At Manza Prince Hotel (Manza Onsen, Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture), the rich nature of Joshin'etsukogen National Park and the hotel's setting at an elevation of 1,800 meters come together this autumn in a limited-time program themed around "Four Colors Unique to Manza." From golden foliage framing the hot springs to a clear night sky full of stars, seasonal cuisine built on the harvest of Tsumagoi — Japan's leading producer of summer-and-autumn cabbage — and outdoor activities that let guests take in the surroundings, the hotel presents an autumn shaped by the character of Manza itself.
A Special Autumn Stay Woven from Hot Springs, Food, Stars, and Activity
Manza Onsen sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters, where autumn arrives earlier than in the lowlands. The surrounding mountains turn a golden color, the air grows crisp and clear, and countless stars shine more vividly across the night sky. As the bustle of summer settles, the resort takes on a calmer character, offering visitors a slower kind of time. Manza Prince Hotel expresses this beautiful season through four colors — hot springs, food, stars, and activity — presenting experiences found only in this particular place.
There is "Hot Spring x Color," soaking in the hotel's celebrated waters while taking in golden autumn foliage; "Food x Color," savoring the seasonal harvest of Tsumagoi, Japan's top producer of summer-and-autumn cabbage; "Stars x Color," letting the mind unwind under a clear autumn sky; and "Activity x Color," spending time in a personal way while sensing Manza's history and nature. Each of these gently loosens the tension that builds up unnoticed in daily life — travel less about doing something and more about filling the heart.
Hot Spring x Color — An Early Arrival of Golden Autumn
Manza's foliage typically reaches its peak in mid-October, when sunlight catches the leaves and turns them a brilliant gold — a view best enjoyed from the open-air bath during this particular window. The hotel also offers a stay plan pairing Kawaba Cider, made from sweet apples grown in Kawaba Village, Gunma, with a private indoor hot spring bath featuring a large window facing the tub.
Period: September 26 (Sat) – October 31 (Sat), 2026
Rate: From ¥16,546 per person (based on 2 guests sharing one room; hot spring tax not included)
Includes: Dinner buffet, breakfast buffet, private hot spring bath (one 45-minute session), Kawaba Cider 330ml (one per guest), original towel (one per guest)
Food x Color — A Cabbage Celebration in Manza's Autumn
Tsumagoi Village ships more summer-and-autumn cabbage than anywhere else in Japan. Among its varieties, "Reiho" — commonly known as 419 — has soft, delicate leaves that call for careful cultivation, and as a result it rarely reaches the open market. Wanting to share this local flavor with guests, the hotel sources cabbage 419 directly from Tsumagoi farmers during this period and serves it fresh in its course dinner and buffet restaurant.
Tsumagoi TAMANA Dinner
A course dinner built entirely around cabbage, with each dish reflecting the chef's own approach and variety of preparation.
Rate: From ¥21,901 per person (based on 2 guests sharing one room; hot spring tax not included)
Includes: Western-style course dinner, breakfast buffet, room charge
2nd Cabbage Grand Prix
Nine of the hotel's chefs took on the challenge of creating their own signature cabbage dish. After trial and error and an internal judging round, the three winning dishes are served at the buffet restaurant, where guests can vote for the one they find most appealing.
Rate: Adults ¥7,300 / Children (ages 6–11) ¥5,200 / Young children (ages 4–5) ¥2,000
Includes: Dinner buffet
"Guess the Weight of Tsumagoi Cabbage" Contest
Guests guess the weight of a full case of cabbage 419. Prizes for an exact guess or a close call include a complimentary stay voucher or a case of cabbage.
Dates: September 26 (Sat), October 3 (Sat), October 17 (Sat), 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Results: Posted in the lobby at 8:00 AM the following day
Souvenir Cabbage Gift
One head of Tsumagoi cabbage 419 is given per room.
Dates: September 27 (Sun), October 4 (Sun), October 18 (Sun), 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Both the cabbage-weight contest and the souvenir cabbage gift are open to guests staying at Manza Prince Hotel or Manza Kogen Hotel the night before each event, held in each hotel's own lobby. Event details are subject to change, and if cabbage 419 is unavailable due to growing conditions, another variety will be provided instead.
Stars x Color — A Natural Planetarium 1,800 Meters Up
On the long autumn nights, stars shine brightly when viewed from 1,800 meters above sea level. At the stargazing sessions, a guide explains the charm of Manza's night sky.
Stargazing Session Schedule (participation free)
| Month | Dates | Time |
|---|---|---|
| September | 5 (Sat), 12 (Sat), 19 (Sat) – 22 (Tue, holiday) | From 8:00 PM and 8:40 PM (30 minutes each) |
| October | 3 (Sat), 10 (Sat), 11 (Sun), 17 (Sat), 31 (Sat) | From 8:00 PM (30 minutes) |
| November | 7 (Sat), 14 (Sat), 18 (Wed) | From 8:00 PM |
Activity x Color — Tracing the History of Manza Onsen
A guided walk through Manza Onsen's golden autumn scenery offers time to take in the area's history and nature and experience "the land of Manza" with all five senses.
Private Walk
Period: September 26 (Sat) – October 25 (Sun), 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Capacity: One group per day (reservation required)
Fee: ¥8,500 per group (1–5 guests)
Group Walk
Dates: October 4 (Sun), 11 (Sun), 12 (Sun), 18 (Sun), 2026
Time: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Capacity: 10 guests
Fee: Free
Chairing
Guests bring an outdoor chair to a favorite spot and spend time simply taking in the view and feeling the breeze — a luxury of doing nothing, shaped by Manza's natural surroundings.
Period: September 26 (Sat) – October 25 (Sun), 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Rate: Coffee-included plan ¥1,000 per group (2 guests)
