Gunma Prefecture Gunma Central and Eastern Area Guidebook 120 沼田 IC 間藤 17 A B 沼田 C D E F G H

↑ To Nikko Central145 and Eastern Central and Eastern Gunma

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Midori City u Mt.Akagi-yama s Shintou Onogami Shibukawa t Lake Kusakiko Ota E Onsen Tsukuda - Onogami City n Lake Akagi Onuma a Ora Ag Tomihiro Art Museum atsuma K Akagi-jinja Shrine Ibaraki Li Tomihiro Art Museum ne Snowfield on Roadside Station Itakura 17 Kakumanbuchi m Onoko Ubashima Akagi IC Mt. Akagi-yama sso Roadside 122 Godo lo Shikishima h B Tatebayashi Station Lake Konuma Konaka eac mo P ay amo Oizumi Meiwa e lw an Chiyoda Kanashima Akagi PA Nakano ai H 353 n R Komochi i u L k Roadside o Hanawa ik u e Station Kiryu City K s t e e s Mizunuma Station a Onoike ō r

J a Onsen Center t 2 Hydrangea a 2 Ikaho Stone Steps Shiroijuku Nashigi Onsen W Park Yamanashi Ikaho Onsen Mizunuma Ikaho Onsen Open-air Bath Shibukawa Heso Festival Shibukawa 353 Kajikabashi Bridge Shibukawa Kurohone Yamabiko Kanagawa Gunma City Office Akagi Onsen Area Roadside Station Mizusawa Udon Maitake Mashrooms Motojuku Mizusawa Kannon Shibukawa- Center Ikaho IC Fujimi Akagi Nanmen Ankodo Kamikambai Yoshioka Town Roadside Station Senbonzakura Odaira no Sato Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum Ogura Grape Land Yagihara Sozo no Mori Camp Site 353 What is Usaburo Green Flower Ranch Shinto Winery Kokeshi Sake “Funaodaki” Roadside Station, Ogo Gunma Flower Park 122 Kiryu City Mimikazari Kan (Museum of earrings) Yoshioka Akagi Torii Town Office Poppy no Sato Momo Izumi Gunma Insect World Shinto Furusato Park Yoshioka Onsen Roadside Station Takatsudo Gorge Shinto Village Grape Land Yoshioka Town Shidarezakura Namiki Maebashi City Kasukawa Onsen Nagame Entertainment Theter Komayose “Genki Land” Omama PA Kokeshi Shinto Village Office Akagi no Megumi Akagi Undo- Central / Eastern Gunma 3 Roadside Station 3 Shinto Onsen "Fureai-kan" Robai no Komayose Kouen Ebisuko (-jinja Shrine) Maebashi Rose Garden Niisato Nikkawa Sato Smart IC Higoshi Kasukawa Zen Higashi-Nikkawa Maruyamashita Shinto Village Hachiman Hotaru no Sato Gumma-Soja Kitahara Araya TennojukuFujiyamashitaNishi-Kiryu Kiryu Textile Museum Ogo Kiryu-Kyujyo-Mae 17 tetsu Ra Egi en ilwa Aioi Kiryu Shinmachi o D y Kiryu Textile Museum Jom Sunflower Field Shimo (a Preservation District for Shinden "Yukari" Shinzo-Kekkan Akabori Small Park Kiryu City Office Groups of Traditional Buildings) Rinkokaku Center Katakuri Fields KatakaiKamiizumi Akabori Lotus Garden ・Kiryu Orihime Club ↑ Chuou Mitsumata Akasaka Midori City Office Iwajuku Shin-Kiryu To Maebashi ・Kiryu Three Market like? Joto Iwajuku Museum ・Kiryu Yagibushi Festival Maebashi City Office Azami Maebashi Maebashi 50 e Shim-Maebashi 50 in IC R L 50 yō Akabori ō The region extends towards the Kanto Plain with m Maebashi-Oshima m ō ō L Japanese Iris Garden y in R Yabuzuka Onsen 17 e 17 Isesaki Izuruhara Iwafune CONTENTS406 IC Ota Yabuzuka Mt. Akagi-yama andParking Mt. Area SanotanumaHarunasan Junctionin the back- Hashie Parking Area Kunisada Ashikaga The City of Water, Nature, and Poetry Komagata Yabutsuka Interchange Komagata IC Hachiojiyama Park Interchange Maebashi 4 IC Hashie Smart ground. 4 Maebashi City Minami way Ota Yoshizawa 4 信越本線 IC IC Kezoji Park Kita-Kanto E xpress The City of the Kimono Yuri no Sato To Oyama→ IC It boastsAshikaga a diverse culture, historical sites, and a Isesaki Jiroembashi 18 Isesaki 6 Fireworks T Kiryu City o Ashikaga City 両 Festival b Ota-Kiryu 毛 A safe and vibrant city where you can live 354 Tamamura Isesaki Shin-Isesaki u beautiful natural線 environment. Takasaki IC Sano K Fireworks Festival Meijikan i JCT r out your dreams Isesaki Tanabata Festival Sammaibashi y Tamamura u Isesaki City Office Isesaki Festival Ota City Kanayama Castle Ruins Hachiman-gu Shrine L i 8 Takasaki Tamamura Tamamura Town Office Isesaki Hatsuichi n Niragawa Isesaki City 354 e Smart IC Tamamurajuku Roadside Station Joshu Yakiman Festival

