Midori City is located in eastern Gunma Prefecture, an area known as the Tōmō region. Blessed with rich natural surroundings and a fascinating history, the city stretches from north to south and has the distinctive geographical feature of being bordered by Kiryu City on both its eastern and western sides.
Midori City consists of three areas: Kasakake, Ōmama, and Azuma. Each area has its own character, ranging from convenient transportation and peaceful farmland to historic townscapes, mountain valleys, and expansive lakes.
Midori City has a long, narrow shape extending from north to south, with Kiryu City surrounding it from the east and west. The points where the Kasakake, Ōmama, and Azuma areas meet are particularly narrow, giving the city an unusual shape that almost appears as though three separate areas are connected by a thread.
This distinctive administrative shape resulted from the history of municipal mergers in the region. On March 27, 2006, Kasakake Town from Nitta District, Ōmama Town from Yamada District, and Azuma Village from Seta District merged to create Midori City.
Midori became the 12th city in Gunma Prefecture and was the only newly established city in the prefecture created during Japan’s Heisei-era municipal mergers. It is also known for being the first city in Gunma to use a hiragana name.
The three municipalities involved in the merger had belonged to three different historical districts, an unusual arrangement in Japan. The merger resulted in the disappearance of Nitta and Yamada districts as administrative divisions, followed by the disappearance of Seta District in 2009. Midori City therefore represents an interesting chapter in the administrative history of Gunma Prefecture.
With major roads running through the area and the Kita-Kantō Expressway’s Ōta-Yabuzuka Interchange nearby, Kasakake offers convenient access by road. Iwamoto Station serves as one of the city’s main railway stations, with connections on the JR Ryōmō Line.
The area is characterized by peaceful agricultural landscapes, and farming remains an important local industry. Regional specialties include tomatoes and eggplants, while locally produced goods are also certified under the “Yoridori Midori” brand.
Ōmama once flourished as a post town along the Nikkō Reiheishi Kaidō, a historic route used by envoys traveling to Nikkō. Buildings from the Meiji period, including storehouses and merchant houses, can still be found in the town.
The streets along the Watarase River have a distinctive historic atmosphere, making the area enjoyable to explore on foot. A variety of cultural facilities also provide opportunities to learn about the area’s history.
Azuma is surrounded by mountains and Kusaki Lake, creating a region rich in natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, offering fresh greenery in spring, lush scenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a peaceful winter atmosphere.
The Iwajuku Archaeological Site is a National Historic Site that played an important role in advancing research into Japan’s Paleolithic period. Stone tools discovered within the Kanto Loam Layer helped overturn long-held assumptions about prehistoric Japan.
At the adjacent Iwajuku Museum, visitors can see archaeological materials from the Paleolithic period, along with impressive exhibits such as a life-size replica of a mammoth skeleton. The museum may be subject to temporary closure or renovation periods.
Located beside Kusaki Lake, the Tomihiro Museum displays works by poet and artist Tomihiro Hoshino. His delicate watercolor paintings accompanied by heartfelt poetry create a quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
The museum itself is also notable for its distinctive architectural design, inspired by the image of soap bubbles.
This museum provides an introduction to the region’s natural history, folklore, and local history. It is particularly known for its exhibits on konodont fossils, while dinosaur-related videos and other displays make the museum accessible to both children and adults.
This facility makes use of a wooden school building dating from the early Shōwa period. Its nostalgic atmosphere offers visitors a glimpse into education and everyday life in an earlier era.
The museum also features materials associated with Wasaburō Ishihara, a well-known children’s song lyricist connected with the area.
Known as the “Yabakei of the Kanto region,” Takatsudo Gorge is one of Midori’s most scenic natural attractions. A walking trail between Hanetakibashi Bridge and Takatsudobashi Bridge offers beautiful views of the gorge.
The scenery is particularly impressive during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.
Kusaki Dam is a 140-meter-high gravity concrete dam, and the views from its observation area are spectacular. Occasional inspection water releases create a dramatic sight as large volumes of water flow from the dam.
The lake and surrounding area also provide opportunities for activities such as canoeing and other waterside recreation.
With a drop of approximately 96 meters, Konaka Ōtaki is one of the major waterfalls in Gunma Prefecture. The scenery is particularly impressive during the autumn foliage season.
The view from Kesakake Bridge on the opposite side of the valley is well worth experiencing.
The Watarase Keikoku Railway is a charming local railway running along the Watarase River valley. From the train windows, passengers can enjoy changing seasonal scenery throughout the year.
On selected weekends, sightseeing trolley trains operate along the line, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery while feeling the refreshing mountain air.
Kusaki Lake is one of the representative scenic attractions of the Azuma area. This reservoir was created following the completion of Kusaki Dam and is particularly beautiful when surrounded by fresh green foliage in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
Visitors can enjoy walking and photography around the lakeshore, as well as activities such as canoeing and SUP. The reflection of the surrounding mountains on the surface of the lake can create an especially atmospheric scene, making it a peaceful place to spend time in nature.
