      NPO and Multiculturalism Promotion Division, Life and Culture Department, Gunma Prefecture
〒371-8570 Ote-machi 1-1-1, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture Tel: 027-226-3396 Fax: 027-221-0300 Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR), Gunma Office 
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Home > Overview of Gunma Prefecture
Overview of Gunma PrefectureGunma Prefecture is situated at what is almost the center of the Japanese archipelago, in the northwestern part of the Kanto Plain. It’s an inland prefecture, approximately 100 km northwest of Tokyo (139o East and 36o North). To the East of Gunma lies Tochigi, to the West is Nagano, to the South is Saitama and to the North, Niigata and Fukushima. The shape of Gunma, surrounded by these prefectures, resembles that of a crane in flight.
Two thirds of the prefecture is mountainous, with mountains ranging across the northwestern Prefectural boarder. The prefecture is blessed with a rich variety of nature such as; mountains 2,000 meters high, the marshlands of Oze, many lakes, and the Tone River’s clear stream.
ClimateGunma’s plains, having a Pacific climate, see much rain in summer and little in winter. The mountainous regions in the north also get a lot of rain and snow, having a climate resembling that of the Japan sea side. The frequent occurrence of thunder in the summer and the strong winds in winter, known as the “Karakkaze Dry Winds’, are characteristic of the area. Population / Area / City, Town, VillageOn the first of January 2008, Gunma’s population of 2,012,816 people is the 19th largest population in the country’s 47 prefectures. With an area of about 6,363 km2, the prefecture occupies 1.68% of the country’s land area which ranks as 21st in Japan. The Prefecture is made up of 12 cities, 15 towns and 9 villages (as of 2009). The capital city, Maebashi, lies at the foothills of the southwestern slope of Mt. Akagi and has a population of approx. 320,000. NatureMountains range across the northwestern part of the prefecture. Most notable are the three Jomo Mountains of Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna and Mt. Myogi. They are host to over four hundred rivers of every size, almost all of which converge with the Tone River. The mountain streams of Gunma Prefecture are both beautiful and rich in variety.
Many hot springs can be found throughout the prefecture. Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Minakami hot springs are famous nationwide.
IndustryIn order of volume shipped in 2008, the major manufactured goods from Gunma are; transport machinery (31%), machinery (10%), food (7%), and electric equipment (7%). A large scale industrial area has been progressively built up in the eastern regions, concentrated around Ota City and Oizumi Town, forming the largest conglomeration of industry in the prefecture. Agriculture in Gunma Prefecture has continued to prosper due to the area’s close proximity to the huge consumer market of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Gunma has the highest production output of Cabbage which is cultivated under its cooler climate in the prefecture’s mountainous regions, as well as konnyaku root (‘Devil’s Tongue’) and cucumber. The production volume of shiitake mushrooms, spinach, eggplants, lettuce, wheat, and Japanese apricots is ranked at one of the highest levels in Japan. Additionally, swine husbandry and the breeding of cattle for dairy and beef products are also carried out at substantial levels.
CultureEstablished in 1945, Gunma Symphony Orchestra has the second longest history in Japan.
Tomioka Silk Mill was a silk filature facility established by the Japanese National Government in 1872 (the 5th year of the Meiji Era) in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture. It contributed much to the modernization of Japan. “The Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Industrial Heritage” was inscribed on Japan’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage in January 2007.
International ExchangeIn order to promote continuing international mutual understanding and cooperation with foreign countries, Gunma Prefecture actively promotes a wide array of activities.
Access■By TrainTokyo Sta. (JR Joetsu/Nagano Shinkansen) －Takasaki Sta. (Approx. 50 minutes) Takasaki Sta. (JR Ryomo Line) －Maebashi Sta. (Approx. 10 minutes) Asakusa Sta. (Tobu Isesaki Line) －Tatebayashi Sta. (Approx. 90 minutes) *Haneda－Takasaki (Approx. 110minutes) ■By CarKanetsu Expressway Nerima IC － Maebashi IC (Approx. 92km, 70 minutes) ■By Express BusNarita － Maebashi (Approx. 220 minutes)
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