People-friendly town where anyone can (Steamed Bun Festival) Botanic Garden Yase river 122 y live a happy life a Tamamura Town Goshi Ota e w Ota City n T i s o L s b Hosoya Office u e 10 Isesaki City Osumi Toshihira o r Is n Ota City p e Town s Museum Ryumai a x Fujioka a S The City of Water, Nature, and Onsen k Serada E i u u JCT Line Tatara k Fujioka 462 b o Located in the Center of Kizaki o h 354 T o IC T 17 Ota Roadside Brazilian Cuisine Koizumimachi Watarase 5 12 Nishi-Koizumi Higashi-Koizumi Hon-Nakano Swans Tatebayashi Arm-Held Fireworks Festival 5 Shibukawa City上信電鉄 Station Shinozuka (Gabanuma Pond) Koinobori Carp Streamer Village Festival 254 Mantokuji Temple Soba To ine Tatebayashi Healthy Gourmet Alley Ora b u Koizumi L City Office Summer Lotus Flower A City where People and Nature CoexistJyoshinetsu Expressway Oizumi Town Office (Aiai Center) Town 甘楽 PA Office Narushima Festival at Jonuma Pond Nakajima Tatebayashi Tsutsujigaoka Park 14 The beak of a flying crane Chikuhei Residence Oizumi Town Midori City Yoshii 407 Processed Japanese pears, Persian cyclamen 富岡 IC Ora Town T IC 354 Tatebayashi City (Direct Store“Ponpoko”) o 下仁田 IC The four seasons, energy, and warmth 23 b Itakura Town Morinji-Mae Tatebayashi Raiden-Jinja Shrineu

Itakura N Chiyoda Town Morinji Temple IC Itakura-Toyodai-mae Town Office i 16 上 Chiyoda 354 k Shinto Village A Town with a Rich Harvest Tobu Treasure Garden k Watarase-yusuichi 越 Freshwater Fish Cuisine (Nitta Residence) Town Office o 新 Meiwa Town Office A Beautiful Town with the Colors of the Honjo Kodama 幹 L Sake (Yamakawa-Shuzo) Kawamata i n 24 IC 線 至上野 Persian cyclamen Itakura Town e Four Seasons Meiwa Town ↓ To Omiya ↓To A Relaxing Town where the Sound of the ↓ Meiwa Town (Makoto Farm) 18 City Office至東京 Onsen Facility Yoshioka Town Stream Echoest ↓ 462 The City of Flowers and Noodles 24 Roadside Station Onsen 6 Chiyoda Town Hanyu 6 20 A Town with the Mood of a Foreign Country IC To Asakusa↓ Tatebayashi City ↓至練馬 A Town that Weaves the Future of Central 25 Oizumi Town Golf Course Campsite ↓ Gunma 至八王子 To Asakusa The Town where White Travelers Pay a Visit ↓ Mountain Ski Area 22 Tamamura Town 25 Ora Town Central and Eastern Gunma❶ Mt. Akagi-yama MAP／D-1 It is one of the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. Along the outer rim Maebashi of the crater, near Lake Akagi Onuma, you can enjoy hiking or trek- The City of Water, Nature, and Poetry king. Maebashi City is located at the foot of Mt. Akagi- Maebashi yama. The scenery and blessings provided by the rich natural surroundings enrich the minds of City those who visit.

