Kiryū (桐生市) is a city in Gunma Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan
Understand
Fine old wooden house in Kiryu
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. Nevertheless, Kiryū remains the jumping-off point for trips to Mt. Akagi and to the Watarase River valley.
Kiryū lies about halfway between Oyama and Takasaki on the JR Ryōmō line, about 1 hour by local train from either end. About 30 trains per day pass through in each direction, and the fare runs about ¥1000 each way.
The Tōbu Isesaki line express train Ryōmō, which requires seat reservations, stops at Tōbu Shin-Kiryu station on its run between Asakusa and Akagi. It leaves Asakusa at 40 min past the hour, costs about ¥2400, and takes about 90 min in either direction. 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 6:36AM and the last train leaves Matō at 7:46PM. The full-distance fare is about ¥1110 each way.
For travellers already in Maebashi, the tiny Jōmō Dentetsu line runs between Chūō Maebashi and Nishi Kiryū station.
By highway bus
The Expressway Bus Salvia line runs directly between Narita airport and Kiryū 5 times each way daily for ¥4400 one way. The trip takes about 3 hours, depending on Tokyo traffic. Five buses leave JR Kiryū station South Exit between 4:20AM and 1:20PM and five buses leave Narita for Kiryū between 8:10AM and 7:25PM.
The Airport Limousine Bus also runs directly between Haneda airport and Kiryū 4 times each way daily for ¥3400 one way. The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on Tokyo traffic. Four buses leave JR Kiryū station South Exit at 3:00, 3:40, 5:30, and 7:50AM, and four buses leave Haneda airport for Kiryū at 4:20, 6:20, 8:20 and 10:35PM.
The overnight Sendai Liner leaves JR Kiryū station South Exit nightly at 11:30PM, arriving at Sendai station at 6AM. It leaves Sendai station nightly at 11PM, arriving in Kiryū at 5:25AM. Adult fare one-way ¥5,900; round-trip ¥10,030.
Get around
Orihime Bus
This is the public city bus system. See this link for detailed information about the various bus routes, schedules and fares.
Bicycles are available for rent at the Yui Office in JR Kiryu Station. See this link for details.
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. Stations, etc. have taxi stands; passengers can also call a taxi by telephone. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, however, there is a surcharge for service between 10PM and 5AM.
City taxi companies
Kiryu Asahi Taxi +81 277-54-2420
Kiryu Godo Taxi +81 277-46-3939
Numataya Taxi +81 277-44-5242
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,6-877 Hirosawacho(15-minute drive from the Ota/Kiryu Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-52-6596.weekends 10AM - 4PM (reservations required for weekday tours). Closed on weekdays (unless you have a reservation.).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.adults: ¥500; elementary/jr high school students: ¥300.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Meijikan
Kiryu Meijikan,2-414-6 Aioicho,☏ +81 277-52-3445.Tu-Su 9AM-5PM.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.Adults: ¥150; elementary and jr high school students: ¥50.(updated May 2017)
Kiryugaoka Zoo,3-8-13 Miyamotocho(15 minute walk from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-22-4442.Over one hundred exotic animals can be seen at the zoo, including lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingoes, and penguins.Free.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Club Building
Kiryu Club,2-9-36 Nakamachi(10 minutes walking from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-45-2755.Please inquire.A notable social gathering place built in 1919. Interior decor is reminiscent of early 20th century furnishings. Architecture is outstanding.(updated May 2017)
Yūrinkan,2-6-32 Honcho,☏ +81 277-46-4144.9AM-9PM, closed: Dec 28-Jan 4.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 historyFree.(updated Jul 2017)
Textile Museum ‘Yukari’,4-2-24 Higashi,☏ +81 277-45-3111.10AM - 4PM.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.adults: ¥700, university/college students:￥600, high school/jr high school students:￥500, elementary school students: ¥400.(updated Jul 2017)
