A 45-Hectare Satoyama Landscape
The grounds cover approximately 45 hectares and recreate the diverse landscapes traditionally associated with rural Japan. Visitors can explore woodland, streams, fields, grasslands, and other natural environments that together form a traditional satoyama ecosystem.
More than 1,400 species of insects, along with numerous species of wild birds, have been recorded in the area. The wildlife visitors encounter changes with the seasons, making each visit a different experience.
In summer, rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles can be found around the sap of Japanese oak trees. In spring, colorful butterflies can be seen flying across the grasslands, while autumn brings a variety of grasshoppers and other insects.
Searching for insects on foot, observing them with your own eyes, and gently touching them when appropriate offers an experience that cannot be gained simply by looking at pictures in a book. It is an opportunity to discover nature through direct observation.
Insect Observation Hall – Discover Insects from Around the World
The central facility is the Insect Observation Hall, an impressive building featuring a large glass greenhouse. Inside, visitors can observe both local satoyama wildlife and exotic insects from around the world throughout the year.
Among the insects on display are impressive species such as the Hercules beetle and Giraffe stag beetle. The facility also displays aquatic insects, including the increasingly rare diving beetle and giant water bug, allowing visitors to observe these fascinating creatures at close range.
Butterflies in a Tropical Greenhouse
One of the most popular areas is the Insect Encounter Greenhouse, where subtropical plants grow in a lush indoor environment. A waterfall and dense vegetation create an atmosphere resembling a tropical forest.
Colorful butterflies fly freely through the greenhouse, including the large tree nymph, one of Japan’s largest butterfly species. Watching butterflies glide among the tropical plants creates an almost magical atmosphere.
Because the greenhouse can be enjoyed regardless of the weather, it is also an excellent place to visit on rainy days or during the colder months.
Hands-On Programs for Deeper Learning
Gunma Insect World offers a variety of educational programs, including nature observation, satoyama walks, and insect-related craft activities. Guided walks led by staff members are suitable even for visitors who are new to insect observation.
During these walks, participants can learn about the connections between insects, plants, and their surrounding environment. Rather than simply identifying individual species, the programs introduce visitors to the broader ecosystem in which they live.
Nature Crafts and Further Study
At the craft area, visitors can create objects using natural materials such as silkworm cocoons and nuts. These activities provide a fun way for children and adults to develop their creativity while learning about materials found in nature.
The facility also has a follow-up learning area containing reference books and illustrated insect guides. Visitors can use these resources to research the insects they encountered outdoors and deepen their understanding after returning from the field.
Akagi-Style Traditional House – Experience Rural Japanese Life
In the northern part of the grounds stands the Akagi-style traditional house, an old sericulture farmhouse built in the early Meiji period and relocated and restored at Gunma Insect World. The building is designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kiryu City.
With its traditional thatched roof, the farmhouse provides a glimpse into a time when silk production was an important part of the local economy.
From May through October, visitors can learn about traditional sericulture by observing activities such as feeding silkworms with mulberry leaves, collecting cocoons, and reeling silk from cocoons.
The interior preserves features of traditional rural life, including an earthen floor with a hearth and tatami-mat rooms. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese farmhouse while learning about the connection between agriculture, silk production, and daily life.
Traditional children’s games, such as bamboo stilts and kendama, can also be enjoyed in the garden, creating opportunities for different generations to share experiences.
Learning About the Relationship Between People and Nature
Gunma Insect World is more than a place where insects are displayed. It demonstrates how woodlands, fields, and other landscapes traditionally managed by people can support a rich variety of wildlife.
In the past, satoyama woodlands were carefully maintained to provide materials such as firewood, charcoal, and fallen leaves for compost. These human-managed environments also created habitats where many insects and other organisms could thrive.
By exploring the grounds, visitors can gain a better understanding of the traditional Japanese idea of living in harmony with nature and how human activities can shape local ecosystems.
Views from Mt. Fuji
From the summit of Mt. Fuji within the grounds, visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. In spring, yamatsutsuji azaleas bloom across the area, attracting butterflies and other insects to the flowers.
The combination of seasonal plants, insects, historic buildings, and surrounding scenery offers visitors a chance to experience both the natural and cultural character of the region.
A Center for Nature Education and the Future
Gunma Insect World was established as a specialized insect facility operated by an education board, with a strong emphasis on educational value and hands-on learning. Its purpose is to provide children and other visitors with opportunities to encounter nature directly and learn about the importance of living creatures.
As you walk through the forest, you may hear leaves moving in the breeze, birds calling, and the subtle sounds of insects around you. By focusing attention on these small creatures, visitors can begin to appreciate the complexity and interconnectedness of the natural world.
A Unique Satoyama Experience in Gunma
Gunma Insect World offers a distinctive way to experience the Japanese countryside. Instead of simply viewing nature from a distance, visitors can walk through the satoyama landscape, search for insects, explore a traditional farmhouse, observe tropical butterflies, and take part in hands-on activities.
For international visitors interested in Japanese nature, traditional rural culture, insects, environmental education, or family-friendly activities, the facility provides an opportunity to experience a side of Japan that is very different from its major cities and famous tourist attractions.
Each season brings new insects, flowers, and landscapes to discover. A visit to Gunma Insect World is therefore not only an encounter with insects, but also a chance to experience the changing seasons and the long-standing relationship between people and the natural environment in rural Japan.