Maebashi
Maebashi City is located in the northwestern corner of the Kanto Plain, the flattest expanse of land in Japan. The mountain ridges that divide the Japanese archipelago geographically into a Pacific and a Japan Sea watershed, tower over the north side of this city which is surrounded by nature. This water that flows down the mountains accumulates and forms one of Japan's greatest rivers, the Tone River, which flows along Maebashi's western side on its way south to the Pacific Ocean near Tokyo. Creeks and streams flow crisscross through the city and water is pure and abundant. Maebashi has earned a reputation for having delicious drinking water.
Maebashi in only 100 kilometers north of Tokyo and is less than a one-hour ride by the bullet train. From the train station, a 10-minute walk north along the zelkova-lined streets leads to the district where all the local government offices are located, including the Gunma Prefectural Office. The city has continued to grow since the establishment of Maebashi castle in the 15th century, when the area grew as a castle town. It became the prefectural capital when Maebashi was incorporated in 1892 and has served as the center of political, economic and cultural activities in Gunma Prefecture since then.
Maebashi is protected from the Siberian cold and snow by the mountains and is dry because of the dry monsoon rains. It is cold in winter and very hot in summer, once reaching the temperature of 40 degrees. It is also a sister city of Birmingham Alabama, USA.
A Drink of the Water of Life
The city of Maebashi is known for the pure waters of the Tone River that has its beginning in the mountains around that town. People enjoy the pleasure of walking by the water’s edge. They enjoy... [more]