Okawa Museum of Art,3-69 Kosonecho(15 minute walk from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-46-3300.Tu-Su 10AM-5PM, closed: Dec 28-Jan 3.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.adults:¥1,000, university/high school students:￥600, jr high / elementary school students:￥300.(updated Jul 2017)
Kennen Kinenkan,1832-13 Tomoecho(5 minute walk from Kiryu Station south exit),☏ +81 277-44-2399.Tu-Su 9AM-5PM.One of the oldest buildings in Western-style architecture in the prefecture. Inside, local antiquities are displayed.adults(high school students or older):￥150, children:￥50.(updated Jul 2017)
Kiryu Textile Memorial HallKiryu Orimono Kinenkan (Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall),6-6 Eirakucho(5-minute walk from the North Exit of Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-43-7272.10AM-5PM, closed: AuG 13-16, Dec 29-Jan 3.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.Free.(updated Jul 2017)
Aizawa Tadahiro Kinenkan,537 Okuzawa Niisatocho(20 minute drive from the Isesaki Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-74-3342.Tu-Su 10AM-5PM.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.adults (high school students or older):￥500, jr high/ elementary school students:￥250.(updated Jul 2017)
Glasshouse of Gunma Insect World
Gunma Insect World,460-1 Tsurugaya Niisatocho(20-minute drive from the Isesaki Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-74-6441.Apr-Oct: 9:30AM-5PM; Nov-Mar: 9:30AM-4:30PM.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.adults:￥410, university/high school students:￥200, jr high school students or younger: free.(updated Jul 2017)
Kurohone History & Folkculture Museum,175 Mizunuma Otsu Kurohone(10 minute walk from Mizunuma Station on the Watarase Keikoku Line),☏ +81 277-96-3125.Tu-Su 10AM-4PM, closed: Dec 28-Jan 4.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.adults:￥100, jr high /elementary school students:￥50.(updated Jul 2017)
Do
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival,streets in downtown Kiryu.first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August.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.(updated May 2017)
Ebisuko (festival),downtown Kiryu and Nishinomiya Shrine(10 minute walk from Kiryu Station).annually, November 19th and 20th.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.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Fashion Week,downtown Kiryu(A short walk from Kiryu Station / Nishi Kiryu Station to various sites).beginning of November.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.(updated May 2017)
Kiryugaoka Amusement Park,4-1-1 Miyamotocho(15 minutes walking from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-22-7580.Mar-Oct: 9:30AM-5PM; Nov-Feb: 9AM-4PM.Located next to Kiryugaoka Zoo. Attractions in the amusement park are geared toward younger children. Famous site for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.Free admission; separates fees for rides.(updated May 2017)
Tenmangu Antiques Flea Market,Tenjincho 1chome(located on the grounds of Tenmangu Shrine. A 20 minute walk from Kiryu Station).1st Saturday of the month (special dates set for January, August & November).Antique dealers from all over the Kanto area converge on this site. Everything from kimonos to antique ceramics and furniture is on sale.(updated May 2017)
Kaiba Sayaichi Market,Honcho 1 chome(15 minute walk from Kiryu Station).1st Saturday of the month.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 Department Store. These shopping areas sold textiles and goods used in daily life.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Rakuichi Market,Honcho 3 chome(10 minute walk from Kiryu Station).Open air market for discounted goods and handicrafts(updated May 2017)
Niisato Festival(Held in sites around the Niisato area).Annually, August 15.Yagibushi dancing and a firework display are the main attractions of this summer festival.(updated May 2017)
