Reasons to Choose Japan
Life in Japan by Specific Areas
Gunma
Summary
It is an hour or 100km away from Tokyo, an area where industries centered on the manufacturing industry are thriving. In addition to having few disasters such as earthquakes, it is located in Kanto area same as Tokyo, where cost of living here is low (3rd place in Japan) and it is an easy-to-live area. There is a wide variety of areas in the prefecture, from highlands to plains, where you can enjoy both the rich nature and the lifestyle of the city. You can enjoy various activities such as rafting and canyoning in summer; and, skiing or snowboarding in winter.
*This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.
Access
- If arriving by train
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From Tokyo
Tokyo Station
1 hour 27 minutesMaebashi Station
Famous places / spots recommended by locals
Kusatsu Onsen
Kusatsu Onsen, one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan, has won the first place in "Japanese hot springs Top 100" for 16 consecutive years. Being one of the three major hot springs in Japan, Kusatsu Onsen has the largest amount of natural springs in Japan. The photo is Yubatake, the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen. It is lit up every night and you can see the fantastic Yubatake. There are many inns and shops in the area. It is recommended to take a walk in the inn's yukata. Of course, the hot springs are also the most enjoyable!
Water activity
Gunma Prefecture is a treasure trove of nature! There is an environment where you can experience the magnificent nature with all five senses. The photo shows rafting in Minakami Town. You can also enjoy other water activities such as canyoning, SUP, and canoeing. Of course, in winter, you are also able to enjoy snow activities with smooth powder snow. Therefore, you may enjoy yourself all year round in Gunma Prefecture!
Foods recommended by locals
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Sukiyaki
Gunma Prefecture is a prefecture with a "sukiyaki self-sufficiency rate of 100%" where all the ingredients for sukiyaki are produced in the prefecture. You can enjoy all the ingredients for sukiyaki such as Joshu beef, Shimonita green onion, konjac, shiitake mushroom, Chinese cabbage, etc. from local, Gunma prefecture. This is a dish that you can enjoy the ingredients from Gunma.
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Mizusawa Udon
Mizusawa Udon, one of the three major udon noodles in Japan, is a specialty dish near Mizusawa, Ikaho Town, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. Mizusawa Udon uses the water from the foot of Mt. Haruna, flour and salt, taking two days to knead the flour and to finish it. The elastic and transparent noodles are excellent.
Climate (temperature / precipitation)
Gunma Prefecture is a region that gets long hours of sunshine. It has two different climates between the southern and northern regions due to the flatlands in the south and the mostly mountainous areas to the north and west. The southern region is characterized by hot summers and rainy weather. Cities like Tatebayashi City and Isesaki City often feature in TV and other forms of media as one of the hottest cities in Japan. In winter, the region gets what is called “karakaze” (strong, cold, and dry seasonal winds), with many cold days. The northern and western regions are often snowy and rainy in the winter due to the seasonal winds. As such, there are many ski resorts in the Minakami, Agatsuma, Katashina, and Tambara/Kawaba areas.
Monthly temperature/precipitation
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)
Cost of living
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Rent
40,318 yen
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Electricity, gas, and water costs
9,082 yen
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Ramen
(Eating out)
567 yen
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White bread (1 kg)
498 yen
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Milk (1ℓ)
220 yen
*Source
- Rent
“Housing and Land Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Average rent per month (excluding free rent) for privately rented apartments/houses (exclusively residential dwelling) with a total floor area of 29m2 or less in each prefectural capital - Electricity, gas, and water costs
“Family Income and Expenditure Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Per capita expenditure calculated as the monthly average of total annual expenditures on utilities (electricity, gas, and water) per household in each prefectural capital, divided by the average number of members in each household - Eating out (Ramen) / White bread (1kg) / Milk (1ℓ)
“Retail Price Survey (Trend Survey): August 2024,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Related links
Number of international students by country
China
Vietnam
Nepal
Total number of international students in Japan: 279,274
Total number of international students in Gunma Prefecture: 1,896
Based on 2023 “Annual Survey of International Students in Japan”
List of universities in each area
If an area has nine schools or less with information published in the “School/Major Search” section of the website, the names of the schools are listed in no particular order. If there are 10 or more schools, those schools will not be posted on this page. Click the “Search for School/Major” button and use the search function to see a list of the schools.