Kiryu.
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Overview

Kiryū (桐生市) is a city in Gunma Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan. Kiryū is the jumping-off point for trips to Mt. Akagi and to the Watarase River valley.

Understand

Kiryū lies about 90 km northwest of Tokyo (as the crow flies), and just across the Tochigi prefectural boundary from Ashikaga. During the Edo Era, Kiryū was known for its fine silks, an eastern match for Kyoto in western Japan. The lord of Kiryū supplied over 2,400 silk banners for the troops of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and thereafter continued to pay the same tribute to the victorious Tokugawa Shogunate every year. It later became an important center for textile manufacturing during Japan's industrial revolution, and now is a manufacturing center for automotive parts and pachinko machines.

Kiryū's international sister cities are also textile and manufacturing towns: Biella, Piemonte, Italy, and Columbus, Georgia, USA. Kiryū's Columbus Street features pink and white dogwood trees and azalea bushes reminiscent of its sister city Columbus, Georgia.

The Kiryū School of Textiles, founded in 1915, has grown into Gunma University's School of Science and Technology, one of the largest in the country. Its website contains much useful information in English about the city and its history, and its many international engineering students lend Kiryū a more cosmopolitan flavor than many cities its size.

In 2005, Kiryū doubled its size by incorporating a largely rural region across the upper Watarase River valley. But the most scenic gorges and valleys of the upper Watarase fall within the bounds of Midori, a separate jurisdiction, while the headwaters and the infamous Ashio copper mine fall within the bounds of Nikko city.

Tourist information site The local tourist association has a multilingual guide site.

Get in

By train Kiryū lies about halfway between Oyama and Takasaki on the JR Ryōmō line, about 1 hour by local train from either end.

The Tōbu Isesaki line limited express train , which requires seat reservations, stops at Tōbu Shin-Kiryu station on its run between Asakusa and Akagi. The short local Tōbu Kiryu line stops at Shin-Kiryū on its run between Ota City and Akagi.

The Watarase Keikoku (Valley) railway starts at JR Kiryū station and intersects the Tōbu Kiryū line at Aioi before heading up through the scenic mountains and gorges to the headwaters of the Watarase River valley. There are 18 trains a day each way between Kiryū station and Ōmama in Midori City, but only 11 that cover the full distance to Ashio and Matō, which are now administered by Nikkō. The first train leaves Kiryū at 06:36 and the last train leaves Matō at 19:46. For travellers already in Maebashi, the tiny Jōmō Dentetsu line runs between Chūō Maebashi and Nishi Kiryū station.

The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on Tokyo traffic.

The same company runs overnight Sendai Liner which leaves JR Kiryū station South Exit nightly at 23:30PM, arriving at Sendai station at 18:00. It leaves Sendai station nightly at 23:00, arriving in Kiryū at 05:25.

Get around

Orihime Bus This is the public city bus system.

Mayu This is an electric free-of-charge sightseeing bus service in Kiryu. There are two routes: the Amusement Park - Yurinkan Route, and the Silk Heritage Route.

Rental bicycles Bicycles are available for rent at the Yui Office in JR Kiryu Station. See the Cycling section below for suggested routes.

Taxis Taxis available for hire have red signs lit on the dashboard. A green lights indicate the taxi has a passenger and will not stop. The left side rear doors open automatically. When entering a taxi, please stand free of the door. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, however, there is a surcharge for service between 22:00 and 05:00

Daiko service (taxi with two drivers) Since the laws regarding drinking and driving in Japan are extremely strict, using "daiko service" has become very popular. Under this system, a driver is provided to drive the customer's car, and the daiko taxi accompanies the customer to her/his destination where the customer's car is parked. The driver then returns with the daiko taxi.

See

Because Kiryū was largely unscathed by World War II bombing, it contains one of the highest concentrations of prewar urban architecture in Japan: wooden-sided warehouses, sawtooth-roofed textile mills, merchant storehouses, and Meiji-era adaptations of Western buildings. The old urban core of the city is easily walkable.

Hikobe Manor. A fully restored Samurai residence dating back over 400 years. Hikobe direct descendants still live on the property. Declared a National Important History Site. One of the oldest private homes in the Kanto region.

