2025 Annaka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Usui Third Bridge, a railway bridge in Gunma Prefecture Affectionately known as the "Meganebashi" (spectacles bridge), this place is a brick arch bridge from which you can see the Usui Pass 👓🤲 ▶︎Access🚌 From JR Yokokawa Station, take the JR Bus Kanto (via the Usui Old Road Meganebashi) to Karuizawa Station and get off at the "Meganebashi" bus stop. Approximately 13 minutes *Please note the operating days as this is a seasonal service #Spectacular views #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing #Gunma trip #Camera trip #canoneoskissx9i #japantrip #Historic sites #Usui Pass #Meganebashi #Want to connect with people who love to travel #Love nature #Travel record

Speaking of recommended spots in Gunma Prefecture, here are some classics: Meganebashi Bridge 🥸 Gunma Prefecture is a fun place to drive, and many people visit for touring and other activities. If you look at Meganebashi Bridge up close, you'll be overwhelmed by how big it is! If you climb it, the view from the top is also spectacular. #breathtakingview #summertrip #JapanGenkiProject2021 #summertrip#breathtakingview

#cherryblossom25 Talk about unique — the Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park is where cherry blossoms meet locomotive nostalgia. Set at the foot of the mountains near Karuizawa, this spot combines a decommissioned rail yard and museum with clusters of cherry trees blooming around the vintage trains. I took some epic photos of sakura petals floating past rusted steam engines, and it was a vibe unlike anything else on my #cherryblossom25 trip. The contrast between nature and machine gave the whole area this retro-futuristic charm. You can even ride a mini train through the park, and kids were having the time of their lives. I stayed till dusk and the fading light on the cherry blossoms made everything glow like a movie scene. A must for train buffs, photographers, or anyone who loves unusual hanami settings.

📍Address: Japan, 〒379-0307 Sakamoto, Matsuda Town, Anaka City, Gunma Prefecture Usui Third Bridge (Megane Bridge) Walk across the abandoned old railway bridge Usui Third Bridge is the largest arched brick bridge in Japan and is part of the 6-kilometer Albert Trail. The trail follows a disused railway, crossing six bridges and 10 tunnels, and is surrounded by national parkland. Usui Third Bridge has a total of 4 arched archways, so it is nicknamed "Spectacle Bridge". The bridge was built in 1892 in collaboration with British engineer Charles Assheton Whately Pownall during the Meiji era (1868-1912), a period of rapid modernization in Japanese society. The bridge was once a railway link between Gunma Yokogawa and Nagano Karuizawa. After being abandoned in 1963, the Spectacles Bridge was converted into a trail and reopened in 2001. 🗓️Transportation: Take a bus from Yokogawa Station for about 15 minutes

Megane Bridge (Usui Third Bridge) in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture, is one of the largest brick arch bridges in Japan, built in the Meiji era. Its beautiful form makes it popular for its photogenic form 🧡 📸 Photogenic bridge Megane Bridge is characterized by its four arches, giving it the atmosphere of a bridge over an old Western castle. You can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves in autumn and the snowy scenery in winter, and you can enjoy the scenery of each season. 🚶♂️Perfect for hiking and strolling The bridge is a walkway, and has been developed as the "Apt Road", which utilizes the abandoned tracks of the old Usui Line. You can stroll through nature while passing through the tunnel, so it is especially recommended for hiking lovers! 👣⸒⸒ 📍 Access Information Address: Sakamoto, Matsuida-cho, Annaka-shi, Gunma Access: About 30 minutes on foot from JR Yokokawa Station, or about 10 minutes by car "Megane Bridge" has a charming retro atmosphere. If you visit during the autumn leaves season or snowy scenery, the scenery will be even more impressive✨ #0 yen travel February 2025 #Gunma tourism #Megane Bridge #Photo spot #Aputo Road #Breathtaking view

#0yentravelFebruary2025 【improv.】 🕰️Business hours: Check 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 2-2-8 Hara-shi, Annaka-shi, Gunma 379-0133 💰Price per person: From 2000 💞Reasons for recommendation: Close to the hotel...I saw it on TV the other day and was curious, so we visited 30 minutes before opening‼ ️ There were already about 20 people around the store before it opened... The system is that you write your name and number of people in a notebook on the bench in front of the store, and when you are called, you choose your product in the store and pay for it. I think that everyone has their own preferences and opinions on the taste, so please try it once. The type of ramen changes every time‼ ️

