Gunma Prefecture, located in northwestern Kanto region and surrounded by Jomo Sanzan (Mount Akagi, Mount Haruna, Mount Myogi), is naturally rich. "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites" World Cultural Heritage represents valuable industrial heritage narrating Japan's modernization.
"Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites" (registered 2014) symbolizes the government-promoted industrial development policy. Tomioka Silk Mill, established in 1872 as a government model silk mill, introduced French technology and marked the starting point for Japanese silk industry modernization. Wood-framed brick building groups remain nearly perfectly preserved, extremely valuable as Meiji period industrial architecture.
Tajima Yahei Sericulture Farm represents sericulture farmhouse architecture masterpiece, serving as residence and silkworm room for Tajima Yahei, who developed innovative "seiryo-iku" sericulture techniques. The architectural style called "Tajima Yahei type," featuring turrets above general roofing, spread nationwide as modern sericulture farmhouse architecture prototype. Takayama-sha site originated sericulture education institutions, contributing to sericulture technique dissemination with disciples nationwide.
Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three great hot springs, boasts abundant 32,300 liters per minute discharge. Strongly acidic sulfur springs reach source temperatures of approximately 50-90 degrees. Yubatake (hot water field), Kusatsu's symbol, represents the center where 4,000 liters per minute springs forth, positioned centrally in the hot spring town. Yumomi, Kusatsu Onsen's unique bathing method, traditionally adjusts high-temperature water to suitable temperatures by stirring with wooden boards.
Ikaho Onsen, ancient hot springs mentioned in Manyoshu, is famous for stone step streets. 365 stone steps lined with inns and souvenir shops create hot spring atmosphere. Two sources - golden water and silver water - allegedly offer different benefits.
Oze, highland marsh spanning Gunma, Fukushima, Tochigi, and Niigata prefectures, is designated a Special Natural Monument. Ozegahara, positioned at 1,400 meters elevation, is called "Asia's largest highland marsh" and treasures alpine plants including skunk cabbage and Nikko day lily. Late May to early June skunk cabbage season attracts many hikers.
Mount Akagi, Gunma's symbolic presence, features caldera lakes Onuma and Konuma. Spring brings beautiful akayashio azaleas and rhododendrons, autumn brings foliage, attracting climbers and tourists year-round. Mount Haruna similarly offers beauty with Lake Haruna as popular tourist destinations.
Gunma's food culture centers on konjac, comprising about 90% of national production. Shimonita konjac is particularly renowned for quality, featuring elasticity and flavor absorption. Yaki-manju, Gunma regional confection, involves grilling steamed buns coated with sweet miso sauce.
Shimonita leeks, thick leeks specialty of Shimonita town, increase sweetness when heated. Known nationwide as essential sukiyaki ingredients. Daruma dolls, famous as Takasaki City good luck charms, comprise about 80% of national daruma production.
Tsumagoi village, famous for highland cabbage production, produces high-quality cabbage utilizing cool summer climate. Additionally considered onsen manju (hot spring buns) birthplace, they remain beloved at many hot spring locations.