Kiryu Meijikan. Built as the Gunma Prefecture Public Health Centre in 1878, it is a classic example of pseudo-Western architecture. Inside there are exhibition rooms and a coffee/tea shop featuring a nostalgic gramophone and music of the era.

Kiryugaoka Zoo. Over one hundred exotic animals can be seen at the zoo, including lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingoes, and penguins.

Kiryu Club. A notable social gathering place built in 1919. Interior decor is reminiscent of early 20th-century furnishings. Architecture is outstanding.

Yūrinkan. Former warehouses converted to art galleries. Includes the Kiryu Karakuri Ningyo (Mechanical Doll) Theatre. From the Meiji to the Showa Era, the Tenmangu Shrine Festival featured various theatre performances of elaborately made mechanical dolls. These masterfully made dolls are a treasure of Japanese Performing Arts history

Textile Museum ‘Yukari’. A former sawtooth-roofed textile mill converted into a comprehensive museum of textile production over the centuries, with demonstrations ranging from silkworm cocoons to looms to dyes.

Okawa Museum of Art. The Okawa Museum of Art opened in April 1989 overlooking the city of Kiryu, a textile center. About 1,600 works of art have been collected over a period of 40 years by the museum's founder, Eiji Okawa. The museum, deceptively small on first notice, is built in stages on the hillside and provides its visitors with an amazing number of rooms to peruse its incredibly rich collection. Largest collection of works of art by Shunsuke Matsumoto and Hideo Noda in Japan. Other works of art by prominent artists from around the world.

Kennen Kinenkan. One of the oldest buildings in Western-style architecture in the prefecture. Inside, local antiquities are displayed.

Kiryu Orimono Kinenkan (Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall). Built for the Kiryu Textile Workers Union in the heyday of the textile industry in Kiryu, the building now serves as a place to exhibit Kiryu textiles and has a shop selling locally made textiles.

Aizawa Tadahiro Kinenkan. Aizawa Tadahiro was the first to discover artefacts demonstrating the presence of human settlements in Japan during the paleolithic era. Many artefacts from the Iwajuku Site are on exhibit.

Gunma Insect World. Built on a traditional Japanese landscape, the museum contains a large collection of living insects, along with an array of butterflies among whom visitors can walk all year round in the heated observatory. Other buildings on the grounds offer opportunities to experience various aspects of traditional Japanese culture.

Kurohone History & Folkculture Museum. Museum houses exhibits and materials related to the history of Kurohone, local lifestyle & customs. Also, visitors can also learn about the first Japanese exporters of silk yarn, Hoshino Chotaro & Arai Ryoichiro whose factories were located in Kurohone.

Bakery Cafe Renga (former Kanaya Lace Mfg. Corp.). It was founded as Kanayoshi Textiles by Kanaya Yoshijiro during the Meiji Era. The large sawtooth roof mill was completed in Dec 1919 and included 8 sawtooth sections. The scratch-tile, 2-storey office building was constructed during the early Showa Era. The compound has a sawtooth roof mill, employee dormitory, family residence, warehouse, & family shrine. After closing in 2007, the mill was converted to a bakery in 2008. The north end is a multi-functional space. In 2008 it was the venue for the “Sawtooth Roof Expo.” In 2009 & 2010, with the support of JR East, the office and residence underwent restoration.

Yanoen (Yano Store and Warehouse). Yano Hisaemon came to Kiryu in 1717 from the Omi district of Japan. His heir established Yano Mercantile at this location in 1749. In addition to selling sake, miso & soy sauce, the shop also produced vinegar. During the Meiji Era, the shop, constructed in 1916, also sold household goods. The interior has been remodeled as a store & coffee shop.

Jomo Railways Nishi Kiryu Station. This Mansard roof station was constructed in 1928 when Jomo Railways began service. The building is a fine example of early Showa Era modern style. The interior has maintained its original ambiance.

Yotsuji no Saika. This building was the home of the Saito family which owned and operated Saito Textile Company (CEO Saito Kahei). The buildings were constructed at the first crossroads running east from Tenmangu Shrine, the starting point of Kiryu Shin Machi. The site consists of a storehouse constructed in 1878, and a residence for which a completion ceremony took place in 1923. The buildings reflect the prosperity of the textile industry in Kiryu at the time. The site was acquired in 2012 by the current owner, Kiryu Saisei Corp. which restored the buildings and completed construction of a garage for electric vehicles, Community Bus e-Com8 "Mayu." Since 2013, the site has served as a base for Kiryu city's industrial tourism.

