A Grand Route Through Joshin’etsukogen National Park
Manza Highway runs through an area surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Joshin’etsukogen National Park. The national park encompasses famous mountains including Mount Tanigawa, Mount Naeba, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, Mount Azumaya, and Mount Asama.
With high mountains rising to around 2,000 meters and expansive highland plateaus stretching between them, the landscape offers a vivid impression of Japan’s mountainous natural environment.
The Onioshidashi Highway connects Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture with the Miharа area of Tsumagoi Village in Gunma, covering approximately 16 kilometers. Along the route, drivers can enjoy impressive views of Mount Asama.
Manza Highway, meanwhile, climbs toward the foothills of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane and eventually reaches Manza Onsen at an elevation of around 1,800 meters. Driving both roads together creates an especially memorable journey through landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Four Seasons Created by a 1,000-Meter Change in Elevation
One of Manza Highway’s most distinctive features is the dramatic change in elevation between the Tsumagoi Highlands and Manza Onsen. The difference is approximately 1,000 meters, and the vegetation changes noticeably as the road climbs higher.
Near the Tsumagoi Highlands, broadleaf forests containing trees such as oak and Japanese maple dominate the landscape. Higher up, the forests gradually change to areas of Japanese larch, fir, Japanese white birch, and Erman’s birch.
In spring, fresh green leaves emerge across the mountains. Summer is cool and refreshing because of the high elevation, with mountain breezes flowing through the forests.
In autumn, rowan trees and Japanese sumac create vivid shades of red across the mountains. Winter brings heavy snow and transforms the entire landscape into a world of white. On clear days, the contrast between the deep blue sky and snow-covered mountains is particularly spectacular.
The Appeal of a Winding Mountain Road
Manza Highway features approximately 60 winding curves, giving drivers a distinctive mountain-road experience. The route includes both gentle bends and sharper curves, creating constantly changing views as the road climbs through the forest.
For many visitors, the appeal is not simply the drive itself but the scenery revealed around each bend. The landscape continually changes, turning the journey into part of the sightseeing experience.
One particularly attractive section climbs through the Tsumagoi Highlands with views toward Mount Asama behind the vehicle. The dramatic scenery has also made parts of the road suitable for automobile promotional filming.
The route is widely appreciated as a scenic drive, and its combination of mountain roads, forests, highland fields, and volcanic landscapes makes it an appealing destination for travelers who enjoy exploring Japan by car.
A “Sky Road” Leading to Manza Onsen
The road eventually reaches Manza Onsen, located at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters. This famous mountain hot spring resort is known for its milky-white sulfur-rich waters and the distinctive scent of sulfur in the air.
Manza has been enjoyed as a hot spring retreat for centuries. After a long mountain drive, relaxing in an outdoor bath surrounded by highland scenery can be one of the highlights of the journey.
In winter, National Route 292 may be closed because of heavy snow, making Manza Highway an important access route to the hot spring resort. Winter driving requires particular care because of snow, ice, and rapidly changing mountain weather.
At the same time, the area’s heavy snowfall creates excellent powder snow conditions that attract skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts.
Attractions Along the Highway
Several resort and leisure facilities can be found around the highway, including Tsumagoi Farm, forests of white birch, Tsumagoi Prince Hotel, and Tsumagoi Golf Course.
The upper section of the route is close to Manza Onsen Ski Resort and various hot spring accommodations. As a result, the highway is used not only by sightseeing drivers but also by travelers visiting the area for skiing, hiking, hot springs, and highland recreation.
Near the higher section of the highway, it connects with Gunma Prefectural Route 466 Makihimata Line. From there, travelers can continue toward the Shiga-Kusatsu Road area and explore destinations such as Kusatsu Onsen and the Shiga Highlands.
This makes Manza Highway part of a broader sightseeing network connecting the mountain resorts of Gunma and Nagano.
Driving Information and Important Safety Notes
Manza Highway is a toll road operated by Seibu Realty Solutions. The toll for a standard passenger car is ¥1,070 one way, including tax.
Because it is a road exclusively for motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds of 50cc or less, and motorcycles of 125cc or less are not permitted.
The highway climbs into a high-altitude mountain environment, so weather conditions can change quickly. Drivers should be prepared for fog, sudden weather changes, snowfall, and icy road surfaces.
During winter, vehicles should be equipped appropriately for snowy and icy conditions, such as winter tires and other necessary traction equipment. Drivers should also check road conditions and restrictions before setting out.
A Scenic Journey Connecting Nature, Mountains, and Hot Springs
Manza Highway is more than simply a route between two destinations. It is a scenic journey connecting travelers with the mountains, forests, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs of the Joshin’etsukogen region.
The changing vegetation created by the approximately 1,000-meter difference in elevation, the seasonal scenery, and the dramatic volcanic terrain make the drive interesting throughout the year.
Travelers can enjoy views of Mount Asama while driving through the Tsumagoi Highlands, experience the refreshing atmosphere of a winding forest road, and finally arrive at Manza Onsen at 1,800 meters above sea level.
For international visitors exploring Gunma by rental car, Manza Highway offers an opportunity to experience a side of Japan that is very different from its major cities: quiet mountain forests, wide-open highlands, volcanic scenery, and traditional hot springs.
A Scenic Drive Worth Experiencing
Whether visited for autumn foliage, summer mountain air, winter snow, or the relaxing hot springs of Manza, the highway provides a memorable way to experience the highlands of Gunma.
Manza Highway is an ideal route for travelers who want to combine scenic driving, mountain nature, volcanic landscapes, and a traditional Japanese hot spring experience in a single journey.