Hi, will be going to Japan for almost 3 weeks during 24 Dec-12 Jan, during this time I am planning 5-6 days to spend in Gunma, specifically I would like to visit Ikaho onsen, Mt Haruna, Kusatsu onsen, Mt Kusatsu Shirane, and Mt Akagi. Could anyone advise on this itinerary?
i planned it such that i would be away from major cities during the new year period (to avoid the crowd), is this advisable?
day 7 (31/12): tokyo-gunma
1320 shinjuku to ikaho onsen (3h) [shinjuku>takasaki>shin maebashi>shibukawa>ikaho]
explore ikaho onsen
ikaho 365 stone steps
day 8: gunma
mt haruna
day 9: gunma
1000 ikaho onsen to kusatsu onsen (2h) [ikaho>shibukawa>naganohara-kusatsuguchi>kusatsu]
explore kusatsu onsen
sainokawara park
kusatsu onsen yuba
day 10: gunma
mt kusatsu shirane [if volcanic warning permits]
yugama lake [if volcanic warning permits]
plan b: just spend the day eating food
day 11: gunma
1025 kusatsu onsen to maebashi (2.5h) [kusatsu>naganohara-kusatsuguchi>shin maebashi>maebashi]
explore maebashi/takasaki
day 12: gunma
0730 bus to akagi from maebashi (90min)
1700 akagi to karuizawa (2.5h) (MUST LEAVE BY 1700, LAST BUS 1717)
specifically, for day 10, I understand there is no bus service to kusatsu shirane in winter, but would it be possible to hike there (assuming volcanic activity warning permits)? are there any recommended routes to reach the summit and see lake yugama? else, what other plan B would be optimal?
do comment also if you think other parts of my itinerary could be improved! ty!
by baka_no_sekai