This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Gunma Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Himokawa Udon."

Gunma Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan and is famous for its abundant nature and hot springs.

There are many famous hot springs to enjoy, including Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, Ikaho Onsen, and Shima Onsen. There are also many beautiful mountains and hiking trails such as Oze and Tanigawadake, so you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

Furthermore, there are many historic buildings, such as the Tomioka Silk Mill, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a fun area to visit no matter how many times you visit.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of Gunma Prefecture's charming local B-class gourmet dish, "Himokawa Udon"!

What is Himokawa Udon?

Himokawa udon is a type of udon that is popular mainly in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and is characterized by its wider width than regular udon.

It is about 3 to 5 cm wide and looks like a ribbon or belt, with a smooth texture and chewy feel.

Himokawa udon is often enjoyed depending on the season, for example, in a warm broth seasoned with soy sauce or miso, or chilled like zaru udon.

Although the seasoning is simple, it is quite filling and allows you to fully enjoy the original wheat flavor of the udon.

Himokawa udon is also popular among tourists. It is served at udon shops and noodle factories in Kiryu City, and as a specialty dish that symbolizes Gunma Prefecture's food culture, it is contributing to the revitalization of the region.

The history of Himokawa udon

The history of Himokawa Udon is unclear, but it is said to have developed in the area around Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture during the Edo period.

Kiryu prospered as a textile industry town, and many workers wanted quick and filling udon noodles for their meals. Himokawa udon, which is wide and satisfying even in small portions, became popular among workers.

After that, it became popular as a home-cooked dish, and each household could prepare it in different ways, with different seasonings and thicknesses, and it has now become established as a representative local dish.

Characteristics of Himokawa Udon

Himokawa udon is characterized by its wide width, which can range from 3 to 10 cm, while regular udon is around 1 cm wide.

Because it is flat and thin, it looks like a ribbon or a sash, and you can enjoy a smooth, silky feel down the throat and a chewy texture.

Another appealing feature of these flat noodles is that they absorb the soup well, allowing you to fully enjoy the umami flavor of the broth.

Another feature is that it can be enjoyed in two different ways: with warm soup or chilled like zaru udon. It is popular to eat it with warm soup in the winter and as cold udon in the summer.

Tourist spots in Gunma Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Gunma Prefecture.

Tomioka Silk Mill

Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan's first mechanized silk factory, established in 1872 in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture.

Founded by the Meiji government, the company introduced the latest silk-reeling technology from France to mass-produce high-quality raw silk.

The raw silk produced at Tomioka Silk Mill is exported around the world, supporting the Japanese economy and contributing to the education and improvement of the status of female workers.

It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, and is now open to the public as a historical building. In this way, Tomioka Silk Mill conveys to visitors Japan's modernization and the development of its silk industry.

Myogi Shrine

Myogi Shrine is a historic shrine located at the foot of Mount Myogi in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture.

Mt. Myogi is worshipped as a sacred mountain, and has long been believed to bring good fortune, safety in the home, and prosperity in business. Many worshippers visit the shrine to be warded off evil spirits.

Myogi Shrine is unique in that the shrine building was rebuilt during the Edo period and is famous for its gorgeous architecture with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.

The strange rocks and huge boulders of Mt. Myogi blend in with the beautiful scenery, making it a popular spot for hikers and tourists, and is visited by many worshippers throughout the year.

Takasaki White Robe Kannon

Takasaki Byakue Daikannon is a Kannon statue in Takasaki city, Gunma prefecture, that was built in 1936. The statue is 41.8 meters tall, and you will be overwhelmed by its power when you see it up close.

The white-robed, compassionate Kannon statue was erected to pray for peace and prosperity. The interior is divided into nine floors, and a spiral staircase leads up to the shoulders of the Kannon statue. Each floor houses a Buddha statue and painting.

There is an observation window inside that offers a panoramic view of Takasaki city and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular tourist spot.

Access to Gunma Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Gunma Prefecture.

To get to Gunma prefecture from Tokyo, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. You can get from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station by taking the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Gunma Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station.

Location of Gunma Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Gunma Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Himokawa Udon."

We learned that Himokawa udon is different from regular udon in that it has wide, flat noodles. We also learned that it can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as hot or cold, depending on the season.

In addition to Himokawa Udon, Gunma Prefecture is dotted with other delicious foods and attractive tourist spots.

Please come and visit Gunma Prefecture, which has many attractions!

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