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Kayo Hirai
Things to do in Higashi-Agatsuma Town
- Nearby Tokyo Interview
Talking about 'things to do' in Higashi-Agatsuma town
We are back this month with our popular interviews series, featuring towns and cities near Tokyo, and this month we are talking about Higashi-Agatsuma Town (東吾妻町) in Gunma prefecture! Located about two hours from Tokyo, it is a beautiful area for anyone seeking to escape the bustling city life and experience the charm of rural Japan.
As always, I’ve been in touch with the people who know best, and this month I had a long talk with Shogo Nagamura, who does a lot of work organizing events within the town. He shared some very useful tips on what to see and do in Higashi-Agatsuma Town.
Curious to find out more? Here is my interview below, and I am confident that after reading it, you will be eager to add Higashi-Agatsuma Town to your list of places to visit.
Which is the best season to come to Higashi-Agatsuma Town?
Without a doubt, spring and fall!
Although many people associate spring in Japan solely with cherry blossoms, here in Higashi-Agatsuma Iwai-Shinsui park (岩井親水公園) , the spring scenery is a mix of the town’s daffodils and cherry blossoms. In addition, spring is the perfect time to view the fresh verdure along the Agatsumakyo Gorge (吾妻峡).
The autumn leaves are fantastic. They’re an absolute must-see when you come to visit, especially those in the Mt. Iwabitsu area.
Iwai-Shinsui Park・Verdure at Agatsumakyo Gorge・Mt. Iwabitsu
What are the top 3 attractions you cannot miss in Higashi-Agatsuma Town?
Here are my recommendations!
The first is Aggatan (アガッタン), which is a handcar-like vehicle that is pushed using two bicycles. It runs for 2.4 kilometers one-way down to the Yamba Dam（八ッ場ダム). It’s best to ride the Aggatan either during the spring, when there is plenty of greenery, or during the fall, when you can get a full look at the autumn leaves around you.
The second is the onsen ryokan Hatago (旅籠) located in Yakushi Onsen (薬師温泉) . The atmosphere here is very relaxing, and a wide selection of activities are available for you to experience traditional Japanese pastime activities. On top of this, you have a display area with spears, guns, and armor that provide visitors with a sense of history. I’d say that is pretty unique compared to other onsen ryokans that don’t have these sorts of things.
The last place you need to go see is Ninpaku; Iwabitsu Sanada Ninja Museum (岩櫃真田 忍者ミュージアム「にんぱく」). With a collection of over 300 items, its permanent exhibits are on par with the largest scale museums across the country. All of these items were collected over the course of fifty years by the late Mr. Kenji Yamagishi (故・山岸賢司), a renowned collector of ninja tools and gadgets. These exhibit items include Sanada ninja (真田忍者) tools that have been collected in Higashi-Agatsuma, and you can physically handle many of them as well. The museum also offers a fun choices of entertainment such as a ninja VR experience and a chance to cosplay as a ninja yourself!
Agattan・Hatago at Yakushi Onsen・VR game at Ninpaku
Recommended food - is there a special dish or drink?
There is indeed a rather special dish you can try! It’s called the Devil’s Tongue Burger.
The burger is made from Konnyaku, which is one of Higashi-Agatsuma’s famous local products. Konnyaku is solidified yam jelly, which is referred to as “devil’s tongue” in English. On top of its impressive presentation, the portion sizes are quite generous.
If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can find Devil’s Tongue Burger at places such as Michi-no-eki Agatsuma-kyo (道の駅あがつま峡), Azuma tougyoujo (あづま養魚場) and Sakaezushi (さかえ鮨).
Devil’s Tongue Burger
What do you recommend to buy as a souvenir?
There’s an old, traditional confectionary shop called Fujii-ya (藤井屋) that sells a very popular cookie senbei called Masaemon (政右衛門).
It’s a very fragrant and tasty snack, thanks to the generous amount of almonds that are used to make them.
Besides that, I also recommend the Meisui manju, which is made from fresh, high-quality water.
Masaemon・Fujii-ya・Meisui Manju
Are there any famous legends or myths in Higashi-Agatsuma?
There’s a local legend surrounding Sanada Yukimura (真田幸村), a popular historical figure who has even been included in video games.
On Mt. Iwabitsu, there used to be a Yamajiro (山城) that was built called Iwabitsu Castle (岩櫃城). It was a bastion for the Sanada Clan in the Josyu area during the Sengoku Period. It was here where Sanada Yukimura grew up.
During the Edo Period one of the most famous legends from the Sengoku Period was born: The the Sanada Juyushi (真田十勇士). The story of these mythical ten loyal retainers comes from the time when Yukimura became head of the Sanada Clan. One of these retainers, called Sarutobi Sasuke (猿飛佐助), is said to be derived from an actual ninja of Agatsuma who existed, Yokoya Sakon (横谷左近).
Ninja training experience・Mt. Iwabitsu
Final Thoughts
It was great talking with Nagamura-san to hear more about Higashi-Agatsuma and all it has to offer!
Once more, I learned so much, and I must say, I was particularly amazed by all the spectacular activities available in such a small area. I am looking forward to my next visit to the town!
I hope this interview gives you a few ideas of things to do if you are in Tokyo or planning to visit Japan. I am sure if you visit this town, you will have an unforgettable time!
How to get to Higashi-Agatsuma
TRAIN :
– 3 hrs by train from JR Tokyo Station
CAR:
– 3 hrs 10min by car
Further useful information
Read these articles to plan your trip!
'Higashi-Agatsuma Town'
(learn more about this area)
Higashi-Agatsuma Town is known for Ninja, as this is where Ninjas from the Sanada Clan used to do their training. Visit and learn more about Ninja culture and explore the beautiful Agatsuma gorge and try the e-bike rail.
