If Gunma is not yet on your travel radar, it should be. A mere one hour's shinkansen ride from Tokyo, it features many awesome onsens like Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen that offer a soothing reprieve from bustling Tokyo. What's more, it offers rare insights into how Japan - once an insular country - opened its doors and embraced foreign trade via Tomioka Silk Mill. Tomioka Sill Mill is a factory so pivotal to the opening up of Japan that it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2014. And the piece de resistance? Its mouthwatering cuisine. Read this guide to find out just what souvenirs you can buy at these fabulous places of interest!
- Udon Noodles
If you love udon noodles, you're in luck, because Gunma Prefecture is renowned for producing delectable udon noodles. In fact, its signature Mizusawa Udon ranks among the nation's top three udon! Made from top-notch ingredients like pristine spring water from Mount Haruna and Gunma-grown wheat, Mizusawa noodles are thick and firm, thus giving your taste buds a treat when you slurp them. Another popular noodle that hails from Gunma is Kusatsumi Udon. Made of kumazasa bamboo grass that is harvested in Kusatsumi, they are chock full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Great for your body!
- Yayoi Hime Strawberries
Fancy some sweet and juicy strawberries? In Gunma, your wish can come true because it is renowned for growing Yayoi Hime strawberries. These strawberries find flavour with foodies due to their large size and succulent taste that delicately balances sweetness and sourness. What's more, their deliciousness is long-lasting as they still taste heavenly after March - where the quality of other strawberry types will drop. Why not visit a strawberry farm during your trip and pick these yummy goodies for yourself.
- Isobe Senbei
When it comes to delectable souvenirs from Gunma, Isobe Senbei crackers come to the forefront of one's mind. A specialty product of Isobe Onsen, these crackers are made of carbonated spring water. Not only are they sweet, but they are also chock-full of health benefits as they contain a lot of minerals as well as sulfur (which is said to be excellent for your joints). Plus, they come in diverse flavors, ranging from the quintessentially Japanese yuzu to the quirky onion, so you can treat your taste buds to a feast.
- Onsen Manju (Steamed Buns)
Gunma is replete with spectacular onsens, so it is no wonder that it is famous for its piping hot onsen manju (steamed buns). Different onsens offer different kinds of decadent manju. For example, manju from Ikaho Onsen - which are known as Yunohana Manju - come in appetizing brown so as to trigger people's memories of the invitingly brown waters in Ikaho Onsen. Similarly, manju from Kusatsu Onsen are a well-known delicacy. Other than the usual sweet azuki bean paste, Kusatsu Onsen manju have a variety of exotic flavors, including green uguisu pea!
- Onsen Products
Onsens are a great way of soaking in a tranquil atmosphere and leaving your worries behind, so why wouldn't you want to prolong the magic after your trip? Many onsen towns in Gunma have thoughtfully come up with a wide range of products that will help you re-calibrate your weary senses and relax your aching muscles - in the comfort of your own home. Case in point: Shima Onsen offers moisturizing mist, soap, bath salts, bath oil, among others!
- Silk Products
Gunma is an UNESCO-recognized place for its silk production, so you can be certain that its silk products are exquisite and of top notch quality. Do head over to these two cities: Tomioka City and Kiryu City. Tomioka City houses Tomioka Silk Mill and offers scarves, stoles, neckties and even hats. Likewise, Kiryu City showcases attractive textiles that are painstakingly woven using yarn dyed thread - just the right material for kimonos!