Outline

On 1 January 2005, Akabori, Azuma, and merged with . Isesaki City has the size of 139.33 square kilometers which accounts for 2.2% of Gunma. It has a length of 13 kilometers and a width of 18 kilometers. It is located at the south of Mt. , and although the northern part is mountainous, most of the city is a plain. In the south which is fed by tributaries including Hirose and Kasu Rivers run through the city. The average temperature in Isesaki is 15.3 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall is 1,200 millimeters. It is comparatively warm and has the least rainfall and the longest days in Gunma. In winter, it has "Joshu no Karakkaze "so called "Gale winds of Gunma". Isesaki has a number of kofun including “Chausuyama Kofun”. It indicates that powerful Japanese families were formed and systematic society was structured in early stage. Later on, Isesaki has developed as a weaving city; sericulture flourishes since long time ago as its volcanic ash land is appropriate for growing mulberry tree. It was well-known for the weaving center of coarse silk cloth in the period. In the period, Isesaki Meisen silk cloth became nationally famous. In these days, it is a major industrial city due to its proximity to Kita-Kanto expressway and other major roads. Such a convenient location made it an ideal choice for manufacturing plants and shopping malls. The population of Isesaki increased to over 200,000 and became the fourth largest city in Gunma, after , and Ota. It also has the fourth largest household population of over 80,000 households. The population and the number of households continue growing and expanding the city.

Attractions ◆ Kezoji Park Flower Festival

It has 1,000 cherry blossom trees and 5,000 azalea trees of 30 different varieties. Early April – Late May Kezoji Park About 30 min on foot from Isesaki Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Koinobori (Carp Streamer) of Kasu River

Kasu River is decorated with 600 streamers in Horishita-machi and 150 streamers in Kashima-cho. Early April – Early May Riverside of Kasu River in Horishita-machi and Kashima-cho About 15 min by car from Isesaki IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway

◆ Ferry Festival

You can cross Tone River by ferry. Also, various kinds of booths such as displaying materials, catching fish, trying local food and so on are available. Mid-May Sakai-shimamura ferry boarding place on Tone River About 10 min by car from Sakaimachi Station on Isesaki Line

◆ Iris Festival

24,000 irises are in bloom at "Onnabori", a national historic site. Early – Late June Akabori Iris Park in Shimofurei-cho About 5 min by car from Isesaki IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway

◆ Isesaki Tanabata Festival

Handmade tanabata decorations on bamboo are displayed on Hon-machi Street. Many food stands and shops are also lined up at the festival. the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of July Hon-machi Street About 10 min on foot from Isesaki Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Sakai Furusato Festival

You can enjoy parades, Dashi (Floats), Mikoshi (Portable shrines), Shishimai (Lion mask performance) and Japanese drums. Late July Streets surrounding Sakaimachi Station About 5 min on foot from Sakaimachi Station on Tobu Railway Isesaki Line ◆ Azuma Summer Festival

There will be a row of events such as bazaar, folklore performances, and so on. the 1st Saturday of August Azuma General Sports Park in 3 chome, Tabei-cho About 10 min by car from Kunisada Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Isesaki Festival

This summer festival is a feature of Isesaki. There are many events such as Floats (Dashi), Mikoshi (Portable Shrine), parades, lottery, and so on. The main events are "Danpia Isesaki" which over 1,400 people dance together and portable shrine which is carried by 100 citizens. 2nd Saturday and Sunday of August (on the first Saturday and Sunday if falls in the Bon period) Hon-machi Street and other streets About 10 min on foot from Isesaki Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Akabori Summer Festival

There are parade of Floats (Dashi) and Mikoshi (Portable Shrine), local entertainment such as "Akabori Ondo" dance and many other events. Mid-August Akabori Community Park in 2 chome, Nishikubo-cho About 15 min by car from Isesaki IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway

◆ Senbongi Shrines Autumn Festival

Here "Ryutomai (Dragon Head Dance)"is dedicated to Senbongi Shrine. "Tobusa", a part of head decoration, is made from Japanese paper and scattered on the ground during the dance. It is said that “tobusa” becomes a charm to protect the household from harm if one pick and decorate it on the entrance door of the house. the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of October Senbongi Shrine in Minamisengi-cho About 10 min by car from Isesaki City Hall About 20 min by car from Isesaki IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway

◆ Zelkova Festival of Akabori There are many events such as the sale of agriculture and industrial products, lottery, and so on. Early November Akabori Community Park in 2 chome, Nishikubo-cho About 15 min by car from Isesaki IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway

◆ Azuma Industrial Festival Farmers, industry workers and merchants unite together to implement this festival. 3 November Azuma General Sports Center in 3 chome, Tabei-cho About 5 min by car from Kunisada Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Sakai Industrial Festival

Various events such as sales of local products are held and the area will be bustling with many people. Mid November Sakai Fureai Park in Sakaikijima About 5 min by car from Sakaimachi Station on Tobu Railway Isesaki Line

◆ Isesaki Hatsuichi

This is the third Daruma-ichi which is held in Gunma. It is held since 1887 and the street will be covered with many Daruma shops. The festival lasts until late at night. 11 January Hon-machi Street and other nearby streets About 10 min on foot from Isesaki Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Joshu Yakiman-Sai

This annual event is taken place at the same time with Isesaki Hatsuichi. At the shrine, “Fuku-man Shinji” is organized, where a set of (4 in a skewer) big buns 55 cm in diameter are grilled and sweet miso sauce is spread on. This giant yakimanju is served to the visitors. 11 January Isesaki Shrine in Hon-machi About 15 min on foot from Isesaki Station on JR Ryomo Line

◆ Toyotake Shrine Setsubun Festival

This setsubun festival is annually held since long time ago. The festival begins with a Mans of the Year march throughout the town and throwing beans to drive out evil spirits is held. the 1st Saturday of February Toyotake Shrine in Daishoji-machi About 20 min by car from Isesaki City Hall About 40 min by car from Komagata IC of Kita-Kanto Expressway