Kakumanbuchi MAP／D-2

This is a high moor of 800 m in circumference. From the boardwalk you can admire Japanese azaleas, hygrophytes and alpine plants.

The City of Pork Dishes

Maebashi City produces the best pork meat in Japan. Tasty pork dishes such as Sauce Katsudon are a local specialty.

Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura MAP／D-3

This is one of the Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites. The ／ 1,000 cherry trees extend for 1.3 km. Gunma Flower Park MAP D-3 Best season : early April to middle April A wide spectrum of flowers blooming beautifully all year. Akagi Onsen Area MAP／D-2

Maebashi Rose Garden MAP／B-3 This is a quiet onsen area situated in the gorges along the foot of Mt. Akagi-ya- ma. The six unique small inns offer secluded atmosphere. This is one of the best rose gardens in Japan, as it boasts 7,000 Mt.Akagi-yama Akagi-Jinja Shrine stumps of roughly 600 kinds of roses from around the world. Rose is MAP／D-2 Snowfield on Mt.Akagi-yama Kakumanbuchi also Maebashi's city flower. Snowfield on Mt. Akagi-yama Best season : middle May to early June,middle October to early In this vast natural environment which is close to Tokyo you November can enjoy ice fishing for Japanese smelt or walking in snow-

shoes. 4 16

Akagi Nanmen Akagi Onsen Area Fujimmi Roadside Station Senbonzakura 353 Green Flower Ranch Roadside Station, Ogo Gunma Flower Park

17 Akagi-jinja Shrine MAP／D-1 34 Komayose PA Akagi no Megumi Roadside Station Komayose Smart IC Maebashi This shrine has the legend of two beautiful princesses- Fuchinahime and Rose Garden 17 Akagihime. It is said that women's wishes (such as fulfillment in love and 3 marriage fortune) will come true. Rinkokaku 40

Maebashi IC 17 50 74 Rinkokaku MAP／C-3 11 50 13 2 This is a guest palace built in the period where the Meiji Emper- or and the imperial family stayed. The wooden buildings and the Maebashi Minami IC Komagata IC convey the Japanese spirit to people today.

4 5 Central and Eastern Gunma❷ Kiryu Yagibushi Festival MAP／E-3 The city bustles with the excitement of Kiryu Gion Festival Kiryu and Yagibushi Odori, a traditional dance. When : First Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August The City of the Kimono The biggest allure of Kiryu City, where the Kiryu textile industry has thrived since ancient times, is the balance between its historical City heritage and the beautiful nature.

Kiryu Shinmachi Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings MAP／E-3 Textile factories and old shops with sawtooth roofing line the streets were built over 400 years ago.

Ebisuko Festival MAP／E-3

This festival is held annually at Nishinomiya-jinja Shrine. It gets crowded with people who come to for a prosperous business. On the first night of the festival, the festivities go on all night. When : November 19 and 20

Kimono Fitting MAP／E-3

This activity is organized by the Kiryu Orihime Club. It is held on the first Saturday of each month. You should take a walk in Ki- mono around the streets of Kiryu. Fee : 3,000 yen Mizunuma Station Onsen Center (Day Spa) MAP／E-2

This facility is located inside a train station, which is unusual even in Japan. From the open- Textile Museum "Yukari" MAP／E-3 air bath you will have a beautiful view of the . This is an interactive textile museum. Fee : 700 yen Closed : Mondays

Gunma Insect World MAP／D-3 Kiryu Three Market MAP／E-3 62 This park affords a nostalgie Japanese scenery. A green- 70 Three markets (Ancient Folkcraft Articles and Antiques Market, Kaibasaya Market, house accommodates subtropical butterflies all year Kiryu Rakuichi Market) are held at the same time in Kiryu. around. Kurohone Yamabiko Roadside Station Mizunuma Station Onsen Center

Kiryu Textile Museum MAP E-3 353 ／ 122 Kiryu Shinmachi Important Preservation Ebisuko (Nishinomiya-Jinja Shrine) Exhibits of documents on textiles, Sales of kiryu- Districts for Groups Kiryu Textile of Traditional Buildings ori textile accessories Gunma Insect World Museum ・Kiryu Orihime Club ・Kiryu Three Market Closed: Last Saturday and Sunday of each month ・Kiryu Yagibushi Festival Kiryuori Textile Museum "Yukari"

Kiryuori, the form of Kiryu textile, has a history of 1300 years. It is 50 the best silk fabric in Japan, and has been designated as a Tradi- tional Craft of Japan.

