Explore Hot Spring Towns from Tokyo with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass | Focus #313

The Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass is a special unlimited ride ticket released by the JR Group to coincide with 'Railway Day' on October 14 each year. It aims to encourage train travel even during autumn when there are no long holidays.

Like the 'Seishun 18 Ticket', it cannot be used on Shinkansen or limited express trains, and unlike the 'Seishun 18 Ticket', it must be used for three consecutive days. It is recommended to plan your schedule before purchasing.

Kusatsu Onsen is an attractive spot with its hot water fields and cobblestone streets, offering seasonal landscapes. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the scenery of steam rising amidst trees dyed red and yellow is breathtaking.

At night, the illuminated hot water fields create a magical atmosphere, making it hard to stop taking photos. When shooting, use the old-fashioned townscape of the hot spring town as a backdrop to capture charming photos.

• Access: Tokyo Station ~ (Ueno-Tokyo Line) ~ Takasaki Station ~ (JR Ryomo Line) ~ Shin-Maebashi Station ~ (JR Agatsuma Line) ~ Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station ~ (Bus: JR Bus Kanto) ~ Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal (Approx. 4 hours)

The hallmark of Ikaho Onsen is its stone steps street, a hot spring town along the stairs. In autumn, the surrounding mountains turn colors, and combined with the retro scenery of the stone steps street, it feels like stepping back in time.

When taking photos, it's recommended to shoot from an angle overlooking the hot spring town from the top of the stone steps or capturing the shop fronts along the steps. Midway up the stone steps street is the Onsen Shrine, offering a spectacular view. Capture the unique atmosphere of the hot spring town.

• Access: Tokyo Station ~ (Ueno-Tokyo Line) ~ Takasaki Station ~ (JR Ryomo Line) ~ Shin-Maebashi Station ~ (JR Agatsuma Line) ~ Shibukawa Station ~ (Bus: Kanetsu Kotsu Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Line) ~ Ikaho Onsen (Approx. 3 hours)

Shima Onsen is a hot spring town spread along the river, with autumn foliage creating beautiful scenery alongside the river's murmur. The view from 'Shima River Bridge' is truly spectacular. The reflection of the autumn leaves and the hot spring town on the water's surface is an irresistible subject for photography enthusiasts.

Additionally, Shima Onsen has many historic inns, making it recommended to take photos with retro buildings as a backdrop. Aim for a shot that captures both nature and history.

• Access: Tokyo Station ~ (Ueno-Tokyo Line) ~ Takasaki Station ~ (JR Ryomo Line) ~ Shin-Maebashi Station ~ (JR Agatsuma Line) ~ Nakanojo Station ~ (Bus: Kanetsu Kotsu Shima Onsen Line) ~ Shima Onsen (Approx. 4 hours)

Iizaka Onsen is charming with its communal baths scattered throughout the town and old buildings. In autumn, the alleys and parks of the hot spring town are adorned with autumn leaves, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Recommended photo spots include along the Surikami River flowing through the hot spring town and footbath spots surrounded by autumn leaves. The scenery where old buildings and nature harmonize is also perfect for snap photography. Stroll with a camera in hand and capture the charming expressions of the hot spring town.

• Access: Tokyo Station ~ (Ueno-Tokyo Line) ~ Utsunomiya Station ~ (JR Utsunomiya Line) ~ Kuroiso Station ~ (JR Tohoku Main Line) ~ Fukushima Station ~ (Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line) ~ Iizaka Onsen Station, a short walk (Approx. 6 hours)