During the late nineteenth century, when Japan was modernizing/Westernizing, many European and American were invited to Japan to advise the government and business. One such individual was Dr. Erwin von Baelz (1849-1913), a German physician who came to Japan in 1876 to teach medicine at the Imperial University (now known as the University of Tokyo). … Continue reading A German Advisor and Japan’s Hot Spring Connection to Europe
Waterfalls are well known to release negative ions that boost the spirits of mere mortals who visit them. Japan is blessed with many waterfalls and so lots of negative ion opportunities. One unusually shaped waterfall worth seeking out is Fukiware Falls in northern Gunma Prefecture (almost halfway between Minakami and Nikko). The falls is in … Continue reading Fukiware Falls: unusual water bears the gift of negative ions
These days, Gunma's Tomioka is best known as the site of the World Heritage-listed silk reeling factory, Japan's first modern production facility. But it has more ancient roots and more modern history as well. Some of this can be found on a hilltop about a 10 minute walk from Joshu-Ichinomiya Station. Nukisaki Shrine: Nearly fifteen … Continue reading Ichinomiya: an historic hilltop in Tomioka
Mizusawa-dera is nestled in the foothills above the Gunma town of Shibukawa. The temple is known for its statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. This statue has eleven heads and a thousand arms, so that she can hear all prayers and reach out to help those who need it. Although many of the … Continue reading Mizusawa-dera and the Kannon who rescued a princess
I was recently invited to join a group of career women on a trip to Tomioka in Gunma, combining sightseeing, skin care seminars and time for telecommuting. I'd like to share a few highlights, some of which may also be interesting to men. First one may ask, why would career women have any special interest … Continue reading A Career Woman’s Trip to Tomioka
Gunma's Tomioka Silk Mill is a testament to Japan's rapid industrialization in the latter half of the 19th century. Opened in 1872, it was Japan’s first complete industrial factory system of production and was built with the assistance of various French advisors. The mill ceased operation in 1987, but, thanks to its historical significance, it … Continue reading Expanded exhibits at the Tomioka Silk Mill
This article describes the geologically and historically fascinating destination of Shimonita, an easy overnight excursion from Tokyo. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today)
Gunma Prefecture, some 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, has centuries of history as a silk producing area in Japan. One particular sign that you're in an area where silkworms were once raised are the rooftops of old farm houses, that have one or more raised sections along the ridgepole of the roof, a structure that … Continue reading Takayama-sha: developing the art and science of sericulture
In spite of the excessive and unseasonable rain these days, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy autumn leaves, especially in the clear skies immediately after a storm. A mountain with a cable car to whisk you much of the way up, enjoying the leaves beneath you as you climb, and nice trails once … Continue reading Marunuma Kogen: Altitude and Autumn Leaves
While sericulture was first developed in China about 4,500 years ago, Japan has also been producing silk since around the third century. Silk's heyday in Japan was during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), when it became one of Japan's first industrially mass-produced export products. The center of Japan's silk industry has long been Gunma Prefecture, which … Continue reading The Tomizawa Family Farmhouse – late 18th century “cottage industry”
This article introduces the many fun summer outdoor activities available at Gunma's Minakami Onsen, a delightful place to spend a weekend, or even longer! (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today)
I ease my freshly scrubbed self into the hotel's large bath. It's very hot, but not so hot that I am unable to sit myself down. I immerse up to my chin, close my eyes and sigh. La dolce far niente! Although I'm not in Italy, this is the phrase that runs through my mind … Continue reading Taking the waters at Kusatsu Onsen
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