Kawarayu Onsen Asobi no Kichi NOA is a multi-purpose tourist facility located in the Kawarayu Onsen area of Naganohara Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture. Opened in August 2020 as part of the regional development around Yamba Dam, the facility brings together a variety of experiences, including camping, barbecues, lake activities, hot springs, and a café.
The facility is located directly beside Lake Yamba-Aga, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and an expansive natural landscape. Its convenient location, just about one minute on foot from JR Kawarayu-Onsen Station, also makes it easy to visit by train. It is an attractive destination for travelers who want to combine outdoor activities with the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort.
The outdoor area at Asobi no Kichi NOA features a compact campsite and barbecue area overlooking the lake. One of its main attractions is that the necessary equipment is provided, allowing visitors to enjoy camping and barbecues without bringing their own gear.
This makes the facility particularly convenient for first-time campers and families who want to experience the outdoors without having to purchase or transport camping equipment. Dining or spending the night beside the lake provides a memorable experience that is difficult to find in an urban environment.
After sunset, the surroundings become especially peaceful, with the quiet surface of the lake and a sky filled with stars creating an ideal setting for relaxing in nature.
A variety of outdoor activities are available on the lake. Popular options include canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Guided tours are also available, making it possible for beginners to enjoy the lake with greater confidence.
Moving slowly across the water while taking in the surrounding mountains provides a refreshing way to experience the natural beauty of the Yamba area. The facility has also conducted trial programs allowing visitors to bring their own watercraft, providing additional opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
After enjoying outdoor activities, visitors can unwind at the on-site Sasayu day-use hot spring. Kawarayu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that has been known for centuries. During the Edo period, it was popular among visitors seeking therapeutic bathing and was known as an “after-bath hot spring of Kusatsu”.
At Sasayu, visitors can soak in hot spring water while surrounded by the natural scenery of the mountains and lake. The ability to combine outdoor recreation with a relaxing hot spring bath is one of the defining attractions of Asobi no Kichi NOA.
The indoor facilities include Sasayu Café and the tourist information center Ra♪Ra♪Ra Station, providing convenient places to take a break during a sightseeing trip.
The café serves drinks and light meals, allowing visitors to relax while enjoying views of the lake. The tourist information center provides information about attractions around Yamba Dam and also offers bicycle rentals, including electric-assist bicycles and bicycles for children.
Exploring the area by bicycle is a pleasant way to discover the scenery around Lake Yamba-Aga and experience Yamba Dam and its surrounding landscapes at a leisurely pace.
The facility is also home to Kawarayu Onsen Brewery, a craft beer brewery established in 2021. This small-scale brewery produces beers inspired by the area’s natural environment and local culture.
Its beers have included Garyūgan, a white ale, Shōryūgan, a golden pale ale, as well as lager-style beers such as Kinkei-zan and Kinka-zan. Local craft beer can be enjoyed alongside camping and barbecues, adding another regional element to the outdoor experience.
The Kawarayu Onsen area underwent major changes following the construction of Yamba Dam. The former hot spring town was located in an area that became part of the dam reservoir, while a new hot spring district was developed at a higher elevation.
Today, Kawarayu Onsen has developed a new identity as a hot spring destination beside the lake. Asobi no Kichi NOA was created as one of the area’s new tourism hubs, bringing together camping, outdoor activities, hot springs, dining, and sightseeing.
For visitors exploring the Yamba Dam area, the facility offers an easy way to experience several aspects of the region in one place, from outdoor adventures on the lake to the traditional pleasure of a hot spring bath.
Kawarayu Onsen Asobi no Kichi NOA is conveniently accessible by both car and train. It is approximately 60 minutes by car from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or about one minute on foot from JR Kawarayu-Onsen Station.
Its location makes it particularly convenient for travelers using public transportation. It can also be combined with sightseeing in the Minakami, Kusatsu, and Agatsuma areas, offering an opportunity to enjoy Gunma’s nature, hot springs, and outdoor activities as part of a wider regional itinerary.