In Northern part of Gunma, there are a lot of famous Onsen (hot spring), e.g. Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima, Manza, and it is rich in nature e.g. Oze, Tanigawa-dake, Fukiwarino-taki.
There are a lot of Udon (Japanese noodle) restaurants in Mizusawa, between Ikaho and Shibukawa, of which Tamaruya is among the very best. It is always crowded, especially at Autumn leaf changing time. However, seats are plentiful and you won’t need to wait long. English menu is available.
Opening hours: 9:00-15:00
Closed on Wednesdays
Pricing: from ¥1,000
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~tamaruya/menu.html
Kurashiya is a small, traditional private home cafe run by a chemical-sensitive woman. Lunch is traditional Japanese home made food, that’s healthy and can be made vegan-friendly. The restaurant opens only on Wednesdays, and diners are subject to a number of conditions, see below .
Opening hours: 12:00-18:00
Closed from Thursday to Tuesday
Reservation is required for lunch two days in advance.
Pricing: ¥1,500 Lunch Plate
IMPORTANT!
The cafe is a chemical-free space. Please refrain from using synthetic detergents, fabric softeners, fragrances. In addtion, customers are requested not to visit if they have had a perm or dyed their hair within the past two weeks. The owner reserves the right to refuse admission. The cafe is also a “digital detox area”. There is no wi-fi. Please turn off your cell phone before entering the cafe.
The owner doesn’t speak English. Please visit together with a Japanese speaker.
