Gunma

Not too far from Tokyo in the northern Kanto area, Gunma can be described as an adventure playground of sorts – skiing, snowboarding, hiking and canyoning (in the Minakami area) provides adrenaline seekers things to do year-round.

Its mountains, ski slopes in the winter, become excellent hiking trails in the summer. Gunma is also the site of some of the nation’s best hot springs, the most notable being Kusatsu Onsen; its Yubatake (hot water field) is a must-see. The Old Tomioka Silk Mill was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2014.

Gunma is also famous for its daruma dolls, the traditional Japanese good luck charm.