Tomioka, Shimonita Travel Guides

The Tomioka-Shimonita area offers tourist attractions such as Gunma Safari Park, Tofukuji Temple, and Tomioka Silk Silk Mill; sightseeing events such as Kishimojin, Furusato Festival, and Dondonyaki; and local delicacies such as konnyaku, sauced pork cutlet bowl, and local sake.

Tomioka and Shimonita are located in the southwestern part of Gunma Prefecture and are known for their flourishing silk industry, with the Tomioka Silk Mill established in 1872.

On the border between Tomioka and Shimonita is Mt. Myogi, one of the three mountains of Jomo, where one can see such oddly shaped rocks as Candle Rock, Cannon Rock, and Fude Rock. The sharp and rugged shape of the rocks is the result of eruptions, and the scenery has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan.

Shimonita is home to Kozu Ranch, the first stylized ranch in Japan, and has been selected as a Japan Geopark because of its rare resources.

Shimonita's specialty is the Shimonita leek, which is thicker than other leeks and sweeter when overheated. There are many ways to eat Shimonita leeks, including sukiyaki and tempura. Another unique dish is called "Shimonita katsudon," or pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice. While most people eat it with egg, Shimonita Katsu-don is a simple pork cutlet bowl topped with a cutlet seasoned with soy sauce sauce.

Tomioka and Shimonita are also famous for their konjak, and a dish called konkatsu, which is fried konjak, is also popular because it is healthy and has a new texture.

The Tomioka Silk Mill, which operated for 115 years until 1987, still retains its brick buildings, including offices and dormitories for foreigners, and was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2006.

Currently, efforts are underway to register the Tomioka Silk Mill and the cultural heritage of the silk industry as a World Heritage site. The nearest station to Tomioka Silk Mill is Jyoshu-Tomioka Station, and discount tickets that include a round-trip ticket and an admission ticket to Tomioka Silk Mill are available at Takasaki Station.

In Shimonita, there is Arafune-no-yu, which is beneficial for neuralgia, digestive disorders, oversensitivity to cold, and muscular pain. Visitors from all over Japan come to this secluded hot spring to experience the great outdoors and the leisurely flow of time. If you take National Route 254 toward Saku City, you will find Sun Sportsland Shimonita, where you can enjoy tennis, softball, gateball, and other activities.

At the foot of the south face of Mt. Myogi, Sakura-no-sato (Cherry Blossom Village) is spread out, with as many as 5,000 cherry trees planted. During the blooming season, from mid-April to mid-May, various events are held.