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Isobe Garden Hotel, the Inn with the Tongue-Cut Sparrow] 🕰️Business hours: 24:00~ 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 1-12-5 Isobe, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, 379-0127 💰Price per person: 15,000~ 💞Reasons for recommendation: The building is spacious and large, and the courtyard is beautiful and decorated with various ornaments! The 10-minute puppet show about the story of the Tongue-Cut Sparrow was also fun🤍 There were more foreigners giving directions, and it was a little hard to hear their broken Japanese, but I could feel their hard work, so I was cheering them on as I spoke I'd like to come again someday😍

📝 Overview The "Akima Plum Grove" in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, is a famous plum blossom spot with about 35,000 plum blossoms in full bloom, spreading across the hills upstream of the Akima River. It is counted as one of the "Three Great Plum Groves of Gunma" and is the largest in the prefecture. The vast site is filled with white plums, red plums, weeping plums, and other blossoms, and the scenery is truly spectacular. ✨ Recommended points * Vast plum grove The greatest attraction of Akima Plum Grove is its vast scale. The plum blossoms that spread across the hills are like a white carpet, and are breathtakingly beautiful. * Various types of plums You can enjoy not only white plums, but also various types of plum blossoms, such as red plums and weeping plums. It may be fun to find the differences in the colors and shapes of each plum blossom. * Natural environment Akima Plum Grove is surrounded by rich nature. You can enjoy not only the plum blossoms, but also the surrounding scenery. 👀 Pay attention here! * Akimata Plum Grove Festival The Akimata Plum Grove Festival is held every year from mid-February to late March. During this period, the grove is bustling with a variety of events and stalls. * Promenade A promenade has been built within the plum grove. You can leisurely enjoy the plum blossoms as you stroll through it. * Observation Deck There is an observation deck within the grove, from which you can see the entire grove. It's the perfect spot to capture the spectacular view in photos. ℹ️Information * Address: 1339 Nishikami Akima Morikuma, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture * Access: * About 15 minutes by car from Matsuida-Myogi IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway * About 20 minutes by bus from JR Annaka Station * Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 * Fees: * Middle school students and above: 500 yen * Elementary school students: 300 yen 🖋️Summary Akima Plum Grove is a famous plum spot representing Gunma Prefecture, where you can enjoy a vast plum grove and rich nature. Please visit once and feel the arrival of spring. We are providing information on tourist spots all over the country! Please check out our other articles! #Seasonal places in Japan #Domestic travel

🇯🇵Name of Inn: Miharashikan 📍Location: Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture 💞Reasons for recommendation: Hot springs and delicious food Going to Isobe Onsen in Gunma Prefecture with my family! Gunma is famous for Kusatsu Onsen, but Isobe Onsen is perfect for those who want to spend some quiet time relaxing! Warm baths and delicious Japanese food with a hearty touch🍲 Two meals are included: dinner and breakfast. I was able to eat slowly in a private room. The people at the inn were also very kind, and I was reminded of the wonderfulness of Japanese hospitality. It was a short stay, but I was able to relax and recharge my batteries♨️ #0 yen trip January 2025

At Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine, located in Toge Town, the old Usui Pass, in the northeast of Karuizawa Town, you can pray for your dog's health with a paw stamp🐾 Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine is located on the border between Nagano Prefecture and Gunma Prefecture A red boundary line was drawn on the road in front of the shrine🗾 Colon, who is scared and nervous, was extremely angry👹 There was no way he could stamp a cute meat-level stamp...🤣 The ink is made of food coloring, so it is safe even if the dog licks it, and even if it gets on the owner's clothes, it can be washed off🙆♀️ Sorry for making you do something bad🤣 Stay healthy🤣💕 #FuritabiWinter #0yenTrip #Karuizawa #OutingWithPets

#FritabiWinter 【TWISTED BREW】 🕰️Business hours: 0900-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 605-11 Itahana, Annaka, Gunma 379-0111 💰Price per person: 1000 yen and up 💞Reason for recommendation: I found it while driving back from Karuizawa🤍 A cafe in the middle of nowhere‼︎ The atmosphere is stylish and very relaxing, the owner is very friendly, the coffee and cakes are really delicious, and the cinnamon rolls were especially special🤍

#2024 Travel Review **碓冰峠(臼井关)** The happiest part of 2024 was going to Gunma! Usui Mountain is a beautiful mountain trail with spectacular scenery and rich history. A walk along the mountain offers stunning mountain views and local historical sites. The air here is fresh and a great place to relax.

