The Tatebayashi and Ota areas offer tourist attractions such as Kibune Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, and the Watarase Recreational Area; sightseeing events such as Ebisu-ko, exorcisms, and exorcisms; and local delicacies such as konnyaku, sauce katsudon, and local sake.
Tatebayashi, located in southeastern Gunma Prefecture, and Watarase, located in Tochigi Prefecture, are both nature-rich tourist destinations surrounded by Kanto's waterways, such as the Watarase River and the Tone River. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the seasonal scenery and relax on scenic railroad lines such as the Watarase Gorge Railway.
Tatebayashi, located in Gunma Prefecture, is famous for its azaleas. The best time to view the azaleas is from late April to early May, and the azalea festival held during this period is also recommended.
It is also interesting to trace the history of the Meiji period at the Kiryu Meiji-kan (Kiryu Meiji Museum), the Hikobe Family Residence, and the "Textile Reference Museum Murasaki," a museum of Kiryu textiles. And when in Kiryu, be sure to try Kiryu's famous udon noodles. The handmade udon noodles topped with tempura of freshly picked wild vegetables are exceptional.
If you are planning to visit Watarase, which stretches to the north of Tatebayashi, you should not miss the Watarase Gorge Railway, which runs along the Watarase River. Each station on the railroad is dotted with sightseeing spots. The Watarase Gorge Railway also operates a trolley train, which allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of the valley and see the sights while riding in the wind on an open type of train without window glass.
Watarase is also the birthplace of Tomihiro Hoshino, and the Tomihiro Museum of Art is located along the train line. Mizunuma Station is also a rare station with a hot spring. Takatsudo Gorge is known for its autumn foliage, and when the season arrives, the fiery colors of the trees attract visitors.
Visitors can tour the Kodaira limestone caves, which were discovered in 1984, and spend time in parks and camping areas where they can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and hydrangeas. Watarase is also rich in gourmet food. Ekiben (boxed lunches) made from Gunma's famous Yamato pork, Daifuku (rice cake made from konnyaku), and other sweets such as the classic Tabigarasu are available for tourists' enjoyment.
Tatebayashi and Watarase welcome tourists with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and hydrangeas in spring and summer, and mountains colored with autumn leaves in fall. Tatebayashi is a great place to experience history, and the Watarase Valley Railway is a great place to enjoy the natural scenery.
Morinji Temple is known for its famous tale about a raccoon dog called "Bunpuku Chagama. This quiet temple is famous for its huge statue of a raccoon dog that greets visitors as they pass through the temple gate. Twenty-one Shigaraki-ware statues of raccoon dogs are placed along the approach to the...»