Shibukawa

Shibukawa is known as the belly button of Japan, as it is in the very centre of Japan (not taking Okinawan islands into count). Famous for the "Heso Matsuri" or belly button festival, Shibukawa lies in the shadow of Mount Haruna with great views of Mount Akagi and Mount Komochi. Shibukawa municipality includes the famous hot spring resort town of Ikaho.

Shibukawa is easily accessible by train from Takasaki station, which can be reached by Shinkansen (bullet train). By car it can be accessed via Route 17.

Busses travel frequently between Shibukawa and Ikaho and can be caught from the station. Taxis are also available, but are a little more pricy.

Ikaho is worth a day visit at least, but a weekend is well spent there. Green Bokujou and Shibukawa Skyland Park are great places to take the kids.

Shibukawa station has a visitors centre which has more information on must see spots. There is also a map outside of the station, written in Japanese and poor English.

• 🌍 Green Bokujo (グリーン牧場). (updated Sep 2020)

Shibukawa station has a visitors centre which has information on the many activities the area offers.

Shibukawa's famous sweet potato sweets are a must try.

Ikaho has many hotels, while Shibukawa proper has a few hotels in close proximity to the station.

Numata, Minakami and Nakanojō are accessible from Shibukawa via road or rail.

• Fujimi
• Takayama
• Showa
• Higashiagatsuma
• Shinto
• Yoshioka
• Takasaki