Maebashi, Japan

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Maebashi, Japan

Region: Gunma Prefecture


Geographic Coordinates: 36.389500, 139.063000
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Maebashi, Japan experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest precipitation occurring in June and September.
Population: 331849
Language: Japanese

Maebashi is a city located in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan. It is the capital city of the prefecture and has a population of approximately 340, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of Tone River, Which provides a picturesque backdrop to this beautiful place. Maebashi has an interesting history dating back to the Edo period when it was known as Akagi-juku. During this time, It served as an important stopover point for travelers between Edo (now Tokyo) and Niigata.

The city played a significant role during World War II as it was home to several military bases and factories that produced war materials. Today, Maebashi is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore several historical sites such as the Maebashi Castle ruins, Which date back to the 16th century. The castle’s stone walls are still visible today and provide an excellent view of Maebashi City from above. Another popular destination in Maebashi is Ikaho Onsen – one of Japan’s oldest hot springs resorts.

This resort town features traditional Japanese-style inns called ryokans where visitors can experience authentic Japanese hospitality while soaking in natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. For those interested in art and culture, There are several museums worth visiting such as Gunma Museum of Art – which houses over 10, 000 pieces including works by famous artists like Picasso and Monet. There’s also Takasaki Museum of Art with its impressive collection of modern art from around the world.

Food lovers will be delighted by Maebashi’s local cuisine – particularly soba noodles made from buckwheat flour grown locally in Gunma Prefecture. Other popular dishes include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and natto (fermented soybeans). nature enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Maebashi with its beautiful parks and gardens. The most famous of these is the Akagi Kogen Highlands – a vast plateau that offers breathtaking views of Mount Akagi and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, Camping, And skiing in the nearby mountains. Maebashi is a beautiful city with a rich history, Culture, And natural beauty.

Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites or soaking in hot springs while enjoying local cuisine – there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Japanese city.



Important Landmarks

  1. Akagi Shrine: A beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of Mount Akagi.
  2. Gunma Prefectural Museum of Modern Art: A museum that showcases contemporary art from local and international artists.
  3. Maebashi Castle: A historical castle that was built in the 16th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
  4. Ikaho Onsen: A hot spring resort town known for its traditional Japanese architecture and relaxing baths.
  5. Mount Akagi: An active volcano that offers hiking trails, scenic views, and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.
  6. The Green Dome Maebashi: A sports arena that is home to the Gunma Crane Thunders basketball team.
  7. Kusatsu Onsen: Another hot spring resort town located near Maebashi with natural hot springs known for their healing properties.
  8. Haruna Shrine: An ancient Shinto shrine located at the base of Mount Haruna which is believed to have been founded over 1300 years ago.
  9. Tomioka Silk Mill: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in nearby Tomioka which was once one of Japan’s largest silk mills during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
  10. Shibukawa Skyland Park: An amusement park with rides, attractions, restaurants, and a beautiful view of Mount Akagi from its Ferris wheel ride.

Primary Industries

  1. Maebashi is the capital city of Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
  2. The city has a diverse economy with major industries and businesses that contribute to its growth and development.
  3. One of the strongest industries in Maebashi is manufacturing, with companies producing electronic equipment, machinery, and automobile parts.
  4. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the region’s economy as Gunma Prefecture is known for its high-quality agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, and fruits.
  5. Maebashi has several hospitals and medical facilities that provide healthcare services to residents.
  6. The city also boasts several universities and colleges offering higher education to students from across Japan.
  7. Tourism is another vital industry in Maebashi due to its hot springs, historical landmarks like Tomioka Silk Mill (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and natural attractions like Mount Akagi.
  8. There are many shopping centers catering to residents’ needs as well as tourists’ convenience stores.
  9. Finally, the service sector includes businesses such as restaurants, hotels, transportation companies (taxis/buses), banks/financial institutions etc., providing essential services to people living or visiting there.

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Maebashi: This battle took place in 1333 during the Kamakura period, where the forces of Emperor Go-Daigo defeated the Kamakura shogunate.
  2. Takasaki Shinkansen Crash: On February 28, 1975, a train crash occurred on the Joetsu Shinkansen line near Maebashi that killed 30 people and injured over 400.
  3. Kusunoki Masashige: A famous samurai warrior who fought for Emperor Go-Daigo during the Battle of Maebashi.
  4. Tadanao Matsudaira: A daimyo who ruled over Maebashi during the Edo period and was known for his contributions to education and culture in the region.
  5. Tomioka Silk Mill: Located in nearby Tomioka City, this historic silk mill was established in 1872 and played an important role in Japan’s modernization efforts.
  6. Kiyoshi Ogawa: A former professional baseball player from Maebashi who played for several teams including the Yomiuri Giants and was known as one of Japan’s greatest pitchers.
  7. Gunma University Medical School Scandal: In 2008, a scandal erupted at Gunma University Medical School involving rigged entrance exams that resulted in several resignations and investigations.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Maebashi City Museum of Local History
  2. Gunma Museum of Art
  3. Akagi Shrine and Akagi Castle Ruins
  4. Maebashi Park and Maebashi Castle Ruins
  5. Kajima Art Museum
  6. Ikaho Green Bokujo (Farm)
  7. Meiji-era Memorial Forest Park and Mibu-dera Temple
  8. Tomioka Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage site located nearby in Tomioka City.
  9. Shibukawa Skyland Park, an amusement park with a ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  10. Mount Haruna, a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
  11. Honmaru Goten Palace, part of the former Maebashi Castle complex that has been restored to its original grandeur.
  12. Gunma Insect World, which houses over 1000 species of insects from around the world.
  13. Mizusawa Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
  14. Takasakiyama Natural Zoo, home to over 100 species of animals including monkeys, bears, lions and tigers.


