| Kawarayu Hot Springs | Kitakaruizawa | Asama Volcano Museum | Event |

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　NAGANOHARA INTRO

Naganohara is located right in the center of Japan.
It is 35 miles from Maebashi, the capital of the prefecture and 94 miles from Tokyo, Naganohara is in northwest corner of Gunma.
The next few pages will give you a tour of Naganohara's regions.
You'll see the grandeur of this area's mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and wildlife.
Not only all that innate beauty, you will also see friendly people, historic sites, and cultural festivals.
You may say we're the best of both aspects--nature and culture.
So look through this site to find out all about the places to see and things to do.
No matter which season you choose to visit us, we will be ready to host you.

　Kawarayu Hot Springs

Need a relaxing vacation where your problems drift away in soothing, warm, natural spring water?
Come visit the resort village of Kawarayu Hot Springs, where you can emerge yourself in the healing waters and traditional Japanese culture.
A variety of hotels offer a relaxing atmosphere in a traditional setting, where you can enjoy the hot springs, local dishes, and community festivals.
Two different accounts relay the discovery of the Kawarayu Hot Springs.
In one, Minamoto-no-Yoritomo,a Shogun of Japan, discovered the springs on his battle mission to this area in 1193.
The second story takes place about 800 years ago, when a traveling Buddhist Priest named Kawara found the hot springs and healed himself.
It is also said that Kawarayu (yu-hot springs) was named after him.
A trip through Kawarayu Hot Springs is more than the hot water.
The thick green forest of Agatsuma-Gorge provides habitat for fox, flying squirrel, black bear, Japanese Serow and raccoon.
In autumn, the gorge burns with the reds, oranges, and yellows of maple trees, hack berry, and other vegetation.
Residents are required to relocate, and the hot springs resorts will soon be under the waters of the Agatsuma River.
Visit the magnificence before it is gone.... 　

Fudoh Fall

With 90m in length, Fudoh Fall has three stages. Must-see spot in both spring and fall time.

Agatsuma Gorge

Carved by Agatsuma River, Agatsuma Gorge shows different scenery each season. It is particularly spectaclar during the Autumn months with trees aflame with red, orange and yellow leaves.

Hot Spring Pouring Festival

In the early morning of January 20th , at freezing temperatures, men, women, the old and the young dressed in Japanese loincloths pour buckets full of hot spring water at each other. The origin of this festival date back to 13th century. About 400 years ago, the hot springs suddenly stopped flowing. Being at a loss for the thermal spring, people prayed, offering a chicken to the hot springs god (since the smell of the hot springs were similar to boiled egg.) Then the hot springs came back out again. People celebrated, and to show appreciation to Hot Hprings God, they started to pour the thermal spring water at each other. Visitors are welcomed to participate.

　Kitakaruizawa

Is there something magical about a mountain?
If you've ever seen the inspiring 8426-foot peak of Asama, your immediate answer is "yes."
This giant reaches for the sky on the southern edge of Kitakaruizawa Highlands - clear from Route 145.
On the foot of the mountain spreads lava field, a scar from Mt. Asama's eruption in 1783.
To see this historical event, stop by Asama Volcano Museum, site of Mt. Asama's volcanic activities.
South of Mt. Asama, the town of Shogetsu Lake makes ideal headquarters for exploring.
In the dry months, try boating, camping, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding on many trails.
During winter, the lake is ideal for ice skating and ice fishing.
For a real change in altitude, Mt. Asama offers lots of oppotunities for downhill and cross country skiing.

Graceful Asama Falls

It is also a popular spot to fish or simply survey foliage in autumn.

Asama Ranch

Try to spot grazing cattle while hiking within the 800 hectre Asama Ranch.
600 - cattle are pastured in June, the time Renge Azalea start to bloom.
Refresh in the pure air of Kitakaruizawa Highlands and discover the surrounding plant and animal life.

　Asama Volcano Museum

Mt.Asama

Mt. Asama's elevation is 2,596m (8,426 ft) with the area of approximately 500・. This is one of the most famous volcanos in Japan, because of its continuous volcanic activities.