Kiryu Tenmangu Shrine. A Prefectural Cultural Treasure. Tenmangu is a classic example of Early Modern Period (mid 16th to 18th centuries) "gongen" construction designed for the enshrinement of a Shinto deity. Gables over the Inner Sanctuary and Hall of Offerings are resplendently finished in elaborate detail. Tenmangu is representative of the most highly developed architectural techniques of its era and as such has been designated a Prefecture Treasure.

Nishinomiya Shrine. In 1901, the god enshrined at Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture was apportioned and brought to Kiryu. In 1905 a shrine was constructed in honor of the god. Nishinomiya is the only shrine in the entire Kanto area dedicated to the four gods Ebisu Okami, Amaterasu Okami, Susano'o no Mikoto and Okuninushi no Kami. Every year on November 19th and 20th the well-known Ebisuko Festival is held at Nishinomiya.

Mechanical Dolls Performance. Kiryu is striving to preserve its cultural heritage by resurrecting old traditions that once served to create Kiryu's unique local color. One of these traditions is "Karakuri Ningyo" or mechanical dolls which were an integral part of Kiryu's festivals in days gone by. Kiryu is the only city in the country which has revived this great tradition, making mechanical doll performances a valuable contribution to cultural preservation.

Honcho1, 2 chome District. More than 400 years have passed since Ono Sonkichi laid out the plans for Kiryu Shin Machi and established the long avenue which has become the commercial center of Kiryu, Honcho Street. The first two districts, 1 and 2 chome, have many buildings whose classical architecture reveal the nostalgic past. A stroll along Honcho Street, beginning at Tenmangu Shrine will give you a wonderful idea of the textile history which still dominates Kiryu's character and ambiance. If you turn off Honcho onto one of the alleyways leading east or west, you are bound to encounter some of the many still remaining sawtoothed roof factories chracteristic of textile mills.

Gunma University Memorial Hall. Registered tangible cultural properties. Founded on March 15, 1916 as the Kiryu School of Weaving and Dyeing Technology, in the following year it became the Kiryu Technical High School. After many years, in 1944, the name was changed again to the Kiryu School of Technology. Finally, in 1949, it became the Faculty of Engineering of Gunma University and has continued in this capacity to the present. When the school was established, local technical specialists were called upon to form the faculty. Since then, however, its scope has expanded greatly. There are now many foreign students who contribute to the international atmosphere of this institution of higher learning. Memorial Hall has received much attention as an excellent example of modernism combined with classicism which was so typical of the Taisho Period in which it was built. This building is now used for lectures, exhibitions, and on occasion, concerts. It has been declared a prefectural cultural asset and is loved by Kiryu natives for its nostalgic ambiance.

Kiryu Performing Arts Center. The roof of the structure resembles the shape of a cocoon, recalling Kiryu's long history of silk manufacturing. Closed on Tuesday.

Seki no Magaibutsu. Designated a Prefectural Important Cultural Asset on November 15, 1972. There are three engravings on a boulder near the foot of the Fudo Bridge over Kaburaki River in the Seki district. This boulder was formed by the accumulation of ash from lava flows from eruptions on Mt. Akagi. The boulder is 128 cm in height, 60 cm in width and 80 cm in depth. The Amida Buddha in the center stands for eternal life; the Kannon Bodhisattva on the right stands for the spirit of salvation; and the Seshi Bodhisattva on the left stands for the spirit of asceticism. These carvings are believed to date from the Kamakura Era. The rock has been designated an Important Cultural Asset by the prefecture.

Suidoyama Memorial Hall. The Suidoyama Kinenkan (Memorial Hall) was constructed in 1932 as the Kiryu Water Supply Office. The office reported to the Motojuku Purification Plant regarding standing water volume and level, contributing to the smooth operation of the water purification plant. During the 6th Expansion Project for upgrading electrical and water meter equipment, conducted between March and November, 1972, an electromagnetic current meter was installed. Because of this installation, the Suidoyama Water Supply Office was closed, concluding 40 years of service. Since that time, Kiryu City has continued to grow and prosper. The Water Supply Office underwent renovation during 1985 and 1986 and upon completion, was renamed the Suidoyama Kinenkan (Suido Mountain Memorial Hall). The Kinenkan is now used to welcome visitors to the city and to receive important guests. Its rooms are available for exhibitions and meetings. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Dec. 29 to Jan. 3.

