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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Tatebayashi.
Nestled amid the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Japan’s Gunma Prefecture lies a hidden gem that promises to capture the hearts of intrepid explorers and culture enthusiasts alike: Tatebayashi, a city overflowing with ancient temples, lush gardens, vibrant festivals, and mouth-watering culinary delights.
From strolling through the majestic Kubota Garden to savoring the unique flavors of the local soba noodles, Tatebayashi invites you to embark on a journey of discovery you’ll never forget.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Tatebayashi:
1. Haruna Shrine
Haruna Shrine is a beautiful Shinto Shrine located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the serene grounds, admire the stunning architecture, and make offerings at the shrine.
The shrine is also surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the shrine is the 28-meter-tall red torii gate, which is considered one of the largest in Japan.
Visitors also shouldn’t miss the intricate carvings and sculptures found throughout the shrine’s buildings.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the shrine during autumn, when the surrounding trees turn to vibrant shades of red and gold. If you’re up for a hike, the nearby Mount Haruna offers stunning views of the area.
Additionally, try some of the local soba noodles, which are a specialty of the Tatebayashi region.
2. Fujioka Shuzo Sake Brewery
A sake brewery that has been making sake for over 220 years.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about the sake making process and sample various types of sake. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase bottles of sake to take home with you.
Don’t miss: Trying their award-winning sake, including their flagship “Shichiken” sake which has won numerous prestigious prizes.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to book a tour in advance and wear comfortable shoes as the brewery grounds are quite large.
If you visit during the winter months, you can also see the brewery covered in snow which makes for a beautiful photo opportunity.
3. Koinoki Shrine
Koinoki Shrine, also known as Koinomikoto Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in Tatebayashi city, Gunma prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The shrine has a quiet and serene atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful trees. The main hall of the shrine houses a statue of the deity Koinomikoto.
There is also a small pond with koi fish and a torii gate made of copper.
Don’t miss: One of the most striking features of this shrine is the hundreds of wooden plaques, called ema, hanging on the trees and fences.
Visitors write their wishes on them and hang them up in the hopes that they will come true.
Insider travel tips: If you visit during cherry blossom season in late March to early April, you can see the beautiful pink petals surrounding the shrine.
It’s also recommended to visit during autumn, when the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold.
The shrine is free to enter and is close to other tourist attractions in Tatebayashi city such as Shikishima Park and Keyaki Hiroba.
4. Kawai Jinja Shrine
Kawai Jinja Shrine, also known as Kawai Hachimangu, is a Shinto shrine located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The shrine grounds are beautifully landscaped with a pond and several torii gates leading up to the main shrine building. Visitors can explore the picturesque grounds and observe the various rituals and ceremonies that take place at the shrine.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Kawai Jinja Shrine is the annual Koinobori Festival held during the months of April and May, where visitors can see hundreds of colorful carp-shaped streamers hanging from bamboo poles throughout the shrine grounds.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can participate in a special ceremony called “Ohinamatsuri” (Doll Festival) held in March, where traditional hina dolls are displayed and blessed.
Additionally, early morning visits to the shrine offer a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to witness the morning rituals performed by the priests.
5. Tatebayashi City Folk Arts Museum
A museum showcasing the local folk art of Tatebayashi City, Japan.
What to see or do: View the impressive collection of traditional crafts, including ceramics, textiles, woodworking, and lacquerware. Visitors can also watch live demonstrations of craft-making by skilled artisans.
Don’t miss: The exhibit on the history and culture of Tatebayashi City, where you can learn about the area’s unique traditions and customs.
Insider travel tips: – Check the museum’s website for information on special events, such as workshops and lectures.
6. The Symphony Hills Concert Hall
Symphony Hills Concert Hall is a world-class music venue located in Tatebayashi, Japan.
What to see or do: This stunning concert hall boasts excellent acoustics and is known for hosting performances by world-famous classical musicians and orchestras. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of musical performances, including symphony concerts, operas, and chamber music.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch one of the many performances that take place at Symphony Hills Concert Hall, as they offer a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
Additionally, take a moment to admire the impressive architecture and design of the building.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance, as performances often sell out quickly.
Visitors may want to arrive early to explore the surrounding area, as Tatebayashi is known for its beautiful nature and traditional culture.
