Mirai Symbol Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Oura Town, Ora District, Gunma Prefecture. Located in Central Park next to Oura Town Hall, the tower was developed as part of a local revitalization initiative and opened on May 12, 1993.
The tower stands approximately 59.5 meters high. From the observation room located partway up the tower, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding natural landscape and the vast Kanto Plain.
Beloved by local residents, the tower is also a popular sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
One of the main attractions of Mirai Symbol Tower is its distinctive irregular nine-sided observation room, located approximately 36 meters above the ground. Large windows provide a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding area.
On clear days, visitors can see Mount Akagi, Mount Haruna, and Mount Myogi, collectively known as the “Three Mountains of Jomo” and among Gunma Prefecture’s most representative mountains.
Farther in the distance, it may also be possible to see Mount Fuji and Mount Tsukuba. Under particularly favorable conditions, Tokyo Skytree can even be spotted toward Tokyo.
A telescope is available in the observation room, allowing visitors to take a closer look at distant mountains and cityscapes. Tables and chairs are also provided, creating a comfortable space where visitors can sit and enjoy the view at their leisure.
Taking in the panoramic scenery with a drink in hand is a relaxing way to escape the pace of everyday life and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Oura Town.
The first-floor lobby features a permanent Handmade Mini Shop, where locally made crafts are displayed and sold. Around 30 booths showcase a wide range of handmade items, including accessories, bags, miscellaneous goods, and fashion accessories.
Every item is an original handmade creation, featuring warm designs and distinctive ideas. Browsing the collection is enjoyable in itself, while the items also make memorable souvenirs.
Purchased items can be self-wrapped at the shop, making them suitable as gifts for family and friends as well as personal travel keepsakes.
A commemorative stamp corner is also available, allowing visitors to stamp their own travel souvenir as a reminder of their visit to the tower.
During winter, Mirai Symbol Tower hosts its annual illumination event, “HiKARi MiRAi”. The area surrounding the tower is transformed into a magical garden of lights, with beautiful illuminated decorations welcoming visitors.
Among the displays are swan-shaped light objects inspired by the swans that visit the nearby wetlands during winter. The observation room itself is also decorated with countless lights, creating a mysterious atmosphere quite different from its daytime appearance.
During the illumination season, the tower offers nighttime observation, giving visitors the special opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding nightscape.
The observation room’s opening hours vary depending on the season.
April to September: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October to March: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The tower is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except when these days are public holidays, as well as during the year-end and New Year holiday period.
Admission to the observation room is an affordable 100 yen for elementary school students and older. Preschool children accompanied by a parent or guardian can enter free of charge. Discounts are also available for groups of 30 or more people.
The area around Mirai Symbol Tower also features a farmers’ market and park spaces where visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk.
Surrounded by open natural scenery, visitors can take a relaxing stroll, admire the panoramic views from the observation room, and experience the warm local culture of Oura Town.
For travelers exploring southeastern Gunma, Mirai Symbol Tower is a pleasant place to stop and enjoy both the landscape and the character of the local community.