Gunma Crane Thunders Arena
The Gunma Crane Thunders play in a 5,000-seat arena near Shin-Maebashi Station. It's a friendly, local atmosphere where visiting fans are warmly welcomed.
Getting there
JR Takasaki Line to Shin-Maebashi Station, then a 15-minute walk. From Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Takasaki (50 minutes), then transfer to the local line. Total travel time is about 1.5 hours.
Hot spring paradise
Gunma is Japan's hot spring capital. Kusatsu Onsen (90 minutes by car), one of Japan's top three hot springs, is famous for its healing acidic waters. Ikaho Onsen (40 minutes) has beautiful stone steps and iron-rich golden waters. Minakami Onsen (60 minutes) offers riverside baths and adventure sports.
Weekend plan
Saturday: Basketball game in the afternoon → Stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) with hot spring baths. Sunday: Explore the onsen town, try yakimanju (grilled sweet bun) and Mizusawa udon noodles.
Summary
Gunma combines B.League basketball with some of Japan's finest hot springs. It's an easy weekend escape from Tokyo that most tourists never discover.