Gunma has the character of both city and country. In cities like Takasaki and Maebashi, shopping and visiting restaurants and cafes is fun. In mountainous countryside locations such as Oze, Tanigawa-dake and Minakami, nature activities e.g. hiking, cycling and rafting can be enjoyed. Furthermore, there are many good onsen (hot springs) dotted around Gunma.
People in Gunma are said to be a little “rustic”, but they are honest. People here speak standard Japanese, which is easy for Japanese speaking foreigners to understand.
Gunma’s central location makes it convenient for access to all corners of Japan, with Takasaki as its main Shinkansen hub. Takasaki is just one hour from Tokyo.
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Area Introduction
See the map for Gunma area locations.
Takasaki
Takasaki is Gunma’s largest city, conveniently located in the centre of Honshu, and served by a number of expressways and shinkansen lines. Popular Takasaki tourist destinations include Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple, Kannonyama with its Byakui statue, and Mount Haruna with its nearby shrine.
Maebashi
Maebashi is Gunma’s second biggest city and its capital. It is home to the prefectural government. In the shadow of Mount Akagi lies its corresponding shrine, a local attraction. Other popular locations include Gunma Flower Park, Shikishima Park, and Green Dome sports arena.
West
In Tomioka there is a world heritage site “Tomioka silk mill”, and “Myogi” that is a rock mountain known as Japan’s Three Great Views.
East
Ohta, and Isesaki city has a lot of factories related to a car industry in and one of Japan’s biggest industrial area, where many foreign workers live and there are Brazilian and Vietnamese restaurant and shops. Kiryu City prospered from silk weaving a hundred years ago.
North
In Northern part of Gunma, there are a lot of famous Onsen (hot spring), e.g. Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima, Manza, and it is rich in nature e.g. Oze, Tanigawa-dake, Fukiwarino-taki.