Mount Kesamaru is popular with hiking enthusiasts and is known for its stands of Rhododendron pentaphyllum var. niko-montanum and white rhododendrons. In spring, pale pink flowers cover parts of the mountain, while autumn brings colorful foliage.
The hiking trails are maintained, but visitors should prepare with appropriate equipment for mountain hiking.
Several attractive waterfalls are scattered throughout the mountainous parts of the Azuma area. Hashirado Fudō Falls can be enjoyed throughout the seasons and is particularly popular during the autumn foliage period.
Hannya Falls offers a quieter setting surrounded by forest, providing a peaceful place for a nature walk.
Asahara Experience Village provides opportunities for nature-based and agricultural activities. Visitors of all ages can experience aspects of traditional rural life and learn about the local community through hands-on activities.
Midori City has numerous flower-viewing destinations that can be enjoyed throughout the year. At Kodaira no Sato, visitors can see wintersweet and Japanese butterbur flowers. The Iwajuku no Sato area is known for its colonies of dogtooth violets, while Mt. Shikadayama is famous for fields of rapeseed flowers and peonies.
The sunflower fields in the Fukiage area of Kasakake Town are another popular seasonal attraction.
In autumn, the Kanto Chrysanthemum Exhibition at Nagame Park adds brilliant color to the city, while autumn foliage can be enjoyed around Kusaki Lake and Takatsudobashi. During winter, seasonal illuminations are held at various railway stations.
Azami Pond is a peaceful pond in the Kasakake area. Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, followed by various waterside flowers in early summer.
The area is also suitable for birdwatching and quiet nature observation.
The Shikadayama Footpath is a walking route through a traditional satoyama landscape. Seasonal flowers such as rapeseed, Japanese primroses, and peonies add color to the trail.
The route is relatively accessible and is suitable for beginners and families.
Water Plaza is a recreational area located directly below Kusaki Dam. With grassy areas and walking paths, it is suitable for picnics and relaxing outdoors.
The site also provides an opportunity to experience the impressive scale of the dam from close range.
Nagame Yakyōjō is a valuable wooden theater preserved in the Ōmama area. The building retains the atmosphere of the early Shōwa period and continues to host performances and community events.
As an important symbol of local culture, it offers visitors a nostalgic glimpse into traditional entertainment.
Noguchi Residence is a merchant house dating back to the Edo period. The historic building helps preserve the atmosphere of Ōmama’s former post-town culture and provides insight into the area’s commercial history.
Akagane Kaidō is a historic route that once connected the Ashio Copper Mine with Kiryu. It played an important role in transporting copper and supporting the development of regional industry.
Today, sections of the historic route are also enjoyed as scenic routes for driving and cycling.
Historic religious sites can be found throughout Midori City. These include Ōmama Shinmeigū, the main guardian shrine of Ōmama; Kifune Shrine, which can be visited in combination with a walk through the nearby gorge; Kōeiji Temple, known for its association with the “persimmon medicine Buddha”; and Nankōji Temple.
Together, these sites offer opportunities to discover the religious traditions and cultural history of the region.
Midori City hosts a variety of traditional festivals and community events throughout the year, including the Ōmama Gion Festival, the Kusaki Lake Festival, and the Kasakake Festival.
Other community-oriented events include the Sunflower Field Festival, the Dogtooth Violet and Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Kusaki Lake Marathon.
Held in autumn, this traditional event showcases beautifully cultivated chrysanthemums. The large, carefully nurtured flowers create an impressive display throughout the park.
During winter, various stations along the Watarase Keikoku Railway are decorated with illuminations, creating a warm and atmospheric scene. The combination of the local railway and seasonal lights offers a distinctly nostalgic experience.
Sayodo Koshōgatsu Decorations are part of a traditional New Year custom in the Azuma area. The event reflects local customs associated with prayers for health and protection from illness, offering visitors a glimpse into the community’s traditional culture.
Rail connections to Midori City include the JR Ryōmō Line, with Iwamoto Station serving the city, as well as the Tōbu Kiryū Line, Watarase Keikoku Railway, and Jōmō Electric Railway.
In the Azuma area, local buses operated by Akagi Kankō Jidōsha are available. The city also provides a demand-responsive transportation service known as “Denwa de Bus”, or “Bus by Phone.”
There is no expressway interchange directly within the city. The nearest major interchange is the Ōta-Yabuzuka Interchange on the Kita-Kantō Expressway.
Midori City brings together a remarkable range of attractions, from archaeological heritage dating back to Japan’s Paleolithic period and traces of modern industry to dramatic mountains, clear rivers, lakes, and traditional townscapes.
The peaceful farmland of Kasakake, the historic streets of Ōmama, and the expansive natural landscapes of Azuma each offer a different way to experience the city.
With seasonal flowers, festivals, historic sites, outdoor activities, and changing landscapes throughout the year, Midori City offers plenty to discover across multiple visits. Take your time exploring the city and experience the distinctive combination of nature, culture, and history that characterizes this part of eastern Gunma.