Kiryu

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.

By train
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 ¥1,000 each way.

The Tōbu Isesaki line limited express train, 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 ¥2,400, 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 06:36 and the last train leaves Matō at 19:46. The full-distance fare is about ¥1,110 each way. For travellers already in Maebashi, the tiny Jōmō Dentetsu line runs between Chūō Maebashi and Nishi Kiryū station.

By highway bus
The Nihon Chuo Bus  runs directly between Haneda airport and Kiryū twice each way daily for ¥3,400 (child ¥1,700) one way. 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. Adult fare one-way ¥5,900 (child ¥2,950); round-trip ¥10,030 (child ¥5,020).

Orihime Bus
This is the public city bus system. See this link for detailed information about the various bus routes, schedules and fares.

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. Stations 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 22:00 and 05:00

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.


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Do

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 * 桐生が岡遊園地, Kiryugaoka Amusement Park - panoramio.jpg
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Public swimming pools

 * Kiryu Swimming Pool (市民プール) at Kiryu Sports Park (3-300 Aioicho), phone:+81 277-53-8830, in front of Kiryu Kyujomae Station of Jomo Dentetsu Line. Operating period: Jul–Aug, 10:00-17:00, Entrance: Adults: ¥380, High school: ¥140, Jr HS and below: ¥70.
 * Rooftop Swimming Pool (屋上運動公園プール) at Sakaino Water Treatment Facility (Sakainocho), phone:+81 277-44-6184, about 10 minutes' drive from JR Kiryu Station. Operating period: Jul-Au. 09:30-16:00, admission free. This pool is for the use of preschoolers and elementary school age.
 * Caribbean Beach (カリビアンビーチ, 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 (桐生スケートセンター, Ice Skating) (7-3-50 Higashi), phone:+81 277-44-9317, 5 minutes' drive from JR Kiryu Station. 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. Admission (all day): ¥990 (high school students and over), ¥480 (jr. high school students and below). Skate Rental (all day): ¥380 (high school students and over) ¥170 (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 (桐生スターレーン) (2-1821-36 Tomoecho), phone:+81 277-44-8155. 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.
 * Hishaykuyama Castle Ruins.jpgHishakuyama 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. Phone (in Japanese only) +81 277-96-3131. 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. Phone (in Japanese only,) +81 277-96 2588. Parking for 80 vehicles available.

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 Noodles
 * Sauce Katsudon
 * 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!
 * Kiryu-Hanapan.jpgHanapan (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.
 * 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.

Go next

 * Midori
 * Maebashi
 * Numata
 * Fujimi
 * Isesaki
 * Ota
 * Ashikaga
 * Sano
 * Tatebayashi