Gunma Prefecture is located in the heart of Japan, with mountains running along its western and northern borders, and the Kanto Plain opening up in the southeast. This inland prefecture boasts diverse and stunning natural landscapes, including 2000-meter-high mountains, wetlands like Oze, picturesque valleys, and clear streams.
Agriculture, particularly crop farming, thrives in Gunma, where konjac and various vegetables are cultivated. The region’s clean water and dry climate are utilized to produce udon noodles (dried noodles) and a wide variety of pickled foods.
In terms of tourism, Gunma attracts travelers with its hot springs, such as Kusatsu, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tomioka Silk Mill. The prefecture also offers a blend of beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, and historical sites to explore.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tomioka Silk Mill
In 1872. The Tomioka Silk Mill became Japan’s very first large-scale mechanized silk-reeling factory. They combined Western and Japanese technologies to build this facility, and at the time, it was one of the biggest silk mills globally.
This mill played a crucial role in modernizing Japan by spreading advanced mechanized silk-reeling techniques throughout the country. Additionally, it provided top-notch yet reasonably priced raw silk to the global market, contributing significantly to Japan’s efforts in modernization and global integration.