Karuizawa Kumano Kotai Shrine is well worth a visit. Gunma Prefecture is on the right and Nagano Prefecture is on the left. It is a very special shrine with a love tree where you can take photos. Recently, there are super large amulets available for purchase during the Chinese New Year, which guarantee good luck for the whole year. #Karuizawa #Super large amulet

Usui Lake is an artificial lake located on the hillside of Usui Pass. It is also a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves, so it attracts a large number of tourists in autumn. There is a well-planned lakeside trail of about 1.2 kilometers along the lakeside. It is relaxing and pleasant to take a walk here while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake. The Abt Road passes by Usui Lake along the way, which attracts many climbers to stop here. #2024TravelReview

Usui Third Bridge, the largest brick arch bridge in Japan, is part of a 6km scenic walking trail called the Abt Trail. The trail follows a decommissioned railway track, passing six bridges and ten tunnels, surrounded by a national park. The bridge is nicknamed “Meganebashi,” meaning “spectacles bridge,” for its four arched bricks. Built in 1892 by British engineer Charles Asheton Whately Pownall during Japan’s rapid modernization during the Meiji period (1868–1912), the bridge served as a railway link between Yokogawa in Gunma and Karuizawa in Nagano. Train service ceased in 1963, and the bridge was reintroduced as part of a nature trail in 2001.

Annaka The bridge with a view and the mountain peaks full of changing leaves. It's so beautiful. 🍁🍂🍀 The changing colors of the leaves in autumn, running, mountains, cycling, and hiking It's so interesting.

The Yokokawa Walking Trail is a trail rich in nature, where you can enjoy historical spots and beautiful scenery. Below are some noteworthy spots to visit along the trail. ◆ Usui Barrier Site: This is the remains of a historical barricade located at the entrance to Usui Pass, which flourished as an important part of the transportation route during the Edo period. At the barricade museum, you can learn about life and transportation at that time. Historic stone walls and earthworks remain in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the atmosphere while walking around. ◆ Former Maruyama Substation: This substation was once responsible for supplying electricity to the Shinetsu Main Line, and is now preserved as a historical building. It features beautiful arched windows, making it an attractive industrial heritage site. You can tour the interior of the building, which is a good opportunity to learn about the history and technology of electricity. ◆ Megane Bridge: This beautiful stone arch bridge is located close to Yokokawa Station and is officially called the "Usui Third Bridge." It was named after the shape of the bridge, which looks like glasses. There are great photo spots nearby, and the scenery is especially beautiful during the autumn leaves and snow seasons. ◆Natural environment: The trail is maintained along the Usui River, so you can refresh yourself while enjoying the sounds of the forest and the river. You can enjoy different flowers and scenery in each season, and feel the nature of the four seasons. ◆Easy access: It is easily accessible on foot from JR Yokokawa Station, so you can visit without hesitation. The trail is well maintained, so it is a course that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced walkers alike. The Yokokawa Walking Trail is an attractive route that combines history and nature, providing visitors with a wonderful experience. It is a recommended spot for sightseeing, strolling, and refreshing. #0円旅秋

#Tokyo Attractions The Annaka Art Museum is an art palace full of creativity. 🏛️ The various installation arts in the museum come into view, as if you are in an artistic dream. 🌈 Especially those interactive artworks, which make me want to participate and have a dialogue with art. 🖌️ Sometimes, I would even stare blankly in front of a piece of work, pondering the meaning behind it, and silently sighing in my heart: Art is such an inspiring magic! 💭 The atmosphere inside the gallery is relaxed and perfect for exploring with friends. 📸 Annaka Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to appreciate art! ✨ #Annzhong Contemporary Art Museum #InstallationArt #ArtAdventure 🌟🖼️

