Gunma Events 1/2 January 2017 Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Fortune) These deities are called (from left to right) Ebisuten, Jurojin, , Hoteison, Bishamonten, , and .

Based on what a Buddhist sutra says, each of these Deities is worshipped for bringing a particular type of fortune. People started to worship them from Muromachi Era (1336-1573), at which time it became widespread because ordinary citizens account for the majority of believers. As such, it has survived as a folk belief to this day. Why not join the New Year Tour of Seven Dieties of Good Fortune in Ota this year?

■ Daruma Market in Takasaki Takasaki

This is the New Year’s first. At the market, they sell Daruma dolls and local foods. There will also be other events of many varieties, one of which is a demonstration of Daruma doll painting by a skilled professional. How about buying your own lucky Daruma doll on the New Year’s Day? When: January 1 (Sun.) 11:00 – 18:00 & January 2 (Mon.) 9:00 – 18:00 Where: Streets off West Exit of JR Takasaki Station MAP Contact: 027-330-5333

■Maebashi Hatsuichi Matsuri (Daruma Market) Maebashi

This is one of the three major festivals of Maebashi. The festival kicks off with the ritual to burn Daruma dolls from the past year at a downtown temple. Part of the national route 50 will be closed for the Daruma market and food stalls. People flock to buy their Daruma for the New Year. When: Jan. 9 (Mon.) Where: National road route 50 and downtown shopping streets MAP Contact: 027-235-2211

■Joshu Yakimansai Festival Isesaki

As part of its New Year ritual, a Shrine in Isesaki will prepare four gigantic Yakimanju salty-sweet roasted buns. It’s big enough to serve 300 people. After the ritual is over, they are given to visitors for free. When: Jan. 11 (Wed.) 14:00 – Where: Isesaki Jinja Shrine (21-1 Hon-machi, Isesaki) MAP Contact: 0270-24-5111

■New Year Tour of Seven Dieties of Good Fortune in Ota Ota

A different deity is enshrined in a different temple. In about three hours, the tour will visit all seven temples to pray for their good fortune this year. It could be a good exercise for someone who ate too much during Oshogatsu. When: Jan. 8 (Sun.) 8：30 - 13：00 Where: Assemble at the Daikoin Temple (aka Donryu-sama) (37-8 Kanayama-cho, Ota) MAP Contact: 0276-47-1833

Gunma Events 2/2 January 2017

■ Kiryu Rakuichi Market Kiryu

The market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Antiques, pots and ceramics, and silk products are among the popular items people buy at the market. When: Jan. 7 (Sat.) 9:00-15:00 Where: Hon-cho Dori Avenue (3-chome, Hon-cho, Kiryu) MAP Contact: 0277-46-1111

■Kawarayu Onsen Yukake Matsuri Naganohara-machi

This 400-year-old festival is held in early winter morning at the community bath called Ooyu (王湯). Young men dressed only in either red or white loincloth will fill their bucket with Onsen waters to pour it on someone who is wearing a different color of loincloth. People visit there hoping to get bits of Onsen water poured over them, which are believed to bring a fortune. When: Jan. 20 (Fri.) 5:00-7:00 a.m. Where: Ooyu of Kawarayu Onsen (234 Ooaza Kawarayu, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun) MAP Contact: 0279-83-2591

■Gunma Muserum of Natural History Tomioka

The life-size model of Tyrannosaurs that moves and a grand-scale diorama of beech forest are two of the must-see items at the museum. Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Doors close at 16:30) Closed on Mondays (Tuesdays, if a Monday is a holiday) There are other holidays, so please check before you go. Admission: JPY510 for adults JPY300 for 18-22 Free for 15 and under Where: 1674-1 Kamikuroiwa, Tomioka MAP Contact: 0274-60-1200

■Kusatsu Int’l Ski Ressort Special Program for Small Children Kusatsu

A treasure hunt on the slope is offered for children. Those who purchase either a full-day or afternoon ticket for the Tenguyama Kids Park are eligible to participate. When: Jan. 29 (Sun.) 13：00- Only children (12 years and under) Where: Tenguyama Ski Slope, Kusatsu International Ski Resort (158 Rinpan, Aza Shirane Kokuyurin, Ooaza Kusatsu-machi Agatsuma-gun) MAP Contact: 0279-88-8111

Ski and Snowboarding Resorts in Gunma Season 2016-17 PDF