7. Tatebayashi Castle Ruins
Tatebayashi Castle Ruins is a historical landmark located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the remains of the castle, including the stone walls and gates. The view from the top of the hill is also worth seeing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a picture on the wooden bridge over the moat, which offers a picturesque view of the castle ruins.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there is a steep incline on the way up to the castle ruins.
8. Old Yoshida Family Residence
Old Yoshida Family Residence is a historic Japanese house located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. It was built in the late 19th century and represents traditional Japanese architecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various buildings on the property, including the main house, tea house, and storehouse.
Inside the main house, there are tatami mat rooms with sliding doors and a tokonoma (alcove) where art or flowers are displayed.
The tea house features a small garden and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be experienced here.
Don’t miss: The garden at Old Yoshida Family Residence is a must-see. It showcases the different seasons with seasonal plants and flowers.
One of the highlights is the kaede (Japanese maple) that turns bright red in the autumn.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting Old Yoshida Family Residence during the Tatebayashi Azalea Festival, which takes place in late April to early May. The garden is filled with blooming azaleas in a variety of colors, making it a stunning sight.
Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering the buildings, as is customary in Japanese homes.
9. Onsen-ji Temple
Onsen-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the beautiful garden that features a pond, bridges, and a small waterfall.
The main hall of the temple houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine, which is designated as an important cultural property.
Don’t miss: The temple is famous for its “Kuruma Ningyo,” a traditional Japanese puppet performance that has been designated as an intangible cultural property by the Japanese government.
Visitors can watch a performance of the puppet show on special occasions.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit the temple in autumn when the garden is filled with colorful foliage. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a hot spring foot bath near the temple.
10. Otohime Waterfall
Otohime Waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the city of Tatebayashi, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a serene hike through the lush forest to reach the waterfall, which cascades down a dramatic rocky cliff.
The waterfall is surrounded by stunning greenery, making for a picture-perfect natural scenery.
Don’t miss: Do not miss the chance to stand in awe of the powerful waterfall and take plenty of pictures to capture the moment.
Insider travel tips: To fully enjoy the visit, wear comfortable and appropriate shoes as the hiking trail can be slippery. Additionally, bring water and snacks, as there are no food vendors in the area.
When visiting, be mindful of the environment and do not litter.
11. Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji Temple, also known as the “Temple of the Forest Rin,” is a historic Buddhist temple located in Tatebayashi, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple’s grounds and take in the beautiful surroundings of the surrounding forest. The temple also features a five-story pagoda, a tea house, and a pond garden.
Don’t miss: Take a moment to appreciate the temple’s unique architecture and the intricate details in the buildings and statues. Be sure to also visit the Jizo Bosatsu statue, a well-known icon of Morin-ji Temple.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to try the famous Tatebayashi manju, a traditional Japanese sweet that can be found at the temple’s souvenir shop.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting the temple during the week or early in the morning.
12. Tatebayashi Park
A picturesque park located in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan that features seasonal natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the park’s lush greenery and serene lake, admire the stunning cherry blossoms in spring, enjoy the colorful foliage in autumn, play a game of tennis or soccer, have a picnic, or visit the open-air museum and historical buildings.
Don’t miss: The park’s largest cherry blossom tree, which is over 400 years old and takes on a magnificent pink hue in the springtime.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the off-peak season for a more peaceful and less crowded experience, and don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of snacks for a relaxing day at the park.
If you’re interested in Japanese history, be sure to explore the open-air museum and learn about the Edo period architecture and culture.
13. Ashikaga Flower Park
Ashikaga Flower Park is a beautiful botanical garden located in Tatebayashi, Japan. It is known for its enchanting wisteria display, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
What to see or do: The park boasts various themed gardens, including a water garden, an English rose garden, and a Japanese garden.
However, the main attraction is the wisteria display, where you can find a diverse range of wisteria flowers in different colors and shapes.
During the peak season, the park also offers a wisteria tunnel, where you can walk under the delicate hanging blooms.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the light-up event during the peak season, where the wisteria tunnel is illuminated with magical lights at night.
This gives a surreal and otherworldly experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the peak season, which is from mid-April to mid-May, to witness the stunning wisteria bloom.