Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Gunma

String-operated lantern puppets, first staged in Annaka's Nakajuku in the 1650s, glow by lamplight as hidden operators work a dozen strings per washi-paper figure.

Joshu Shirakubo no Ochakou is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property held every February 24 in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture. This centuries-old tea-guessing ritual preserves the format of medieval tocha (competitive tea tasting), combining Shinto divination with a playful community gathering where participants identify four blended teas over seven rounds.

Gunma’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.