Wildlife Exhibit Hall

Asama's Plants and Animals:A five corner diorama introduces visitors to the wildlife of the Asama Highlands and the many unique species of animals and insects that inhabit the area. -The Asama Story: Two "character robots" that recount Mt. Asama's history form the centerpiece of this locally flavored exhibit located in the open theater at the corner of "Wildlife Exhibit Hall." -Photograph Corner: Visitors are invited to take commemorative photographs with Mt. Asama as the backdrop.

Geological Exhibition Hall

The aim of this corner is to illustrate how volcanos are distributed throughout the world and explain the fundamentals of volcanology. The "Volcanos of Japan" exhibit centers around a model of Japanese Archipelago which indicates the location of Japan's many volcanos. These photographs may be called up on television monitors located above the model. The "Volcanos of the World" exhibit outlines the mechanics of a volcano while illustrating the distribution of volcanos and fault zones throughout the world.

Lost World

This area occupies a quarter sphere twenty-two meters in diameter and serves as the primary amusement section of the museum. Here, visitors are introduced to the lost world at the bottom of the earth, a unique experience that will transform young and old alike into volcano enthusiasts. As one passes through the slowly rotating cavern, periodically spouting lava and the Subterranean Exploration Vessel waiting to begin its next journey are sure to catch the eye. Videos capturing dramatic volcanic eruptions add the final touch to this breathtaking underworld adventure.

Subterranean Hall of Magic

After stepping into the lava tube entrance way, visitors descend a long winding corridor lined with "introductory" exhibits which serve as prologue to the main attractions below.

Subterranean Exploration Vessel

Within the Subterranean Exploration Vessel, the age of dinosaurs and the 1783 eruption are recreated on wide screen televisions using stunning computer graphics. This, in addition to a powerful soundtrack, gives visitors the feeling that they have truly slipped back in time.

Nature Trail

Considered by many to be one of the wonders of the modern world, visitors are encouraged to experience the power of Onioshidashi lava flow. With some luck, you may get a glimpse of fluorescent lichens as well.

ASAMA MEMORIAL MUSEUM (MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM)

A must for all motorcycle fans, a wide selection of "oldies but goodies" from the fifties and early sixties is sure to tickle a nostalgic nerve in young and old alike.

　EVENT

WINTER FLAME FESTIVAL, KITAKARUIZAWA

4000 lit candles on a blanket of snow give visitors the feeling that they are in a mysterious world of lights. Enjoy 4000-Torch March, Flamed Portable Shrine Parade, a performance of Japanese drums, and fireworks. Try sled dog rides on the second day of festival.

SPRING FEST, HANEO SUWA-SHRINE (SHISHIMAI)

Experience a traditional Japanese culture of Shishimai. To drive out evil spirits, the performer puts on a head and cloak to become a lion and dances from house to house.

SPRING FEST, NAGANOHARA SUWA-SHRINE

The most lively spring festival in town. Floats carrying local children in traditional Hanten (short coat) playing drums and flutes, are paraded through the streets. Kagura is played by Naganohara Cultural Club. The shrine ground is filled with different types of booths and alive with people.

SPRING FEST, YOKIYA YOUSAN-SHRINE (KAGURA)

Enjoy a traditional Shinto Kagura. In ancient times, it was believed that people died when the soul left body. To try and call it back, they used a form of magic called Kagura, which involved dancing and playing flutes and drums.

LONG DISTANCE RUNNING, KITAKARUIZAWA

More than 3000 competitors participate every year. The race is divided into 3 divisions including a 5 kilometer, a 10 kilometer and a half marathon. Join the refreshing run while discovering the many faces of the Kitakaruizawa Highlands and the surrounding wildlife.

108 LIGHTS OF MITSUDOH, KAWARAHATA (BON FESTIVAL)

Festival of Souls in summer. It has 200 years of history. People make offerings of food and gifts to their ancestors and pray for happiness of their ancestors' souls in the next world. At begining of the festival, a bonfire called Mukaebi is lit to welcome the souls of the ancestors back to Earth, and another bonfire called Okuribi (picture) is lit at the end, to see them off.

DANGO-SUMO, NAGANOHARA

Bring your kids to participate in traditional Sumo wrestling at Ohjosan Shrine. Wishing good health of their children throughout a year, parents watch their fights. All participants get a reward, regardless of winning or losing.

HOT SPRINGS FESTIVAL, KAWARAYU

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