Mount Haruna

Mountains Iconic conical volcano with crater lake and shrine

Rising above Gunma, Mount Haruna features a caldera lake (Lake Haruna), a Shinto shrine and accessible trails; tourists come for hiking, autumn color and lakeside views reached from nearby towns like Takasaki.

Main image
Haruna Shrine panorama April 2010.jpg
Haruna04.JPG
HarunaSan.jpg
Lake Haruna - panoramio.jpg
Maebashi TV Station.jpg
Mount Haruna caldera Aerial photograph.jpg
Mount Haruna Mountaintop Relief Map, SRTM-1, Japanese.jpg
Mount Haruna Mountaintop Relief Map, SRTM-1, Unmarked.jpg
Mount Haruna Relief Map, SRTM-1.jpg
Tsudzura-Iwa, (Rock) at Haruna (3110698462).jpg

Mount Haruna is a volcanic mountain in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, characterized by a caldera that contains a scenic lake and surrounding recreational facilities. It is a local landmark with strong cultural and scenic significance for the region.

The lake in the caldera and the mountain roads attract day visitors for boating, short hikes and shrine visits; viewpoints around the lake provide accessible panoramas of the caldera basin. The area is used for light recreation rather than high‑alpine mountaineering.

Geologically the mountain is a volcanic edifice with a central caldera; its present form is the result of volcanic and erosional processes. Local communities and facilities have developed on the lower slopes to serve visitors and pilgrims.

Mount Haruna lies within central Gunma Prefecture, inland from the Pacific coast, and is accessible by regional roads from nearby cities and towns in the prefecture.

  • Seasonal visits: The lake and nearby roads are popular for day trips from nearby cities; seasonal foliage and winter scenery are common reasons for visits.

What to See #

  • Lake Haruna: A shallow volcanic caldera contains **Lake Haruna**, a focal point for boating and lakeside recreation at the mountain's mid slopes.
  • Haruna Shrine and access points: Several shrines and local access roads serve the mountain slopes and lakeshore, providing common starting points for short hikes and sightseeing drives.
Mount Haruna
36.4667, 138.8667

How to Get to Mount Haruna #

From Takasaki Station, take local buses toward Shibukawa or Kanra and alight at trailheads near Haruna Shrine. Driving via National Route 17 and prefectural roads is convenient for those with cars.

Tips for Visiting Mount Haruna #

  • Drive or take a bus to the Haruna Shrine area for easier, cultural-access hikes rather than steep summit routes.
  • Bring a windproof layer; exposed ridges can be surprisingly cold even in summer.
  • Watch for local festivals-Haruna hosts seasonal events that animate the mountain with lanterns and vendors.

Best Time to Visit Mount Haruna #

Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant walking conditions and best vistas.

Spring
April-June · 5-18°C
Mild weather for shorter hikes; fresh green foliage.
Autumn
September-November · 2-15°C
Excellent foliage and stable weather for viewpoints around the caldera lake.

Weather & Climate near Mount Haruna #

Climate

Mount Haruna's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1530 mm/year), wettest in August.

Best Time to Visit
AugustMayJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
13.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.5h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
14.2h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
13.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

227 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

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