Discover Maebashi: Riverside Greenery and Silk History

Maebashi brings together expansive green spaces, riverside scenery and cultural attractions. Shikishima Park defines Maebashi’s green side; walking paths along the Hirose River and sites commemorating the city’s silk history are located in Maebashi. The city also offers art and literature, as well as 焼きまんじゅう, a specialty of Gunma Prefecture. When searching for a vacation rental in Maebashi, consider whether you would like your stay to focus on Shikishima Park or on riverside and cultural attractions in the city.

Parkland Between the Tone and Hirose Rivers

Shikishima Park lies between the Tone and Hirose Rivers and covers 37.6 hectares. Of this, 17.8 hectares are part of the sports facilities area managed by the prefecture, while 19.8 hectares make up the recreational area managed by the city. This division highlights the park’s different uses. The park is also home to a pine forest of about 2,700 trees. Its size and trees give the park a distinctive landscape and contrast with the city’s museums and cultural attractions.

Along the Hirose River: Walking Paths and Memorials

A walking path runs along the river through the green space on the Hirose riverbank in Maebashi. There is also a “Path of Poetry,” where memorial stones commemorate local poets, including Hagiwara Sakutarō (萩原朔太郎). Other stones bear excerpts from works that have received the Hagiwara Sakutarō Award (萩原朔太郎賞). The path combines a riverside stroll with literary stops.

The Hagiwara Sakutarō Memorial Museum in Maebashi preserves a relocated and reconstructed section of the poet’s birthplace. This section was moved to the green space along the Hirose riverbank in Maebashi in 2017. Hagiwara Sakutarō developed photographs in the memorial museum’s storehouse. The Maebashi Zanei Monument and Kōsui Weir are also in the Hirose River area of Maebashi; both commemorate Maebashi’s history as a city shaped by the silk industry. Another riverside landmark is “Sun Bell” by Taro Okamoto (岡本太郎), which was moved to the riverbank in central Maebashi in 2018.

Silk Culture, Art and Literature

A silk industry memorial museum is located on the grounds of the rose garden 敷島公園門倉テクノばら園. It commemorates Maebashi’s history as the “City of Silk.” You can also combine a visit here with Shikishima Park, where the city-managed recreational area is located.

The Maebashi Literature Museum and Hirose River Museum of Art are in the Hirose River area of Maebashi. The literature museum displays materials related to local poets. Its Hagiwara Sakutarō collection, including manuscripts, is considered outstanding nationwide in both quality and scope. Check the current visitor policies for both museums before your visit.

臨江閣 in Maebashi also offers a range of cultural experiences. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the building is used for tourism and also hosts tea gatherings, exhibitions, the Ryūō title match in shogi, rakugo performances, concerts and receptions. 臨江閣 will be closed for an extended period from June 2026 to the end of March 2027. Take this period into account when planning your trip.

Arts Maebashi in the city offers exhibitions, events, workshops, various performances and educational programs. Its facilities include an art-related library, ROBSON COFFEE and the museum shop amenbo. As operations may change, check which offerings are currently available before your visit.

A Gunma Specialty

焼きまんじゅう is a specialty of Gunma Prefecture, not Maebashi alone. Fluffy white dough buns are threaded onto skewers, brushed with a rich, sweet miso sauce and grilled until fragrant. Traditionally, they are eaten hot. This dish adds a regional flavor to your itinerary and offers a culinary contrast to park walks and museum visits.

Choose the Right Location for Your Trip

If you mainly want to enjoy green spaces, the river and the poetry path, focus your vacation rental search on these interests. If your stay will center on museums, art and silk history, these cultural attractions can help guide your search.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Numata, Kiryū, Isesaki, Kawawa, Tsunago, Shibukawa, Tomioka, Tone District.

For the broader travel overview: Gunma Prefecture.