Do

Kiryu Yagibushi Festival. The festival is the largest event of the year in Kiryu. During the 3-day long event, more than 500,000 people from Gunma Prefecture and other parts of Japan visit the city. The major focus is Yagibushi folk dancing which takes place at various locations on the streets of downtown Kiryu. Traditional musicians sit on bandstands, around which festival-goers dance through the evening. The traditionally decorated streets are lined with stalls featuring various traditional festival foods and games, souvenirs, etc.

Ebisuko (festival). An autumn festival focusing on the sale of "kumada" and "otakara" or good luck charms for merchants. Streets and the area around the shrine are lined with stalls selling these talismans along with festival food and souvenirs. It bustles with people and the sound of shopkeepers hawking their wares.

Kiryu Fashion Week. Various events are held at locations throughout the city during a one-week period. Events include fashion shows, textiles, art, & local history and culture. The Classic Car Festival, held since 2006, brings together distinctive automobiles from Japan and overseas. Held on the campus of Gunma University School of Science & Technology.

Kiryugaoka Amusement Park. Located next to Kiryugaoka Zoo. Attractions in the amusement park are geared toward younger children. Famous site for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.

Tenmangu Antiques Flea Market. Antique dealers from all over the Kanto area converge on this site. Everything from kimono to antique ceramics and furniture is on sale.

Kaiba Sayaichi Market. Open air market selling textiles and miscellaneous goods & handicrafts. During the Edo Era, a type of silk called “saya” became popular. As a result, the silk market that was established on the compound of Tenmangu Shrine was named the “Saya-ichi” or Saya market. Later, in 1883, a shopping street was established for the sale of local products and became known as “kaiba” or “shopping place, ” or the “uptown market,” as opposed to the “downtown market” which was situated near the present day Don Quijote discount store. These shopping areas sold textiles and goods used in daily life.

Kiryu Rakuichi Market. Open air market for discounted goods and handicrafts

Niisato Festival. Yagibushi dancing and a firework display are the main attractions of this summer festival.

Kurohone Summer Festival. Catching trout by hand, Yagibushi dancing, & fireworks are the main attractions.

Kiryu Nature Sanctuary. Situated in a woodland area at the foot of the mountains on the west side of Kiryu, the Nature Centre has exhibits and a lecture room. The park features many nature trails, an observation building for bird-watching. A large variety of plants and animals can be viewed throughout the seasons.

Caribbean Beach. One of the largest all-season indoor water parks in the Kanto region. Facilities include a wave pool, a current pool, water slides, jacuzzi and an Olympic size swimming pool.

Watarase Keikoku Railway Line. Buy a one-day pass on the Keikoku Railway that runs up the Watarase River valley, get off at one of the larger stops, hike around a bit, and hop back on the next train. Trains run at less than hourly intervals, so check the schedule at each station before setting out. Stop off at Mizunuma Station to enjoy the refreshing public baths at the only "in-Station" spa in all of Japan! In Autumn, many photographers visit along this railway to take beautiful scenery with colorful autumn leaves.

Daruma Fair at Fumonji Temple. The annual Daruma Fair will take place on the third Sunday of January at Fumonji Temple. Parking lots available. This fair was started in Kiryu in 1964. The “Daruma” figure is said to bring good fortune, commercial success, household safety and protection from dangers and is sold at the many stalls along the streets in the vicinity of and entrance to the temple.

Mikagari Ceremony at Kamojinja Shrine. The Mikagari Ceremony is held every year on February 3 at Kamo Shrine in Hirosawacho. The ceremony dates back to the Edo Period, during the 19th century. This ceremony is said to serve to protect the participants from evil during the coming year. Young men, dressed in white, undergo a purification rite, after which they throw beans, a custom carried out all over Japan as away to ward off evil spirits and welcome in the spring season.

