7 must go places in Kiryu and Akagi area, Gunma

Kiryu (桐生市) is a historical city located in the southern part of Gunma Prefecture. It is known for its long history in silk production and weaving, earning it the nickname “Silk City”. The city is an important place for Japan’s silk industry and is home to several museums, parks, and cultural attractions related to weaving and the silk trade.

The Akagi area is located to the north of Kiryu and is dominated by Mount Akagi (赤城山), a popular mountain and recreation area that attracts both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Akagi Mountain is part of the Akagi, Myogi, and Haruna Mountains, which are known for their scenic beauty, hiking trails, and volcanic lakes. The area offers an escape from city life and is a perfect destination for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying natural hot springs.

1. The Watarase Keikoku Railway (渡良瀬渓谷鉄道, Watarase Keikoku Tetsudō)

is a regional railway line in Japan that operates in the Kantō region, specifically in Tochigi and Gunma Prefectures. It is a picturesque, non-electrified railway that runs through a scenic area known for its natural beauty, offering both transportation and tourism experiences. Here’s a detailed look at the railway

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Watarase Keikoku Railway

2. Akagi Shrine (赤城神社, Akagi Jingu)

is a prominent Shinto shrine located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It sits at the foot of Mount Akagi, a well-known active volcanic mountain that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in the region. Here’s an overview of the shrine’s history, features, and cultural importance.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Akagi shrine

3. Orimono Sankokan Yukari (織物参考館ゆかり)

is a textile museum located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and traditions of Kiryu’s textile industry, which has been a significant part of the city’s heritage for centuries. The museum’s name, “Yukari,” translates to “connections” or “relations,” emphasizing the cultural and historical links between the region and the textile industry.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Orimono Sankokan Yukari

4. The Tomihiro Art Museum (富弘美術館, Tomihiro Bijutsukan)

is a renowned art museum located in Tatebayashi, a city in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The museum is dedicated to the works of Tomihiro Hoshino (星野 富弘), a Japanese poet, painter, and calligrapher. It is a place of reflection on his profound art and inspirational life, making it a unique cultural destination in the region.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Tomihiro art museum

5. The Ikaho Onsen Stone Steps (伊香保温泉石段街, Ikaho Onsen Ishidan-gai)

are one of the most famous landmarks in Ikaho, a historic hot spring town located in Shibukawa City in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Shibukawa onsen Ikaho stone steps

6. The Ikaho Ropeway (伊香保ロープウェイ, Ikaho Rōpuwei)

is one of the major attractions in the Ikaho Onsen area of Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The ropeway provides visitors with an exciting and scenic ride up the mountainside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Shibukawa and the valley below.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Ikaho Ropeway

7. Gunma Insect World (群馬昆虫の森, Gunma Konchū no Mori)

is an educational and nature-oriented theme park located in the city of Ota, in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It is a popular spot for families, insect enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

Gunma: Kiryu and Akagi area — Gunma insect world

Written by Hikarudct, London,
Tokyo AIC Associate writer
Love watching and playing sports and crocheting