6 7 Central and Eastern Gunma❸ Isesaki A safe and vibrant city where you can live out your dreams There are countless locations to enjoy the flow- Isesaki ers of each season. There are also loads of unique festivals and City events.

Isesaki Festival MAP／D-4 Kezoji Park MAP／D-4 It is full of events such as competitions between dashi Enjoy viewing seasonal flowers throughout the year. and mikoshi (types of parade floats), parades, and a big There is also an amusement park . lottery.

Isesaki Fireworks Festival MAP／D-4

This festival takes place along the Hirose River, which flows through the center of the city. When : September

Akabori Japanese Iris Garden MAP／D-4

24,000 Japanese iris go into full bloom. The gradation of the purple and white flowers is beautiful and when it rains, it adds to their beauty. Best season : June

Isesaki Hatsuichi MAP／D-4 Isesaki Tanabata Festival MAP／D-4

This fair began in 1887. Honcho street becomes packed Handmade bamboo decorations in various colors Akabori Small Chrysanthemum Park with many street stalls, the majority of them selling swing gracefully in the wind, the majority of them Akabori Small Chrysanthemum Park MAP／D-3 daruma dolls. The festival continues to bustle with ex- decorated along Honchodori street. Akabori Lotus Garden citement until the late hours. When : middle July This park offers outstanding flower viewing spot. Rows of kogiku (Japa- when : January 11 50 nese Chrysanthemum) in various colors cover the low hills. Akabori Japanese Iris Garden Best season : early October to early November Joshu Yakiman Festival MAP／D-4 Hashie PA Isesaki IC Akabori Lotus Garden MAP／D-3 Okushi Manju (buns on large skewers)- which are made inside Isesaki-jinja Shrine by grilling four buns 55 cm in Hashie Smart IC Rose pink Chunichi-Yugiren (a type of lotus) bloom in Kezoji Park the remains of moats at Tenbaku Castle. They are par- diameter on a single skewer over a charcoal fire- are dis- 17 ticularly beautiful in the morning. tributed to the crowd to give them good fortune. Isesaki Fireworks Festival When : January 11 Isesaki Meijikan Best season : early June to middle August Isesaki Tanabata Festival Isesaki Festival 2 Isesaki Hatsuichi Joshu Yakiman Festival

18 354 14 Isesaki Meijikan MAP／D-4 462 This wooden western architectural structure was origi- nally built in 1912, and was moved to its current loca- tion in 2002. The interior design of the rooms com- bines eastern and western styles.

8 9 Central and Eastern Gunma❹ Hachiojiyama Park MAP／E-4 Shibazakura blossoms cover the entire hilly area. Ota In the winter, the Christmas light illumination is appealing. Ota is a people-friendly and eco-friendly town where anyone can live a happy life ・ Shibazakura Best season : early April to early May Ota City is full of famous flower viewing spots- such as along the Yase ・ Illumination Ota River and Hachiojiyama Park and historic places of interest such as when : middle November to early January Kanayama Castle ruins and Nakajima Chikuhei Residence. You should City try the Joshu Ota Yakizoba noodles.

Yase River MAP／E-5 150 cherry blossom trees grow along the Yase River. This is the perfect time for taking a stroll along Sakura Promenade, which is MAP／E-5 a nature trail. Osumi Toshihira Museum Best season : late March to early April This museum exhibits the work of Toshihira Os- umi, who was a swordsmith and held the title of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (hu- man national treasure).

Kanayama Castle Ruins MAP／E-4

This castle was built by utilizing all of the natural terrain on Mt. Kanayama. It has also been listed among the 100 Top Castles of Japan. Nakajima Chikuhei Residence MAP／E-5

This is an enormous residence that Chikuhei Nakajima, the founder of Nakaji- ma Aircraft Company, is said to have built for his parents in his hometown.

