During my first trip to Kusatsu, Gunma in 2019, I stayed in a ryokan (a type of traditional Japanese inn) called Nakamuraya. The ryokan is well known for its 4-legged inhabitants. They have four cats that like to chill out in the common areas of the hotel that guest can pet and play with.

Gunma is what I like to call the forgotten prefecture of the Japanese people. There’s a ranking published by the travel industry every year based on how charming people find a prefecture and Gunma ranks second to last. Which is a problem.

While there are numerous charming sights to see in Karuizawa, two of the worthy visiting spots to check are the Onioshidashi Park by Mt. Asama and the Shiraito Waterfalls.

Konnyaku! What is it? Why is it in many Japanese dishes? Why do they have choking hazard stickers on many of the products? Well, all your answers and more could be answered at the Konnyaku Park in Gunma Prefecture.

Although it can be difficult to have a pet of your own in Japan as an expat, especially if you live in a city, there are plenty of places to go where you can spend time with cute animals and get your fluff fix. One of these is “Sekai no Meiken Bokujo” a communication park for dogs and people, in Gunma Prefecture.

While Ikaho onsen in Gunma prefecture isn't the flashiest of hot spring towns, it is still a charming, relaxing place to explore and an easy day trip from Tokyo.

Gunma Prefecture to the north of Tokyo is rich with Hot Spring towns, and Shima Onsen is one of the best. There's also a legendary landmark here that Ghibli fans may recognise...

Yasuko Mochitani, proprietress of the Sarugakyo Hotel, has been telling folktales for more than 35 years. Listening to one of her bilingual stories set in this beautiful area is a wonderful experience for the visitor.

Minakami has several good skifields. NORN is perhaps the most accessible. Leave Tokyo after breakfast and be skiing at 10 am.

If you thought that cherry blossoms are simply a phenomenon occurring in spring, then you have thought wrong all along!

For some easy hiking among top-notch scenery away from the cities, check out Oze.

Seriously, anything with “sweat” in the name doesn’t exactly sound appealing. However, it was the right fluid at the right time and I was quickly crediting it as the magic potion that saved my life.