Kiryū, Japan
Region: Gunma Prefecture
Geographic Coordinates: 36.405200, 139.497000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Kiryū, Japan are influenced by the region’s humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters.
Population: 105465
Language: Japanese
Kiryū is a charming city located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, Known for its picturesque surroundings and rich textile manufacturing history. With a population of approximately 120, 000 people and covering an area of 260 square kilometers, Kiryū offers visitors a range of cultural, Historical and outdoor experiences. The city’s textile industry has been producing high-quality silk since the Edo period (1603-1868) and continues to be one of Japan’s top producers today. Traditional craftspeople can still be found practicing their trade in workshops throughout the city.
In addition to its textile industry, Kiryū boasts several cultural and historical landmarks worth visiting. Ota Castle is one such landmark; built-in 1590 by Ota Sukemune, It served as his family’s stronghold for over two centuries. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds and learn about its fascinating history at the nearby museum. Another must-see attraction in Kiryū is Akagi Shrine which sits atop Mount Akagi overlooking the city below. This beautiful shrine dates back over 1, 300 years and offers stunning views of both Kiryū and surrounding areas.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Kiryū offers plenty to do as well. The Watarase River provides excellent opportunities for fishing or kayaking while nearby Mount Akagi offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. Foodies will also appreciate what Kiryū has to offer – from local specialties like soba noodles made with locally grown buckwheat flour to fresh river fish caught daily by local fishermen. Overall, Whether you’re interested in history or outdoor activities or simply looking for a peaceful escape from bustling Tokyo life – Kiryū has something for everyone!
- Kiryū Yagibushi Festival
- Kiryū Textile Museum
- Maebashi Gunma Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore
- Ikaho Onsen Hot Springs
- Mount Akagi
- Haruna Shrine
- Tomioka Silk Mill
- Shikishima Park
- Takasaki Castle Ruins Park
- Tomioka Townscape Conservation Area
- Kiryū, Japan is known for its textile industry, specifically the production of silk fabrics and garments.
- Other major industries include machinery manufacturing, metalworking, and food processing.
- Kiryū also has a thriving tourism industry due to its historical sites and natural scenery.
- Kiryu Clan: The city of Kiryū was originally founded by the Kiryu clan in the 16th century.
- Silk Industry: During the Edo period (1603-1868), Kiryū became known for its silk industry, which continues to this day.
- Shibusawa Eiichi: A prominent businessman and philanthropist who was born in Kiryū in 1840. He played a major role in modernizing Japan’s economy during the Meiji era.
- Battle of Sekigahara: In 1600, a battle took place near Kiryū that marked the beginning of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s rise to power as shogun of Japan.
- Kiyoshi Yamashita: A famous Japanese painter who lived in Kiryū for many years and is known for his depictions of nature and landscapes.
- Tsukumo Shigiharu: A samurai warrior who fought alongside Saigo Takamori during the Satsuma Rebellion (1877).
- Tetsutaro Murano: An engineer and inventor who helped develop Japan’s railway system in the early 20th century.
- Yoshikazu Yasuhiko: A manga artist and animator best known for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam.
- Yoshihito, Emperor Taisho: Visited Kiryu several times during his reign from 1912-1926, promoting industrialization and modernization throughout Japan.
- Kazuo Ishiguro: The Nobel Prize-winning author spent part of his childhood living in Kiryu with his family before moving to England at age five.
- Kiryū Textile Museum is dedicated to the history and production of traditional Japanese textiles, including silk and cotton.
- Kiryū Machinaka Art Museum showcases contemporary art with a focus on local artists.
- Kiryū City Historical Museum showcases the history and culture of Kiryū, including its samurai heritage.
- Nukisaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the mountains outside of Kiryū known for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails.
- Mount Akagi is a volcanic mountain located near Kiryū that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Kiyotaki River is a scenic river that runs through Kiryū offering opportunities for fishing and hiking along its banks.
- Gunma Flower Park is a large park featuring gardens filled with seasonal flowers as well as an amusement park and petting zoo.
- Ikaho Onsen Hot Springs Village is an onsen (hot springs) village located in nearby Shibukawa City known for its healing waters and picturesque surroundings.
- Haruna Shrine is a Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Haruna known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- Tomioka Silk Mill UNESCO World Heritage Site- one-hour drive from Kiryu City, Tomioka Silk Mill which Japan’s oldest modern silk factory has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014.
- Kiryū Daiichi High School Track and Field Team – This high school team has produced many Olympic-level athletes, including Naoko Takahashi who won gold in the marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
- Kiryū Soccer Club – This amateur soccer club was established in 1978 and has participated in various local leagues over the years.
- Kiryū Kosen Rugby Football Club – The Kiryū National College of Technology has had an active rugby football club since 1955.
- Kiryū Judo Club – The city also boasts several judo clubs that have produced national-level athletes throughout the years.
Overall, while Kiryū may not be home to any professional sports teams, it does have a rich tradition of producing talented athletes through its high schools and amateur clubs.
- 1. Kiryū Yagibushi Festival: This festival is held in October and celebrates the traditional folk song and dance of Yagibushi. It includes performances, parades, and workshops.
- 2. Kiryū Textile Festival: Held in June, this festival showcases the city’s textile industry with exhibitions, demonstrations, and sales of traditional fabrics.
- 3. Kiryū Fireworks Festival: This annual event takes place in August and features a spectacular display of fireworks over the Watarase River.
- 4. Kiryū Autumn Leaves Festival: Held in November, this festival celebrates the beautiful autumn foliage with light-up events, concerts, and food stalls.
- 5. Kiryū Matsuri: This summer festival takes place in July and includes a mikoshi parade through the streets of Kiryū as well as traditional music performances.
- 6. Ota-Kiryu Cherry Blossom Festival: Located near Kiryu City Hall Park along the Watarase Riverbank is a famous cherry blossom spot known for its 15 kilometers long tunnel of cherry trees that bloom from late March to early April every year.
- 7. Kanto Matsuri (Festival): The Kanto Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous festivals which features performers balancing giant bamboo poles topped with lanterns on their foreheads while walking through crowds during nighttime parades held around August 3rd to 6th every year at nearby Akita prefecture but also celebrated by locals in some parts of Gunma prefecture including Kiryu city too!
- Kiryū Ramen: This is a type of noodle soup that is famous in the city. Some popular ramen shops in Kiryū include Menya Kuraichi and Ramen Hidakaya.
- Miso Katsu: This dish consists of deep-fried pork cutlet served with a miso-based sauce. Some popular places to try Miso Katsu in Kiryū are Tonkatsu Misoya and Yakiniku Misoya.
- Soba noodles: Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour are another local specialty of Kiryū. Some recommended soba restaurants include Sobaya Nakamura and Tsuruya.
- Oden: Oden is a type of Japanese hotpot that typically includes various ingredients such as fish cakes, daikon radish, boiled eggs, and konjac jelly. A popular place to try oden in Kiryū is Nakaoka Shokudou.
- Izakayas: Izakayas are Japanese-style pubs where people can enjoy drinks and small dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and edamame (boiled soybeans). Some recommended izakayas in Kiryū include Tori no Ichi Yakitori, Uotami, and Watami.
- Cafes: There are also many cozy cafes around the city where you can enjoy coffee or tea along with some sweets or light meals such as sandwiches or pancakes. Some popular cafes in Kiryū include Cafe Rokumei, Cafe de la Paix, and Cafe Terrace Enishiya.