Ota Yoshizawa Yuri no Sato MAP／E-4

150 petals of 50 kinds of lilies bloom. During this time, there will be sales of potted plants. You can also try some lily tempura. Best season : early June to middle June

Ota-Yabutsuka IC Hachiojiyama Park Ota Yoshizawa Yuri no Sato

Mantokuji Temple MAP／E-5 50 Ota-Kiryu IC 39 78 Gyokuganji Temple This Temple is one of the two enkiridera (divorce temples) in the world. The Kanayama Castle Ruins other is Tokeiji Temple in Kamakura. 2 315 Yase River MAP／E-4 122 Gyokuganji Temple 2 69 This temple is famous for beautiful Autamn leaves. Osumi Toshihira Museum 407 354 17 Ota Roadside Station MAP／E-5 Ota Roadside Station Joshu Ota Yakisoba 142 This is a local specialty store that sells yamatoimo (local specialty of Ota Mantokuji Temple City), various agricultural produce and handicrafts. Ota city is called the town of yakisoba as there are many yakisoba Nakajima Chikuhei Residence restaurants. Try and taste the wide variety of yakisoba.

10 11 Central and Eastern Gunma❺ Kajikabashi Bridge Red leaves Illumination (Late October to Early November) MAP／A-2 Enjoy the vermilion lacquered bridge which you will reach after you climb up the Ikaho stone stairway as well as the Shibukawa mystical scenery with the autumn leaves. The City of Water, Nature, and Onsen Located in the Center of Japan Shibukawa City is surrounded by Ikaho Onsen (a historic onsen Shibukawa resort area) , mountains and rivers. The scenery created by the rich natural surroundings is spectacular . City The Japanese comic book series Initial D is set in this city as well.

Ikaho Stone Steps MAP／A-2

Ikaho Onsen has a history of 450 years and is well known for the Ikaho Stone Stairway. Along the Stone Stairway stand shops offering local specialities. On the top of the stairway, lies Ikaho-jinja shrine.

Fruit Picking

Enjoy fruit picking all year round: strawberries (January to May), cherries (middle June to middle July), blueberries (July to August), grapes (August to early October) and apples (September to November).

Mizusawa Udon MAP／B-2

Mizusawa Udon is one of the three major of udon in Japan.

Ikaho Onsen MAP／A-2 Open-air Bath

A day trip onsen facility located closet to the source of the onsen.

Onoike Hydrangea Festival MAP／B-2 Yunohana Manju MAP／A-2 Each year, from late June to early July, hydrangea blooms beautifully in various colors . The park is illuminated at night in the blooming season. Onsen manju is originated in Ikaho. The manju later spread all over Japan. Mizusawa Kannon MAP／B-2 It is one of the Bando Sanjusankasho (33 Buddhist temples in Eastern Japan sacred to Goddess Kannon). Onoko Roadside Station 17 Shibukawa Heso Festival 35 Komochi Akagi IC (July or August) MAP／B-2 Roadside Station 164 353 Akagi PA This festival is called heso (belly button) because Onoike Hydrangea Shibukawa is said to be located in the center of Park Ikaho Onsen 35 353 Japan. Join the dance on the spot. Ikaho Stone Steps Shiroijuku Ikaho Onsen Open-air Bath Shibukawa Heso 33 Festival Kajikabashi Bridge 17 Shiroijuku Yaezakura Festival (Last Sunday in April) MAP／B-2 Mizusawa Udon 25 Shibukawa-Ikaho IC The peak season for yaezakura cherry blossoms is from late April to early May, which is Mizusawa Kannon later than many other kinds of cherry blossoms. The musha gyoretsu (parade of samurai warriors) surround by the colorful yaezakura blossoms is remarkable.

12 13 Central and Eastern Gunma ❻ Takatsudo Gorge MAP／E-3 Along the gorge lies a nature trail where you can stroll around the Midori area. A City where People and Nature Coexist

Midori In Midori City, abundant nature, tradition, culture, and City history coexist. The entire city is a must-see spot.

Watarase Keikoku Railway MAP／D-2〜3, E-1〜3, F-1

Enjoy the scenery of the four seasons from the train window. Odaira no Sato MAP／E-3 The trolley with no glass windows is recommended as well. This facility offers attractions such as a limestone cave and a camp site. Try a vari- ety of hands-on activities such as beating udon and soba noodle dough and an all-you-can-catch contest for trout.

Tomihiro Art Museum MAP／E-1

This museum exhibits the work of Tomihiro Hoshino. His extreme- ly transparent watercolor paintings made with flowers as well as his poetry gives people the courage to live.

TomihiroHanamomo Art PeachMuseum Blossom MAP／E-1

Katakuri Fields MAP／E-3 This flower goes into full bloom at places such as Godo Station and Obatake district, Sayado. Its peak season is from early April to From late March to early April, the Katakuri (dogtooth violet) will begin its late April. peak season at Iwajuku no Sato. Nagame Entertainment Theater MAP／E-3

This wooden, two-story building was built in 1937. During the fall, the Kanto Kiku (Chrysanthemum) Display is held at Nagame Park.

