What is Gunma Prefecture?

Gunma Prefecture, located in the Kanto region of Japan, is deeply intertwined with rich nature and history. It has a history that dates back to the Kofun period, with many ancient burial mounds scattered throughout the prefecture. During the Sengoku period, famous warlords like Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen were active in this area, and their historical background is still recounted by many today.

Gunma is also renowned for its natural hot springs, attracting numerous tourists from both domestic and international locations to places like Kusatsu and Ikaho. These hot spring resorts are known for the high quality of their source waters and the beauty of their natural surroundings, bustling with people seeking relaxation and health benefits.

In addition, agriculture is thriving in Gunma, especially known for konnyaku and highland vegetables. These agricultural products, nurtured by the fertile soil and pure water of Gunma, are an important industry for the prefecture.

After World War II, Gunma advanced in industrialization, particularly in precision machinery and the automobile-related industry. This industrialization has significantly grown the economy of the prefecture, and its impact is evident even today.

Gunma Prefecture's Top 3 Selected Tourist Spots

1. Tomioka Silk Mill

● Attractions

The Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan's first modern mechanized silk factory, significantly contributing to the modernization of Japan and technological innovations in the silk industry. Established in 1872, it retains historical buildings like the spinning mill and cocoon warehouses. Designated as a national historic site, its early buildings are also listed as national treasures and important cultural properties. In 2014, it was inscribed as a part of the "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites" on the World Heritage List.

● History

In the late Edo period, silk was Japan's main export. After the Meiji Restoration, the government, aiming to increase foreign exchange earnings, rapidly improved silk quality and production. Due to difficulties in factory construction with private capital, the government decided to build a state-run model factory equipped with Western-style spinning machinery. Under the guidance of the Frenchman Paul Brunat, combining Western technology, the state-run model mechanized silk mill - Tomioka Silk Mill was established.

Tomioka was chosen as the construction site for its thriving sericulture industry, ensuring a supply of high-quality cocoons, availability of large land, water supply for silk production, and local consensus.

The Tomioka Silk Mill was a large-scale mechanized silk factory built by the government and was the largest of its time. The main buildings were completed in July 1872, and operations began on October 4. After the foreign advisors left, it was operated solely by Japanese, producing high-quality silk that was highly valued overseas. Later, it was managed by the Mitsui family, Hara Limited Partnership Company, and merged into Katakurachikusan Spinning Company. It ceased operations in 1987 and has since been preserved and managed by Tomioka City.

● Access

• Address: 1-1 Tomioka, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture
• Google Maps Link: Tomioka Silk Mill
• Walking Directions: About 15 minutes on foot from Tomioka Station on the JR Joetsu Line
• Train/Bus Information: The nearest station is Tomioka Station on the JR Joetsu Line. Buses also operate from the station and take about 10 minutes to the entrance of the Tomioka Silk Mill.

2. Haruna Shrine

● Attractions

Haruna Shrine, located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, is one of the six major shrines of the ancient Ueno province and a Shikinaisha. The shrine venerates the deities of Haruna Mountain, along with Akagi and Myogi Mountains, as part of the three mountains of Jomo. The main deities​​ are the fire god, Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, and the earth goddess, Haniyasu-hime, along with additional deities including Mizuhanome-no-Kami, Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, Yomikazuchi-no-Kami, Oyamatsumi-no-Kami, Ohmononushi-no-Kami, and Konohanasakuya-hime. Initially known as "Mitsugon Gongen" with the deity Motoyuhiko-no-Mikoto, it was reestablished with its current deities in the first year of the Meiji era.

● History

The origin of Haruna Shrine dates back to the era of Emperor Suizei, when Jo-sokunin, a descendant of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, established a sacred area to worship the heavenly and earthly gods. In 586 AD, the first year of Emperor Yomei's reign, the shrine was officially established. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho as one of the twelve shrines of Ueno Province in 927 AD, it has a long history of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism. During the Nanboku-cho period, it was under the jurisdiction of Kan'ei-ji Temple, managed by a bettō dispatched from Kōmyō-ji Temple in Nakazatomi-machi, Takasaki. In the Edo period, it was a Ryōanji-miya of Tōeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, known as Haruna Mountain Gandon-ji and Mitsugon-gū. Following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in 1871, it reverted to its original name, Haruna Shrine.

● Access

• Address: 849 Harunasan-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
• Google Maps Link: Haruna Shrine
• By Car: Approximately 60 minutes from Kan-Etsu Expressway Maebashi IC or Takasaki IC, around 20 minutes from Ikaho Onsen
• Train and Bus: From the west exit of JR Takasaki Line's Takasaki Station, take the Gunma Bus bound for Haruna Lake. The journey takes about 70 minutes, with buses running approximately once per hour. The one-way fare for adults is 1,100 yen.