Maebashi, Gunma Highlights – 5 Top Things To Do

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Maebashi is blessed with gorgeous looking red shrine on top of a mountain and the best pork cutlet (tonkatsu) restaurant I have eaten in my life. Located in Gunma Prefecture, it is conveniently one hour away by drive from Tokyo so a day trip, even a weekend trip, is doable to escape the busy city life and enjoy some peaceful reflection of life.

I had the privilege of exploring the city when I visited my friend who works in the prefecture. I dived into locals eats and sites and I want to share them with you!

1. Gunma Prefecture Governmental Building (群馬県庁舎, Gunma-ken Shōsha)

The prefectural government office of Gunma prefecture is in Maebashi. This 33-story is the tallest building in the prefecture and visitors in the city are welcome enter the building. FREE OF CHARGE. There’s an observation deck on the 32nd floor that overlooks the whole city 360 view. I definitely enjoyed the view from the top. I saw the bustling city come alive at night the houselights got lit up one by one and vehicles rushing through traffic to get to their destination. Overlooking the Maebashi Park, Green Dome Maebashi, and the pride of Gunma, the Gunma mountains on a very clear day. Sit back and relax on the benches admiring the view. Operating hours are 8:30 – 22:00. Last admission is 21:45.

My friend drove us here and Japan, no surprise here, showed me how lightyears ahead they were. The building operates an Automated Parking System like this one. This happened and I kid you not my jaw fell. Also, the 31st floor has a restaurant and a daruma.

3. Maebashi Park

Right beside the Gunma Prefecture Governmental Building is the Maebashi Park and its 30 away by foot if you’re coming from Maebashi station. You can see it from the observation deck as well. This park is bustling with trees perfect for viewing for every season be it fall, summer, or spring. Perfect for hanami during sakura (cherry blossom) season.

2. Mount Akagi (赤城村, Akagi-mura)

The mountain pride of Gunma and Maebashi, since its one of the cities that is at the foot of the mountain. It’s a popular place for residents and visitors to hike. See crater lakes such as Kakumanbuchi, Konuma, and Onuma, this mountain offers many activities for leafy enthusiasts and even for amateurs. You can hike this mountain to get to the shrine.

3. Akagi Shrine (赤城神社, Akagi Jinja)

When there’s a mountain, there’s a shrine. This is one thing I noticed when I was in Japan.

One of my favourite shrines that I visited in my life, this beautiful red serene sacred place overlooks Lake Omuna. Red bridge on the way to the shrine perfect for Instagram-mable picturesque travel posts.

4. Eat Pork (豚)

Maebashi is the ‘city of pork’ so I am not kidding when I say that you MUST eat ton (pork, 豚) here. There are many local/family owned pork restaurants around the city. I had the privilege of trying out the local places thanks to my friend who lives in the prefecture. Local insights are always great!

I had the best pork experience at Tonton Hiroba (大村うどんそば店総社町店). My friend and I ordered so many pork dishes and I got my own tonkatsu entree.

5. Eat Yakimanju

Yakimanju, grilled manju in English, is bun on a stick. A popular sweet snack in Gunma though Maebashi makes the best of these white steamed buns. They are grilled then seasoned with miso-based sauce. They can be pretty much found almost anywhere in the prefecture. Stalls around the city, at restaurants, and even at the stations. Perfect for snack when you want to take a break or eat while exploring the city!