Konaka Otaki Falls

343 268 Tomihiro Art Museum Tomihiro Art Museum Roadside Station 122 Watarase Keikoku Railway

Hanamomo Peach Blossom

334 Iwajuku Museum MAP／E-3 Odaira no Sato This museum exhibits stone implements, specimens, and skeleton replicas of a mammoth, all of which were excavated at Iwajuku Takatsudo Gorge ruins. Nagame Entertainment Theater Konaka Otaki Falls MAP／E-1 Katakuri Fields Sunflower Field MAP／E-3 Sunflower Field The view from Kesakakebashi, a thrilling suspended bridge with 78 120,000 sunflowers go into full bloom from late September to stairs, is spectacular. Iwajuku Museum 50 early October. 69

14 15 Central and Eastern Gunma❼ Shinto Village Grape Land MAP／B-3 Between August and September, the orchards of 30 resort farms Shinto are available, where you can pick your own grapes. The four seasons, energy, and warmth

Shinto Shinto Village is just a 15 minute drive from Ikaho Onsen! Village After you warm up your body at onsen, be sure to visit!

Shinto Furusato Park MAP／B-3

On weekends, a scenic railway operates inside the park.

Shinto Onsen “Fureaikan” (Day Spa) MAP／B-3

Mimikazari Kan Enjoy a spacious indoor bath where you will feel completely free as well as an open-air bath with a Japanese garden beside it. (Museum of earrings) MAP／B-3 MAP／B-3 This museum exhibits earrings from around the world, most Usaburo Kokeshi Sozo no Mori Camp Site and of which were excavated from ruins in the ancient time. Take a tour of Japan's largest Kokeshi (handcrafted doll with no limbs) studio as well as the Original Kokeshi Craft Center. You can also paint your own kokeshi. Fujimi Toge Pass MAP／A-3 Shinto Winery MAP／B-3 You can enjoy outdoor activities on a camp site during the sum- mer, and a sparkling night view in the winter. You can taste wine made from grapes and plums picked in Shinto Village.

Sozo no Mori Usaburo Kokeshi Camp Site Shinto Winery Mimikazari Kan (Museum of earrings) Poppy no Sato Momo Izumi Shinto Furusato Park 153

Shinto Onsen “Fureaikan” Shinto Village Budo-kyo Hachiman Hotaru no Sato

161 26 154 Robai no Sato

153 Hachiman Hotaru no Sato MAP／B-3 Robai no Sato MAP／B-3

Best Season : middle June to middle July Best Season : late December to late January

16 17 Central and Eastern Gunma❽ Yoshioka A Beautiful Town with the Colors of the Four Seasons Ankodo and Kirie Musee Vert MAP／B-3 Ankodo has a wide range of souvenirs. In the museum, you can make your own kirie paper cutouts with the assistance of an instructor. Yoshioka Located at the foot of Mt. Harunasan, Yoshioka Town has magnificent scenery, as it looks out Tow n onto the grand and Mt. Akagi-yama.

Yoshioka Onsen Roadside Station MAP／B-3 A roadside station with day trip onsen facility, farmers market and a park for ground golf. Weeping cherry trees bloom along the Tone River during mid-April.

Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum MAP／B-3

This museum offers a wide variety of exhibits. The setting for the film Ini- tial D is recreated inside the museum.

Yoshioka Town Ogura Grape Land MAP／B-3 Usually open from about early August to middle October. The types of grapes that grow here will vary depending on the time of year.

Okkirikomi Gunma Maitake Mashrooms Center MAP／B-3 This local dish is made by stewing extra-thick udon noodles in a broth Try samples of products containing maitake mushrooms and take a free with plenty of vegetables. factory tour.

Anko and Kirie Musee Vert

153 Ikaho Toy, Doll and Car Museum Gunma Maitake Mashrooms Center 15 25 Ogura Grape Land Sake“Funaodaki” 17 25

Yoshioka Onsen Roadside Station

15 Komayose PA Komayose Smart IC Kokeshi Dried Sweet Potato Sake “Funaodaki” MAP／B-3 Try another specialty from Ogura Kokeshi MAP／B-3 This special, locally-brewed sake is made with carefully selected quali- area. Can be found at the roadside ty rice and traditional techniques. It has a mellow fragrance and a re- station during middle December un- Kokeshi is handcrafted dolls. Try and paint your freshing taste. til middle January. own Kokeshi.

