Things To Do
in Annaka
Annaka is a quiet city in Gunma Prefecture located between the urban center of Takasaki and the highland resort areas around Karuizawa. It blends rural landscapes, rice fields and small industrial zones with pockets of historic streets and railway heritage around the Usui Pass. The surrounding mountains such as Mount Myōgi offer dramatic rock formations and accessible hiking, while the city itself provides a low-key base for exploring regional culture and hot springs.
Annaka is convenient for travelers who want countryside Japan within easy reach of Tokyo by train.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a visit to the Annaka City Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the region through engaging exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved streets of the historic center, admiring the traditional architecture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup and grilled fish, paired with freshly brewed green tea.
In the afternoon, head to the Annaka Castle ruins, where you can explore the serene surroundings and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Take a guided tour to delve deeper into the history and legends of the castle, and don't forget to capture some stunning photographs. As you walk back, visit local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs handcrafted by local artists.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a traditional izakaya, where you can sample a variety of local dishes and sake. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the Kanna River, where the gentle sounds of water create a calming atmosphere. Conclude your evening by visiting a local onsen for a relaxing soak under the stars.
Begin your day with a visit to the serene Yokoji Temple, famous for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Participate in a meditation session offered by the temple, allowing you to center yourself and appreciate the beauty of nature around you. After meditation, enjoy a simple yet delicious vegetarian breakfast served at the temple.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby Mount Myogi for a hike, where stunning views of the surrounding landscape await. The trails range from easy to challenging, catering to all skill levels, and the fresh mountain air is invigorating. After your hike, stop at a local shop to try some regional snacks, such as sweet potato chips and green tea ice cream.
For dinner, explore a local restaurant serving traditional kaiseki cuisine, where each dish is a work of art. After your meal, consider attending a local festival if one is happening, with vibrant lights and music filling the streets. End your evening by enjoying a peaceful walk through the illuminated temple grounds, reflecting on the day's experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🍛Meal at mid-range restaurant (two courses) | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local train trip (short) | $2-6 |
| ♨️Onsen/public bath entry | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful countryside atmosphere with easy access to nature and hiking.
- Close to larger transport hubs and attractions like Karuizawa and Takasaki.
- Seasonal beauty—excellent for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage photography.
- Authentic, small-town Japanese experiences and local food markets.
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options within town.
- Public transport and services can be sparse in rural neighborhoods—car helpful.
- Some language barriers in shops and smaller restaurants; fewer English signs.
- Winter weather can make mountain routes and roads more challenging.
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "これに魚のだしは入っていますか？ (Kore ni sakana no dashi wa haitte imasu ka?)" - Does this contain fish-based broth?
Places to Visit in Annaka
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic valley and ridge views along the old Usui Pass; especially striking in autumn foliage and early-morning mist.
Photograph traditional shopfronts, narrow lanes and small local shrines for a sense of historic provincial Japan.
Rugged rock formations and panoramic vistas, ideal for landscape shots at sunrise or sunset.
Seasonal scenes—planting and harvest cycles, flooded rice paddies reflecting sky—classic countryside photography.
Railway heritage sites and passing local trains framed by mountains provide classic Japan countryside railroad shots.
Food in Annaka
Annaka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple across Gunma; try cold zaru soba or hot soba at local shops near the station—many family-run soba restaurants make noodles on site.
Must-Try!
A local specialty in Gunma, served stewed, in oden, or as sashimi-style slices; available at markets and small restaurants.
Grilled sweet buns and seasonal Japanese sweets sold at bakeries and confectioners—good as an afternoon snack with tea.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekend farmers' market (seasonal) where local growers sell vegetables, konnyaku products and homemade pickles—great for tasting and buying gifts.
Occasional stalls around the station and festivals selling snacks like yakitori, onigiri and seasonal sweets—check local event calendars.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, some guesthouses and traditional ryokan; use provided slippers. Follow posted signs and place footwear neatly.
Keep voices low on trains and buses; set phones to silent and avoid loud phone calls. Queue in line when boarding.
Use polite phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' and a small bow for thanks—smiles and a few polite words go a long way.
Public bins are limited; separate recyclables and carry trash with you until you find appropriate disposal. Follow local recycling rules.
Ask permission before photographing people closely, and be respectful at temples and shrines—follow signs about restricted areas.
Safety
Tipping in Annaka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. For exceptional service you may offer a small gift instead, but do not leave cash on the table—hand it respectfully.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—many small shops and rural businesses are cash-only. Major stores, hotels and stations accept credit cards and IC transit cards (Suica/PASMO) but bring cash for markets and small restaurants. Convenience store ATMs accept some foreign cards; use post office or 7-Eleven ATMs for wider support.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in early April in lowland areas and later at higher elevations. Good time for walking, photography and markets coming back to life; occasional rain showers are possible.
Warm to hot and humid, with sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Lowland heat can be intense, but mornings are pleasant for hiking; bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
One of the best times to visit—clear skies, comfortable temperatures and spectacular foliage on surrounding mountains, especially late October to November.
Cold with occasional snow in town and heavier snow in nearby mountains; roads and some hiking routes can be icy. Onsen bathing is very appealing in winter.
Annaka at Night
Hiking in Annaka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its jagged rock formations, Myōgi offers multiple trails from easy walks to challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic views—popular for day hikes.
Trails and viewpoints along the historic Usui Pass provide moderate hikes with scenic ridge and valley outlooks and seasonal foliage displays.
Gentle walks through rice fields, riverbanks and rural lanes ideal for birdwatching, photography and experiencing agricultural landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Annaka by plane.
Closest major international airport by travel time—reachable from Annaka by train (via Takasaki/Tokyo connections) or highway bus; convenient for domestic and international flights.
Major international gateway serving many long-haul flights; longer transfer time to Annaka but well-connected by train and airport bus services to central Tokyo, then onward by train.
Regional airport to the northwest used for some domestic flights; a possible entry point if combining Annaka with Nagano-region travel, followed by rail or car transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many regional Japanese towns, Annaka has a substantial older population alongside local families engaged in agriculture, small business and commuting work.
Some residents commute to larger cities such as Takasaki and even Tokyo for work, giving the city a mix of rural and commuter character.
Visitors attracted to hiking, cycling and onsen activities contribute a seasonal tourist population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is popular at school and amateur levels across Japan; local schools and community teams often play and draw neighborhood support.
Community soccer and school teams are common, with local fields used for recreational matches.
Outdoor activities such as cycling on scenic roads and hiking in nearby mountains (Myōgi, Usui Pass) are very popular among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Annaka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited—ask for vegetable tempura, zaru soba (confirm dashi contains no fish), tofu dishes and vegetable side dishes. Use the phrase 'watashi wa bejitarian desu' or show a translation card explaining no meat, fish or dashi (broth) to avoid misunderstandings.
Challenging in rural Japan: many soups, sauces and pickles use fish-based dashi. Seek out vegetarian/vegan-labeled restaurants in larger nearby towns or prepare by bringing snacks; explain restrictions clearly in Japanese or with a translation app.
Soba can be variable—100% buckwheat is gluten-free but often mixed with wheat. Ask staff and avoid soy sauce–heavy dishes unless tamari is available.
Carry allergy cards in Japanese naming ingredients you must avoid (e.g., eggs, shellfish, peanuts). Pharmacies are available but options may differ from home.