Sports Teams

  1. Thespakusatsu Gunma FC: This professional soccer team was founded in 1995 and is based in Maebashi. They currently play in the J3 League, which is the third tier of Japanese professional soccer. Thespakusatsu Gunma FC has never been promoted to the J2 League but has had some success in lower divisions.
  2. Gunma Crane Thunders: This basketball team was founded in 2005 and plays in the B.League, which is Japan’s top professional basketball league. The team struggled initially but has improved over time and made it to the playoffs for the first time in 2019.
  3. Maebashi Ikuei High School Baseball Team: This high school baseball team has a long history of success dating back to its founding in 1920s. They have won multiple national championships and produced several major league baseball players such as Hideki Matsui.
  4. Gunma Diamond Pegasus: This women’s softball team was founded in 1976 and plays in the Japan Softball League (JSL). They have won multiple JSL championships over their history.
  5. Maebashi Red Bulls Rugby Football Club: This amateur rugby club was founded relatively recently (in 2010) but has quickly gained a following among local fans for its exciting play style and community involvement efforts.


Cultural Events

  1. Maebashi International Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Maebashi and features traditional performances, food, and crafts from different countries.
  2. Gunma Flower Festival showcases beautiful flowers from around Gunma prefecture in May.
  3. Maebashi Hina Doll Festival displays traditional Japanese Hina dolls at various locations throughout the city in March.
  4. Maebashi City Fireworks Display takes place annually in August and features a spectacular fireworks display over the Tone River.
  5. Gunma Marathon attracts runners from all over Japan and beyond to compete on a scenic course through Maebashi and surrounding areas every April.
  6. Takasaki Daruma Doll Market is one of the largest Daruma doll markets in Japan, located nearby, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
  7. Tsutsujigaoka Park Cherry Blossom Festival offers visitors a stunning display of cherry blossoms at Tsutsujigaoka Park along with food stalls and live music performances in early April.

Cuisine

  • Gunma Wagyu Beef: This premium beef is from the Gunma prefecture and is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It can be found at many restaurants in Maebashi.
  • Oyaki: These small steamed buns are filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or sweet beans.
  • Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers that are a popular street food in Japan.
  • Soba noodles: Thin buckwheat noodles that are often served cold with dipping sauce or hot in soup.
  • Irodori Sushi: A sushi restaurant known for their fresh fish and creative sushi rolls.
  • Katsu Curry House Rikyu: A restaurant serving Japanese curry with breaded pork cutlets (katsu).
  • Menya Yutaka Ramen: A popular ramen shop known for their rich and flavorful broth.
  • Kurosawa Steakhouse: A steakhouse serving high-quality wagyu beef from Gunma prefecture cooked to perfection on a teppanyaki grill.
  • Higashiyama Onsen Yamato-ya Ryokan Restaurant : This ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) offers traditional kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients such as wild mountain vegetables, river fish, and locally grown rice.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Maebashi Park is a large public park that boasts a pond, walking trails, and sports facilities.
    2. Akagi Kogen Plateau is a picturesque area that offers hiking trails, skiing during winter, and hot springs.
    3. Gunma Flower Park is a botanical garden that showcases seasonal flowers and hosts events all year round.
    4. Onsen Hot Springs are found in Maebashi and provide visitors with an opportunity to relax in natural mineral water.
    5. Tomioka Silk Mill is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tells the story of Japan’s silk industry.
    6. Mount Akagi is a popular hiking destination that provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
    7. Shibukawa Skyland Park is an amusement park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions suitable for all ages.
    8. Ikaho Onsen Town is another hot spring resort town known for its traditional architecture and beautiful scenery.
    9. Fukiware Falls are one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls located just outside Maebashi city limits in neighboring Gunma Prefecture.
    10. Ogo Green Road Cycling Course offers cyclists scenic routes through the countryside around Maebashi city center without any traffic distractions or interruptions to their ride experience!

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