18 19 Central and Eastern Gunma❾ Tatebayashi

The City of Flowers and Noodles Between spring and summer, flowers such as azaleas, Tatebayashi irises, and cherry blossoms bloom all over the city. This city affords quality wheat and has many udon res- City taurants.

Tobu Treasure Garden MAP／G-5 Stroll the park filled with seasonal flowers such as moss phlox- es, nemophillas and roses in spring, and autumn roses and cos- moses in autumn.

Tsutsujigaoka Park MAP／G-5

This is the world’s most famous azalea park. The best season is from middle April to early May.

Koinobori Carp Streamer Village Festival MAP／G-5 Tatebayashi Arm-Held Fireworks Festival MAP／G-5

Enjoy the Festival (in which its record for the number of koinobori (carp Enjoy this brave arm-held fireworks as well as large scale fireworks. banners) hoisted was recognized) while also viewing cherry blossoms. ・Koinobori: late March to early May MAP／G-5 Summer Lotus Flower Festival at Jonuma Pond ・Cherry blossoms: late March to early April Enjoy a cruise around Jonuma Pond on a lotus flower tour boat during middle July to middle August.

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Tatebayashi Arm-Held Summer Lotus Flowers Fireworks Festival at Jonuma Pond 314 Koinobori Carp Tsutsujigaoka Park Streamer Village Festival

Tobu Treasure Garden 354 Morinji Tatebayashi IC 122 Temple 83

Mugirakugan Morinji Temple MAP／G-5 Morinji Temple, constructed in 1426, is a scene of Japan’s famous Hyakunen Udon Local traditional dry confectionery made with folktale “Bunbuku Chagama”. 21 statues of raccoon is lined along Tatebayashi’s flour. Suited for a souvenir. Taste soft yet chewy udon noodles proudly made with local-grown the approach and welcome visitors. wheat flour.

20 21 Central and Eastern Gunma Tamamura Central and Eastern Gunma Itakura A Town that Weaves the Future of Central Gunma The beak of a flying crane

Tamamura Tamamura Town serves as a keystone that links Itakura Gunma is said to be shaped like a flying crane. Itakura major cities. It is one of the most convenient cities Town is located at the crane's beak. There is Watarase-yu- Tow n in central Gunma in terms of transportation. Tow n suichi marsh, included in the List of Wetlands of Interna- tional Importance.

Watarase-yusuichi (a marsh included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance) MAP／H-6

Tamamurajuku This lake is shaped like a heart. Roadside Station MAP／C-5 1,000 kinds of plants and 250 kinds of animals thrive in the property. Bicy- cle rental services are available. It has local speciality stores for locally grown vegetables, and restaurants, and serves as the town's center for community revitaliza- tion activities.

Tamamura Hachiman-gu Shrine MAP／C-5

This shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

40 365 Raiden-jinja Shrine 9 11 Tamamura Fireworks Festival 364

24 354 Watarase-yusuichi Tamamurajuku Roadside Station 369 Tamamura 354 Hachiman-gu Shrine Takasaki Tamamura Smart IC

40 142 Denen Yume Hanabi Tamamura Fireworks Festival MAP／C-4 Raiden-jinja Shrine MAP／H-6 The fireworks are shot up on rice fields. This is the earliest firework in This Shrine is established for protection against thunder. Also, it is the head shrine Gunma. under the name of Raiden and many affiliated shrines scatter across Konto region. When : middle July

22 23 Central and Eastern Gunma Meiwa Central and Eastern Gunma Oizumi A Town with a Rich Harvest A Town with the Mood of a Foreign Country. Oizumi Town has an atmo- Meiwa Town has a wide array of local specialty such as sphere of a foreign county, as Meiwa quality rice, Japanese pears, peaches, carnations, and Oizumi 16% of the town's inhabitants 354 Shop with Tow n the Persian cyclamen. Tow n are foreigners (e.g. Brazilians). Brazilian Products Japanese pears and Processed Foods 142 Brazilian Cuisine MAP／F-5 Healthy Gourmet Alley MAP／G-5 Healthy Gourmet Alley (Direct store “Pon Poko”) Brazilian Cuisine Meiwa Town is one of the main production areas of Japanese pears Experience gourmet foods from around the world. in Gunma. Samba shows and other dance shows from around the world are performed the stage. 314 38 When : every fourth Sunday 8 7

