin that is a local delicacy, often enjoyed in various forms, including soups and stir-fries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Numata Market

A local market featuring fresh produce, traditional snacks, and handmade crafts.

Street Vendors

Various stalls offering quick bites like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls) throughout the city.

Climate Guide

Weather

Numata experiences four distinct seasons: spring (mild temperatures, cherry blossoms), summer (warm and humid with occasional rainfall), autumn (cooler temperatures with stunning fall foliage), and winter (cold with snow potential). The average temperature ranges from 1°C in January to 30°C in August. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months, so packing an umbrella is advisable.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful Greetings

A slight bow is customary when greeting someone; shaking hands is less common.

Shoes Off Indoors

Always remove your shoes when entering someone's home or traditional establishments.

Quiet Public Spaces

Maintain a respectful volume in public areas like trains and restaurants to avoid disturbing others.

Safety Guide

Safety

Numata is considered a very safe city with low crime rates. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as safeguarding belongings in crowded areas and being cautious in rural areas, especially when hiking. Emergency services can be reached by calling 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance.

Tipping in Numata

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan, and it may be considered rude. Instead, excellent service is the norm.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are becoming more common in urban areas. Always keep some cash on hand for smaller shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Enjoy cherry blossoms blooming in parks and along the rivers, making it a picturesque time to visit.

Summer

Expect warm temperatures; it's ideal for hiking and outdoor festivals, but be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

Witness stunning fall colors in the mountains and parks, a great time for photography and nature walks.

Winter

Cold weather with potential snowfall, perfect for hot spring visits and winter sports in nearby areas.

Nightlife Guide

Numata at Night

Numata offers a relaxed nightlife scene with a few izakayas and bars where locals gather after work. You can find a mix of traditional Japanese establishments and modern bars. The atmosphere is friendly, and many venues offer karaoke, making it a fun experience for visitors. While not as vibrant as larger cities, the local nightlife provides a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and social interactions.

Hiking in Numata

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mizukami Trail

A scenic trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to explore local flora and fauna.

Yokokura Trail

An intermediate hiking trail that leads to a beautiful lookout point, providing panoramic views of Numata and the Tone River.

Airports

How to reach Numata by plane.

Shimojishima Airport

Located approximately 70 km from Numata, this airport offers domestic flights and is the nearest major airport.

Getting Around

Walkability

Numata is a walkable city with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot. However, for more remote nature spots or hiking trails, public transportation or cycling may be required.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

Numata has a growing population of young families attracted to the area's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Retirees

The city is also home to many retirees who enjoy the serene environment and community-focused lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is a favorite pastime in Japan, with local teams often playing in nearby stadiums.

Soccer

Soccer enjoys popularity, with local schools and clubs hosting matches and events, especially among youth.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Numata is generally light compared to larger cities. Public transportation options include local buses and trains that connect to surrounding areas. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, and many streets have designated bike lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Numata.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; however, it's essential to check if dashi (fish stock) is used.

Gluten-Free

While soba noodles are typically made from buckwheat, confirm with the restaurant if cross-contamination with wheat products may occur.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Japan is of high quality, with many hospitals and clinics available in and around Numata. For tourists, emergency services can be accessed easily, and most healthcare providers can offer services in 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