Azuma Park. Azuma Park is a serene escape from the busy outside world. Very quiet area. As the seasons come and go, the park takes on different aspects, offering a multitude of flowers and trees for visitors’ enjoyment. Parking lots available. Main flowering plants (tulips: about 12,000 bulbs, irises: about 350 rhizomes, cherry trees: about 500, Azaleas: about 5,000 bushes). There is a tea house in the park.

Kiryu Minami Park. Plum grove, lawn open space, play field, tennis court, baseball field, jogging course. Enough parking space.

Fishing spots. Umeda Lake (Kiryu River Dam: rainbow trout, bass, lake smelt). Kiryu River (iwana trout, yamame trout). Watarase River (ayu trout, iwana trout). Kurohone River ravine fishing (bait/fly fishing) Iwana trout, Rainbow trout, etc.)

Higiri Jizoson Festival at Kan'nonin Temple. On the 24th of every month, there is a temple festival called Ennichi. Main street is closed to cars for this monthly temple festival, and there are many street stalls. This temple festival is very lively. Not only people from Kiryu but also people from Saitama and Tokyo visit this event every month. Even the normal day, smoke of the incense stick by the visitors does not cease. The devotion is done every day, and joins many people’s faith. Parking lots available.

Seven Herbs Porridge Gathering (Nanakusa Gayu) at Sozenji Temple. On the 7th day of the New Year, it is a Japanese custom to eat a gruel made of rice with seven herbs as a protection for good health in the year to come. The seven herbs are: seri or water dropwort; nazuna or shepherd's purse; gogyo or cudweed; hakobera or chickweed; hotokenoza or nipplewort; suzuna or turnip; and suzushiro or daikon. You also can enjoy beautiful trees and flowers during a year.

Public Tea Ceremony. The Kiryu Tea Ceremony Association conducts tea ceremonies "Tsukigama" on the third Sunday of every month. Everyone is welcome to participate. No prior reservations are required.

Kobo Kazahana (handmade textile workshop). Located in the Bakery Cafe RENGA. You can make your own original silk stall by using hand weaving machine. Closed on Tuesday.

Kiryu Youth Outdoor Activities Center. The Kiryu Youth Outdoor Activities Center was constructed by Gunma Prefecture. It is located deep in the mountains in Umeda, the northernmost district of Kiryu. The facility includes indoor overnight accommodation for 130 persons, outdoor camping facilities for 100 persons, classrooms, a gymnasium/play hall, a cafeteria, and campfire facilities. Reservations can be made for groups of 3 and over and families. The center is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays.

Operating period: Jul-Au. 09:30-16:00, admission free. This pool is for the use of preschoolers and elementary school age. One of the largest all-season indoor water parks in the Kanto region. Facilities include a wave pool, a current pool, water slides, jacuzzi and an olympic size swimming pool.

The Kiryu Skate Center is the only indoor ice skating rink in the Tomo area. Figure skates and ice hockey skates are available for rent. The center also sponsors ice skating workshops. high school students and below). high school students and below). Closed on Tu W, unless these days fall on a holiday and winter and spring break at Elementary and Jr. High School in which case the rink will be open for holiday skating. Also, closed Dec 31 & Jan 1.

5-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Kiryu Sta.