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362 122 314 Processed Japanese pears and Persian cyclamen (Direct Store “Pon Poko”) 354 354

Tatebayashi IC 83

366 369 Persian cyclamen (Makoto Farm) 369 Persian cyclamen MAP／G-6 304 Brazilian Cuisine MAP／F-5 122 The Persian cyclamen in Meiwa Town has won many awards at national Oizumi Town has many delicious Brazilian restaurants. flower events. (The dish shown in the photograph is Churrasco.) Central and Eastern Gunma Chiyoda Central and Eastern Gunma Ora A Relaxing Town where the Sound of the Stream Echoes The Town where White Travelers Pay a Visit Chiyoda Town is a scenic town, as the Tone River (which has the In the winter, "white travelers" (swans) migrate into the Chiyoda largest basin area in Japan) flows through the southern part of Ora town all the way from Siberia. The town also has a the town, and local forests and tree gardens stretch across the wide range of local specialty including soba, Chinese Tow n northern part of the town. Tow n cabbage, and goya. Soba MAP／F-5

Ora Town has many soba restaurants.

122

20 Swans (Gabanuma Pond) 314

Soba (Aiai Center) 152 Freshwater Fish

Freshwater Fish Cuisine Cuisine MAP／F-6 (Nitta Residence) 83 361 354 The Tone River has long been a great Sake (Yamakawa Shuzo) 152 Swans MAP／F-5 314 place20 for fishing. Chiyoda Town has many delicious freshwater fish restaurants. Swans flock into the area near 38 Gabanuma Pond in Ora Town. Sake MAP／F-6 The best season is between late It is made with cool and refreshing groundwater from the Tone River. January and early February.

24 25 Shibukawa Station Takasaki Station ●25 min from Takasaki ●50 min from Tokyo by JR Joetsu Line by Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen ●120 min from by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line

●180 min from Narita Airport by express bus ●180 min from Haneda Airport by express bus

Ikaho Onsen ●25 min from Sibukawa by bus ●150 min from Shinjuku by highway express bus “Joshu Yumeguri Go”

Access & Information 【Access by car】

From to Maebashi City,Tatebayashi City

93 km (60 min) Nerima IC Maebashi IC Kan-Etsu Expressway 30 min 30 min 30 min Nerima IC Tsurugashima JCT Kuki-Shiraoka JCT Tatebayashi IC Kan-Etsu Ex. Ken-O Ex. Tohoku Ex.

【Access by train】

From Takasaki to Maebashi City, Isesaki City,and Ota City 15 min 15 min 25 min Takasaki Sta. Maebashi Sta. Isesaki Sta. Ota Sta. JR Ryomo Line JR Ryomo Line

From Asakusa to Tatebayashi City,Ota City and Kiryu City 60 min 20 min 20 min Asakusa Sta. Tatebayashi Sta. Ota Sta. Shin-Kiryu Sta. Tobu Limited express“Ryomo Go”

Contacts Maebashi Convention & Visitors Bureau TEL.027-235-2211 Shinto Village Industry Promotion Division TEL.0279-54-2211 Kiryu City Tourist Association Yoshioka Town Industrial Construction Division TEL.0279-54-3111 (Kiryu Tourism and Interaction Division) TEL.0277-46-1111 Tamamura Town Economy and Industry Division TEL.0270-65-7144 Isesaki City Culture and Tourism Division TEL.0270-24-5111 Itakura Town Industry Promotion Division TEL.0276-70-4040 Ota City Industry and Tourism Division TEL.0276-47-1833 Meiwa Town Economic Construction Division TEL.0276-84-3111 Tatebayashi City Tourism Association TEL. 0276-72-4111 Chiyoda Town Economic Affairs Division TEL.0276-86-2111 Shibukawa City Tourism Division TEL.0279-22-2873 Oizumi Town Commerce and Industry Promotion Division TEL.0276-63-3111 Shibukawa Ikaho Onsen Tourism Association TEL.0279-72-3151 Oizumi Town Tourist Association TEL.0276-61-2038 Midori City Tourism and Local Products Association Ora Town Commerce and Industry Promotion Division TEL.0276-88-5511 (Midori City Tourism Division) TEL.0277-76-1270

2018. ３