Kurohone Summer Festival,Kurohone Sports Park(A short walk from Mizunuma Station on the Watarase Keikoku Line).Annually, August 15 & 16.Catching trout by hand, Yagibushi dancing, & fireworks are the main attractions.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Nature Sanctuary,2-902-1 Kawauchicho(10 minutes by car from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-65-6901.Mar-Oct: 9AM-4:30PM; Nov-Dec: 9:30AM-4PM.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.free of charge.(updated May 2017)
Caribbean Beach,461 No Niisatocho(15 minutes driving from the Isesaski Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-70-2121.F-W 10AM- 9PM (last entry at 8PM).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.Varies by season.(updated May 2017)
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!(updated May 2017)
Daruma Fair at Fumonji Temple,4-2274 Hishimachi(About 20-minute drive from Tobu Shin Kiryu Station. About 10-minute drive from JR Kiryu Station.),☏ +81 277-43-5683.The annual Daruma Fair will take place on the third Sunday of January at Fumonji Temple. Parking lots available. This fair was first started in Kiryu in1964. 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.(updated Jun 2017)
Mikagari Ceremony at Kamojinja Shrine,6-833 Hirosawacho(About 15 minute drive from Tobu Shin Kiryu Station. About 20 minute drive from JR Kiryu Station.),☏ +81 277-54-5492.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.(updated Jun 2017)
Azuma Park,3-10-1 Miyamotocho(About 5 minute drive from JR Kiryu Station. About 20 minute walk from JR Kiryu station.),☏ +81 277-22-8636.10AM-5:30PM.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. You are able to enjoy tea ceremony there on the third Sunday of every month.free.(updated Jun 2017)
Kiryu Minami Park,5-4716-11 Hirosawacho(About 15 minute drive from JR Kiryu Station. About 10 minute drive from Tobu Shin Kiryu Station.),☏ +81 277-52-3456,minami-k@kiryu-piif.jp.Plum grove, lawn open space, play field, tennis court, baseball field, jogging course. Enough parking space.free of charge.(updated Jun 2017)
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.)(updated Jun 2017)
Higiri Jizoson Festival at Kan'nonin Temple,2-13-18 Higashi(About 5-minute drive from JR Kiryu Station South Exit. About 15 minute walk from JR Kiryu station South Exit. About 10-minute drive from Tobu Shin Kiryu Station.),☏ +81 277-45-0066.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.(updated Jun 2017)
Seven Herbs Porridge Gathering (Nanakusa Gayu) at Sozenji Temple,2-651 Kawauchicho(10-minute drive from Tobu Aioi Station or JR Kiryu Station.),☏ +81 277-65-9422.6AM-8AM.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.(updated Jun 2017)
Sports
Public swimming pools
Kiryu Swimming Pool at Kiryu Sports Park (3-300 Aioicho), phone:+81 277-53-8830, in front of Kiryu Kyujomae Station of Jomo Dentetsu Line. Operating period: July 8, 2017-August 27, 2017, 10AM-5PM, Entrance: Adults: ¥380, High school: ¥140, Jr HS and below: ¥70.
Rooftop Swimming Pool at Sakaino Water Treatment Facility (Sakainocho), phone:+81 277-44-6184, about 10 minutes drive from JR Kiryu Station. Operating period: July 8, 2017-Aug 31, 2017. 9:30AM-4PM, Entrance: free, this pool is for the use of preschoolers and elementary school age.
Caribbean Beach (indoor swimming pool) ,(461 no, Niisatocho) phone:+81 277-70-2121. 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.
Ice skating
Kiryu Skate Center (Ice Skating) at Kiryu Skate Center (7-3-50 Higashi), phone:+81 277-44-9317, 5 minutes drive from JR Kiryu Station. Date： Oct 23, 2016 − Mar 31, 2017. Admission (all day)： ¥990 (high school students and over), ¥480 yen (jr. high school students and below). Skate Rental (all day)： ¥380 yen (high school students and over) ¥170 yen (jr. 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.
Bowling
Kiryu Star Lanes (2-1821-36 Tomoecho), phone:+81 277-44-8155. 5 minute walk from JR Kiryu Station South Exit.
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.
Camping
Hanamigahara Forest Park - 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. Phone (in Japanese only) +81 277-96-3131. Parking for 200 vehicles available.
Riheijaya Forest Park - 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. Phone (in Japanese only,) +81 277-96 2588. Parking for 80 vehicles available.