Do you know a spot where you can walk and sweat during the day and have a fantastic experience at night? An abandoned railway walk at Usui Pass in Annaka, Gunma During the day, there is an event where you can walk between Yokokawa and Karuizawa At the end of Usui Pass, there is a hot spring facility, so after you've washed off your sweat you can enjoy an abandoned railway walk event at night while having a fantastic experience! \ Melodic Light Walk / *Advance reservations required 📍Natural hot spring "Toge no Yu" 1F 1222 Sakamoto, Matsuida-cho, Annaka, Gunma #Domestic trip

Introducing the shrine on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine 💁♀️ The shrine on the Nagano side is called Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine, and the Gunma side is called Kumano Jinja Shrine 🐒 The shrine offers a wide range of benefits, including peace of the land, long life, good health, good luck, success in life, business prosperity, recovery from illness, protection from misfortune, protection from theft, matchmaking, marital harmony, and safe childbirth, so anyone can receive the benefits 🫶 First, you'll be greeted by a flower water basin and Captain Duck ᴸᵒᵛᵉ·͜·♡When you reach the top of the stairs, you'll find a photo spot for the stone slab on the border between the prefectures. 📸The main shrine has two offering boxes, making it a rare shrine 😳 Hearts are scattered here and there, so it's fun to look for them ·͜·✌︎´-There's a hidden heart in the goshuin too ❤︎ The sacred tree, Kakinoki 🌳, is a power spot for matchmaking and good fortune. There's a heart-shaped stone in front that's really cute 🥰There's a hidden heart in the sacred tree, so be sure to look for it ❤︎ And if you make a wish and walk around the sacred tree once, it's said that your wish will come true 🌟🙏This shrine is full of power, so be sure to visit it - ̗̀ ☺︎☺︎☺︎ ̖́- ----------------------------- -Spot information-📍Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine ✤Address: 1 Togemachi, Karuizawa-ekimachi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture ✤Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 ✤Seal: 500 yen and up ✤Recommendation: Don't miss the first pop-up seal in Japan😳・Limited to 30 per day・First offering: 1,000 yen -Spot information-📍Usui Pass Kumano Shrine ✤Address: Toge 1, Matsuida-cho, Annaka-shi, Gunma-ken✤Opening hours: 9:00-16:00✤Seal: 500 yen✤Recommendation: There is an inner shrine at the back of the main shrine🕊It is located a little uphill, so if you are physically fit, please come✨⚠Caution: It is a bit of a steep slope, so heels are not recommended🙅♀️ ----------------------------- #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Trip #Seal Tour #Seal #Power Spot #Heart Search #Sakura 2024

Usui Third Bridge (Meganebashi) in Karuizawa! When you think of Karuizawa, outlets tend to come to mind, but Usui Third Bridge was also amazing! It's a four-arch bridge that's also a nationally designated important cultural property! [Access] ・About 10 minutes by car from Yokokawa Station on the Shinetsu Main Line ・JR bus via Meganebashi on the Usui Line (only operates on certain days from spring to autumn, 1 bus per day) Get off at Meganebashi ・JR bus via Meganebashi on the Usui Line from Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (only operates on certain days from spring to autumn, 1 bus per day) Get off at Meganebashi If you're going by bus, be careful as there aren't many buses! A recommended spot where you can enjoy a world like Ghibli 🌉 #PR #Accommodation review #Usui Third Bridge #Karuizawa

After Nakanotake Shrine and Myogi Shrine, we visited a shrine on the border between Gunma and Nagano prefectures. The soba is delicious, but the best is the "Ganso Chikara Mochi." It's so tasty you'll be amazed at how soft and chewy it is! There is also terrace seating, so you can enjoy lunch while looking at the view. A luxury you can only experience on a holiday. There is also an observation deck. Looking back, you'll see the shrine right nearby. Inside the shop, there is a souvenir corner where the Yatagarasu are having a meeting (^^) ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ❥❥ Shige⃝no⃝ya⃝ 🚗 Karuizawa Station → 10 minutes ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Shigenoya #Usui Soba #Original Chikara Mochi #Usui Pass #Tourist Spot #Gourmet

I stopped by to try the Oginoya Kamameshi, but there was a train that was actually in use on display!!! You can go inside and sit on retro chairs, so it's like a little theme park and it's fun👀!!! The Kamameshi I was looking forward to was delicious as expected!!! You can eat it on the spot or take it home. The kettle after you've finished eating is apparently just right for making rice in a clay pot at home🍚 #EastJapan #Gunma #GunmaTourism #Train #RetroSpot