Hiking trails

Composite hiking map: Mt. Nemoto Hiking Trails - Long ago Mt. Nemoto was a popular site for pilgrimages to Nemoto Shrine. The Naka Ridge Course follows along the top of the mountain ridge, offering panoramic views of the forested valleys below. The surrounding forest is listed in the "Top 100 Forests in Japan." The hiking courses are for advanced level hikers. For a map and details, please see here. Narukami / Azuma Mountain Trails - The trails lead up to Mt. Narukami and from there over to Mt. Azuma. The course is for intermediate - advanced level hikers. Along the way, the trail merges with the Shutoken Nature Trail and can eventually hike to the Kiryu Nature Sanctuary in Kawauchi. From the peak of Mt. Azuma there is a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain as it stretches south toward Tokyo. For a hiking map, see here. Shutoken Nature Trail - This trail begins at Kiryu Station and leads through Azuma Park to the summit of Mt. Azuma. The course is suitable for intermediate or advanced level hikers. Hikers can choose to proceed north to Mt. Narukami or go west to the Nature Sanctuary where many species of birds, plants and insects can be observed. Hishakuyama Castle Ruins Hiking Trails - The ruins of Kiryu Castle, constructed in 1350 AD, are located on the peak of this mountain. The trail leads up through the forest. Along the way, hundreds of cherry trees have been planted, making this trail a beautiful climb in springtime. The trail is suitable for beginner level hikers. For a map and further details, see here. Hishi Kannonyama Hiking Trails - The trails here lead past Senryuin Temple and ovevr Kannon-yama and Shimobishi-yama, and then down to Fumonji Temple or Bunshoji Temple. The trails are neither too steep nor strenuous, making them an excellent choice for beginner level hikers. There is a panoramic view of Kiryu City from Gachin-yama. For a detailed hiking map, see here. Hishi Isshiki Hiking Trails - From the entrance at Sakashimo-yama, past Kibune Shrine, the trail leads over Isshiki Raiden-yama to an Observation Deck. Along the way, hikers can see a field of dogtooth violets blooming in spring and a firefly zone popular in early summer. The course is approximately 2.5 km in length and is suitable for beginner level hikers. For a detailed trail map, see here. Chausuyama Hiking Trails - From the peak of Chausu-yama, hikers have a 360 degree panoramic view of the city of Kiryu and south over the Kanto Plain to Tokyo. This course is suitable for beginner level hikers. Course is known for its plum trees in springtime. The trail is approximately 5 km in length. For a detailed trail map, see here. Hikobe Manor / Kamo Shrine Hiking Trails - This hiking area is known for two historically important sites: Hikobe Manor and Kamo Shrine. The trails are ideal for beginner level hikers. Approximately 6 km in length. For a detailed trail map, see here.

Cycling

Kiryu is home to a bustling local cycling scene thanks to lots of local riders and amazing roads to ride. Along with this, Kiryu City offers free day rentals of bikes and e-bikes in multiple locations including Shin-Kiryu and Kiryu Stations. For multi-day trips Bike Tour Japan based in Kiryu offers guided and self-guided options from 1-8 days in length exploring Kiryu and the mountains beyond.

These are a few of the top routes to cycle in Kiryu

Kiryu to Ashikaga - 17km flat route connecting the two towns on a car free bike path along the Watarase River. Kiryu to Lake Umeda - 27km and 220m of gain, gentile climbs and pretty forests and riverside views take you up to the Lake Umeda recreation area.

Camping

Hanamigahara Forest Park (花見ヶ原森林公園) - Located at the foot of Mt. Akagi in the Kurohone district of Kiryu, the park is at an elevation of 1200 m. The park features campsites and barbecue facilities. There are many azaleas planted in the park, making springtime strolls through the park very pleasant. Hiking trails to Mt. Akagi start from this park. Parking for 200 vehicles available. Riheijaya Forest Park (利平茶屋森林公園) - One of the trails for hiking to Mt. Akagi departs from this park. There are bungalows and campsites located along a stream running through the park. Barbecue facilities are also available. The park is in the Kurohone district of Kiryu. Parking for 80 vehicles available.

Buy

Tourism & Products Shop "Watarase". Open year round. Items: textile products, Kinopi goods, foods (Udon, Snacks, Sweets etc.), etc.

Kiryu Orimono Kinenkan. Closed the last Saturday and Sunday of the month.

Kiryu Local Industries Promotion Centre. Closed during the New Year holiday. Items: textile products, Kinopi goods, foods (udon, sake, Shiitake mushroom, snacks, sweets), etc.

Umeda Furusato Centre. Closed during the New Year holiday. Items: foods, small items

Michi no Eki Kurohone Yamabiko. Closed during the New Year holiday. Items: foods

Niisato Farmers Market. Items: foods.

Textile Museum Yukari. Also open when Monday is a national holiday. Items: textile calendar and other textile products.

Yukatayasan (Japanese "kimono" "yukata" shop). Yukata (summer kimono) and related goods.

Kiryu Washi Workshop. Handmade washi papers (various size and purposes of papers). Residence of Hoshino family.

Shopping for Local Specialties of Kiryu.

