Tanabata Festival takes place on July 7th originating from a Chinese folktale. In this folktale, Altair and Vega, separated stars by the Milky Way, can see each other only on the day.
People in Japan write their wishes on strips of fancy paper and hang them on bamboos. Among many Tanabata Festivals in Japan is the Maebashi Tanabata Festival, which is famous as the biggest one in the Northern Kanto Area.
There will be some 1,200 brilliant ornaments and bamboo decorations hung on the arcade along with the flea market and Danbe Dance Festa till late night. This year, the festival will be held on the theme of “Yukata.”
| When | July 9 (Thurs) - 12 (Sun) |
|---|---|
| Where | Downtown Area in Maebashi |
| Access | A 10-min walk from JR Maebashi Stn |
| Inquiry | Maebashi Tanabata Matsuri Jisshi-Iinkai Jimukyoku TEL 027-234-5108 |
Enjoy rafting, a challenging activity on an inflatable raft to navigate a river. With a help of an accompanying agent and rental gear, everybody even the beginners can have a great time paddling down the white water. The Minakami rafting zone along the Tone River is one of the most thriving rafting areas in the nation.
Not only rafting but also several other outdoor sports such as Canyoning, sliding or more like falling down a canyon, Reservoir Canoe and etc. in the beautiful location nestled in the abundant nature. Enjoy the beauty of the water, mountains and valleys at once.
For more information,
Sightseeing Perfect Guide to MINAKAMI
MARUGOTO MINAKAMI
The summer break will start from late July. Why not join some fun events for the whole family with your kids?
Specimens of Coelacanth, aka alive fossils, and reconstructions of them will be exhibited to give clues on their evolution and ecology.
| When | July 11 (Sat) - Aug. 30 (Sun) *Closed on Mondays and July 21 (Tues), Open on July 20 (Nat'l Holiday) |
|---|---|
| Where | Gunma Museum of Natural History (Kami-Kuroiwa Tomioka-shi) |
| Fee | ¥700/Adult, ¥200/High Schooler & College students, Free/Jr High Students & Younger |
| Inquiry | Gunma Museum of Natural History TEL 0274-60-1200 |
Participants will visit the stone gates of Mt. Myogi and observe insects.
| When | July 25 (Sat) - 26 (Sun) An Overnight Program |
|---|---|
| Where to Stay | Myogi Shonen Shizen no Ie |
| Applicants | 3rd Graders - Jr High Students (30 kids) *Reservations are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis) |
| Fee | ¥3,500 (Meals, Accommodation and Insurance are included.) |
|---|---|
| Application | Call Gunma-ken Shizen Hogo Renmei at TEL 027-324-5706 |
| Inquiry | Kencho Shizen Kankyo-ka TEL 027-226-2874 |
Young and up-and-coming musicians will hold a homey classical concert.
| When | Aug. 28 (Fri) 6:30pm - |
|---|---|
| Where | Gunma Life Long Learning Center (Bunkyo-cho Maebashi-shi) |
| Admission Fee | Free (Up to 250 people) |
| Application & Inquiry | Ken Kyoiku Bunka Jigyodan TEL 027-224-3960 |
Stuff concerned with the World Heritage Sites in German and the Romantic Street, bread, sausages, cakes, beer, wine, wooden toys, teddy bears, etc. will be exhibited and sold.
| When | July 16 (Thurs) - 20 (Mon) 10:00am - 6:00pm *The outdoor site will be open on 18th and 19th from 10:00am - 5:00pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Gunma Kencho (Ote-machi Maebashi-shi) |
| Inquiry | Japanese-Deutsche gesellschaft in Gunma TEL 027-288-4297 |
