At Oigami Onsen in Tone Town, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture, the popular Oigami Onsen Morning Market is held every year from April 20 through November 20. The market is open every morning from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the plaza in front of the Tone Tourist Center. It is held even in rainy weather and has become a lively and beloved morning tradition in the hot spring town.
Sometimes described as one of the best morning markets in the Kanto region, the market features fresh vegetables and fruits, wild mountain vegetables, homemade pickles, miso, and other products carefully prepared by local farmers and residents.
Visitors staying at the local ryokan often stroll through the market in their yukata, the traditional casual robes worn at Japanese hot spring inns. The relaxed atmosphere offers an authentic glimpse into everyday life in a Japanese onsen town.
In spring, the market is filled with seasonal mountain vegetables such as udo, tara-no-me, and kogome. From early summer through autumn, a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits become available. Mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake are also popular, bringing the distinctive aromas and flavors of the surrounding mountains to the market.
Oigami is also known for producing high-quality soybeans, and locally made miso is particularly well regarded. On some days, visitors may have the opportunity to sample warm miso soup at the market. The comforting soup is especially enjoyable on a cool morning.
Homemade specialties such as kyarabuki, a preserved dish made from butterbur, fuki miso, and traditional pickles made according to family recipes are among the market’s highlights. Local mountain ingredients such as millet and walnuts can also be found, offering visitors a taste of the region’s traditional food culture.
Handmade kusa-mochi and mame-mochi, traditional Japanese rice cakes prepared by local residents, are particularly popular. They may sell out early, so visitors hoping to try them are encouraged to arrive as early as possible.
Oigami Onsen has long been known as a therapeutic hot spring resort. Historically, people visited the area for hot spring treatments, particularly for various skin conditions and other ailments.
The name “Oigami” is associated with a local legend involving the deity of Mt. Akagi and the deity of Mt. Nantai at Nikko’s Futarasan Shrine.
According to the legend, the deity of Mt. Akagi, represented by a great serpent, fought the deity of Mt. Nantai, represented by a giant centipede, over their respective sacred territories. After being wounded, the deity of Mt. Akagi thrust an arrow into the ground at this location, causing a hot spring to emerge.
After bathing in the spring, the deity’s wounds healed and he was able to win the battle. The place was therefore said to have become known as “Oigami,” meaning “chasing away the deity,” although the precise origin of the name is explained in several different ways.
Oigami Onsen currently has eight hot spring sources. The principal water type is simple thermal spring water. With a source temperature of approximately 61.5°C, the water is relatively hot and is known for its soft, smooth sensation on the skin.
Traditionally, the hot spring has been associated with relief from conditions including dry skin and atopic dermatitis, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, muscle pain, neuralgia, neuritis, wounds, and urticaria.
Although the number of operating inns has decreased from its peak, the volume of naturally emerging hot spring water remains abundant. The plentiful supply to individual inns is one reason Oigami continues to be appreciated for the quality of its bathing experience.
Soaking in a spacious open-air or indoor bath while surrounded by the quiet mountain scenery provides a relaxing way to refresh both body and mind.
The Oigami Onsen resort area stretches through a valley along the Katashina River. Surrounded by rivers, forests, and rural landscapes, it offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of larger hot spring resorts.
The town is particularly suitable for travelers who prefer a quiet and relaxing stay. Many visitors are domestic Japanese travelers, and the traditional atmosphere of the town gives it a nostalgic character that offers an authentic Japanese onsen experience.
One of the most famous attractions near Oigami Onsen is Fukiware Falls, sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of the East.” The waterfall is known for its powerful flow and distinctive rocky gorge.
Visitors can admire the dramatic scenery from walking trails and designated observation points. The area is generally closed during the winter season, while from spring through autumn it attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings.
Oigami Onsen is also known as a convenient base for visiting the Oze area, one of Japan’s most famous destinations for mountain hiking and wetlands.
During the hiking season, the Oigami Onsen Oze Hike Bus operates services providing convenient access to Hatomachitoge Pass, one of the main gateways to Oze.
Staying at Oigami Onsen before or after an Oze hiking trip allows visitors to combine a day in the mountains with the relaxing experience of the hot springs and an early-morning visit to the local market.
Oigami Onsen hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Seasonal highlights include a Setsubun Festival and winter fireworks in February, a spring poppy festival, and summer events such as a summer evening fireworks festival and Bon Odori dance festival.
These events bring together local residents and visitors, providing opportunities to experience the community’s traditional culture and festive atmosphere.
Held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of May, the Daija Festival is the annual festival of Akagi Shrine and one of the most spectacular events in Oigami Onsen.
The highlight is a huge 108-meter-long serpent-shaped mikoshi, weighing approximately 2 tons, which is carried through the hot spring town.
More than 200 people take part in carrying the enormous serpent-shaped portable shrine. The sight of it winding through the streets creates an impressive spectacle and is one of the defining experiences of Oigami Onsen.
The Oigami Onsen Morning Market is much more than a place to buy local products. It is an opportunity to experience the region’s food culture, traditions, and warm local hospitality.
Walking through the market in the crisp morning air, listening to cheerful vendors and discovering fresh mountain produce is a memorable way to begin the day. Visitors can pick up locally made foods and souvenirs while experiencing a side of Japan that is rarely found in large tourist destinations.
Relax in the famous hot springs, explore the morning market, and discover the waterfalls, mountains, and rural landscapes surrounding the town. Oigami Onsen offers a distinctive combination of peaceful nature and lively local culture in the mountains of northern Gunma.
With different scenery and seasonal foods throughout the year, Oigami Onsen is a rewarding destination for travelers seeking a slower and more traditional Japanese experience.