Buy
Tourism & Products Shop "Watarase",11-1 Suehirocho(Located inside Kiryu Station at the South Entrance),☏ +81 277-40-1888.9AM-6PM.Open year round. Items: textile products, Kinopi goods, foods (Udon, Snacks, Sweets etc.), etc.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Orimono Kinenkan,6-6 Eirakucho(5 minute walk from JR Kiryu Station North Exit),☏ +81 277-43-7272.Tu-Su 10AM-5PM.Closed the last Saturday and Sunday of the month. Items: textile products (bag, necktie, obi, kimono, wallets, silk fabric, sell-phone charms, wall ornament, etc)(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Local Industries Promotion Centre,2-5 Orihimecho(10 minute walk from JR Kiryu Station South Exit),☏ +81 277-46-1011.Tu-Su 9AM-6PM.Closed during the New Year holiday. Items: textile products, Kinopi goods, foods (Udon, Sake, Shiitake Mashroom, Snacks, Sweets etc), etc.(updated May 2017)
Umeda Furusato Centre,5-7568-1 Umedacho,☏ +81 277-32-1100.Tu-Su 9AM-5PM.Closed during the New Year holiday. Items: foods, small items(updated May 2017)
Textile Museum Yukari,4-2-24 Higashi(15 minute walk from Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-45-3111.Tu-Su 10AM-4PM.Also open when Monday is a national holiday. Items: textile calendar and other textile products.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Washi Workshop,5-7348 Umedacho,☏ +81 277-32-0201.Handmade washi papers (various size and purposes of papers). Residence of Hoshino family.(updated Jun 2017)
Kinopi Goods Shop Map."Kinopi" is the Kiryu mascot, symbolizing the early modern heritage of the city's sawtooth-roof textile mills. This lively mascot, an emblem of the city, represents the plentiful water resources and verdant green environment with which the city is blessed. The 3 roof peaks on Kinopi's head symbolize the 3 harmoniously consolidated districts of the city: Kiryu, Niisato and Kurohone, while reflecting the future growth of the city.(updated Aug 2017)
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. There are many udon shops around the city of Kiryu, ranging in price from very cheap to gourmet-range. 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
Himokawa Udon NoodlesFurukawa Udon Shop -Park Inn Kiryu,2-2-3 Tomoecho(1st floor of Park Inn Kiryu, 1 minute from Kiryu Station South Exit),☏ +81 277-46-4146.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.(updated May 2017)
Sauce KatsudonShitamiya Honten,1-1-1 Hamamatsucho(a 10 minute walk from Kiryu Station south exit.),☏ +81 277-44-4693.F-W 11AM-2PM; 5PM-8PM. Closed 3rd Friday of each month.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 rastaurants in Kiryu specializing in this local favorite.(updated May 2017)
Kororin Shumai,5-204-23 Aioicho(5 minute drive from Tobu Aioi Station or Watarase Keikoku Railways Aioi Station.),☏ +81 277-53-8617.10AM-7PM.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.(updated Jun 2017)
Yaki Manju 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 Yakisoba is eaten all over Japan, but Kiryu's hometown version is noodles fried with worchestershire sauce, with potatoes, dried seaweed and fried eggs. Delicious!
Hanapan 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 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.
Kuri Manju These chestnut-shaped manju (cake buns) are filled with red bean paste. These extremely popular manju are available at the Fujikake Kuri Manju shop in Nishikicho, Kiryu.
Bisuroll 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.
Drink
Uotami('fish nation'),Hon-cho 5-52, Takeuchi Bldg 1-2F(on the east side of Hon-cho-dori, half a block from Suehiro-dori, which runs past the north exit of JR Kiryu station),☏ +81 277-47-0388.daily 5PM-10PM.A large Japanese-style 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. Small bottles of sake run about ¥500 to ¥800, snacks start from about ¥250, with many choices in the range of ¥350–650.
Park Inn Kiryu,2-2-3 Tomoecho(1 minute walk from the South Entrance of Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-22-8910.(updated May 2017)
Toseikan,7-17 Suehirocho(2 minute walk from the South Entrance of Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-22-5421.(updated May 2017)
Silver Hotel,4-13 Suehirocho,☏ +81 277-22-7717.(updated May 2017)
Kiryu Grand Hotel,5-111-3 Aioicho(20 minute drive from the Ota-Yabutsuka Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-53-6211.(updated May 2017)
Pearl Hotel,2-9 Suehirocho(5 minute walk from the North Entrance of Kiryu Station).(updated May 2017)
Business Hotel Nishi Kiryu,4-14 Eirakucho(8 minute walk from the North Entrance of Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-22-2985.(updated May 2017)
Ace Hotel,2-1893-9 Tomoecho,☏ +81 277-47-4910.(updated May 2017)
Seifuen,5-7652 Umedacho(25 minute drive from Kiryu Station. 1 hour drive from the Ota-Yabutsuka Exit on the Kita Kanto Highway),☏ +81 277-32-1181.(updated May 2017)
Hotel City,2-2955-2 Hirosawacho(5 minute walk from Tobu Shin Kiryu Station),☏ +81 277-54-1927.(updated May 2017)
Nashigi Hot Springs Nashigikan,285 Shukumeguri Kurohonecho,☏ +81 277-96-2521.(updated May 2017)
This city travel guide to Kiryuis a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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