Outline
On 1 January 2005, Akabori, Azuma, and Sakai merged with Isesaki. 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. Akagi, and although the northern part is mountainous, most of the city is a plain. In the south Tone River 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 Edo period. In the Meiji 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 Takasaki, Maebashi 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.
◆ Koinobori (Carp Streamer) of Kasu River
Kasu River is decorated with 600 streamers in Horishita-machi and 150 streamers in Kashima-cho.
◆ 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.
◆ Iris Festival
24,000 irises are in bloom at "Onnabori", a national historic site.
◆ 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.
◆ Sakai Furusato Festival
You can enjoy parades, Dashi (Floats), Mikoshi (Portable shrines), Shishimai (Lion mask performance) and Japanese drums.
There will be a row of events such as bazaar, folklore performances, and so on.
◆ 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.
◆ Akabori Summer Festival
There are parade of Floats (Dashi) and Mikoshi (Portable Shrine), local entertainment such as "Akabori Ondo" dance and many other events.
◆ 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.
◆ Zelkova Festival of Akabori There are many events such as the sale of agriculture and industrial products, lottery, and so on.
◆ Azuma Industrial Festival Farmers, industry workers and merchants unite together to implement this festival.
◆ Sakai Industrial Festival
Various events such as sales of local products are held and the area will be bustling with many people.
◆ 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.
◆ 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.
◆ 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.