Eat

Kiryu is famous for its udon (thick noodles made with wheat flour). There are many forms of udon from extremely wide, flat noodles known as "himokawa noodles" to rather thin flat noodles vaguely reminiscent of fettuccine in shape. Udon is eaten hot or cold. In addition to udon noodles, Kiryu is also the home of "sauce katsudon" - a fried pork cutlet seasoned with a secret sauce and served on a bed of hot rice. There are several restaurants serving this tasty dish, while Shitamiya is generally recognised as the originator. No trip to Kiryu would be complete without sampling udon and sauce katsudon.

Himokawa Udon Noodles Furukawa Udon Shop -Park Inn Kiryu. Furukawa is considered the home of the extremely wide (over 15 cm) himokawa udon noodles. Gunma Prefecture is a producer of wheat, and there is a long tradition of eating wheat noodles. Some say the extra-wide noodles are reminiscent of the kimono obi produced in Kiryu over the years. Furukawa Aioi Branch is located in 2-735-15 Aioicho. 5-minute walk from Aioi station of Tobu Line and Watarase Keikoku Railway.

Sauce Katsudon Shitamiya Honten. Sauce Katsudon is by far Kiryu's most famous dish. While the name "souce katsudon" is used elsewhere, the popular flavor loved by locals is unique to Kiryu. There are restaurants in Kiryu specializing in this local favorite.

Kororin Shumai. The steamed dumpling-like shumai are then seasoned with a Worchestershire-like flavored sauce and topped off with some nori (dried seaweed) flakes. Closed on Mondays.

Yaki Manju (焼まんじゅう)Known all over Japan, these wheat cakes roasted over charcoal and basted with sweet soy sauce are delicious anytime of day. Gunma Prefecture is a wheat growing region, making wheat-based noodles and buns a homegrown favourite. Best eaten at fairs and festivals, yaki manju are also available at local gift and souvenir shops. Yakisoba with Potatoes (ポテトやきそば)Yakisoba is eaten all over Japan, but Kiryu's hometown version is noodles fried with Worcestershire sauce, with potatoes, dried seaweed and fried eggs. Delicious! Hanapan (花ぱん)These soft, sweet cookie-like treats have a history of over 100 years in Kiryu. Each shop produces its own variation in terms of shape and size. Perfect accompaniment to tea! These treats are available at local confectionary stores and at gift and souvenir shops in Kiryu. Ice Manju (アイスまんじゅう)For those fond of frozen treats, these red bean filled milk icicles are a delicious summer refreshment. Available in local convenience stores, supermarkets and some confectionary stores. Bisuroll (ビスロール)These butter rolls are a hybrid croissant-biscuit cross. They are a perfect accompaniment to morning coffee or afternoon tea. Slightly sweet, they are delicious with jam. Available at local bakeries.

Trattoria Kitchen Makaroni. Pasta, pizza, sweet and others, closed on Sunday

Kyara. omelette with rice, pasta, curry rice and others

Restaurant Chocolat Noix. French restaurant, Tu-Su lunch from 11:30, dinner from 17:00.

Umeda Furusato Center. The Umeda Furusato Center sells many locally produced items. In particular, it is well known for its handmade soba and udon noodles. The noodles are served in the small dining area, where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. In addition to the dining room, there is a shop where locally produced items, including cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, fresh shiitake mushrooms, wild mountain vegetables and other harvested-that-morning produce are sold. Next to the shop there is an exhibition room where local artisans and artists sometimes exhibit their works. Closed on Monday.

Kuri Manju (Fujikakeya). These chestnut-shaped manju (cake buns) are filled with red bean paste. These extremely popular manju are available at the Fujikakeya Kuri Manju shop in Nishikicho, Kiryu. Closed on Tuesday.

Thai Thai. Thai cuisine restaurant. Closed on Wednesday.

BUDDHA Indian cuisine. Closed on the second Wednesday and last Wednesday of every month.

Sauce Katsudon Fujiya Shokudo. Sauce Katsudon is one of the Kiryu's specializing cuisine. Closed on Monday and 2nd Tuesday.

Drink

Uotami. A large Japanese-style chain izakaya with a wide range of seafood and other snacks to go with an equally wide range of drinks, including regional sakes. Extensive picture menus for both food and drink, but not much English.