Gunma AJET

GAJET Gazette – October 2024

Here's to another successful Gunma Games, and congrats to Team Haruna! Upcoming events include RUFF, a hike, and the Tenjin Lodge retreat.

Fall is finally here!!! Huge thank you to everyone who came out and participated in the 10th annual Gunma Games. And congrats to Team Haruna for taking the Golden Cabbage home! This year, we are expanding our community and working with other AJET groups. Thank you to Niigata AJET for inviting us to Outlands for their welcoming party! The night was filled with laughs, roasting veggies by the fire, trivia and getting to know friends! We will be planning more events in the future! The weather is getting nice and cool. Perfect for some outdoor events like Tenjin Lodge and Hiking. Make sure to read up on all the events and join in the fun!

Upcoming Major Events


RUFF (R U Free Friday) Friday

Oktober Fest isn’t celebrated in Japan but you can still have your fun at RUFF!

RUFF is an event hosted by GAJET. Usually the 1st Friday after payday, this is a chance for you to hang out and catch up with your fellow JETs! RUFF this month will be on October 25th! This month’s location will be posted on our socials so stay tuned! View the event page here.

Koasama Hike!

Join us on October 26th for an invigorating hike up Mount Koasama! This 4.0-km out-and-back trail, located near Kitasaku, Nagano, offers stunning views and a moderately challenging adventure. Check out our social media for meet up times, carpooling and other info leading up to the hike. View the event page here.

Tenjin Lodge!

It’s time for our Tenjin Lodge ALT retreat again, and this time it’s going to be spooky!

Put on your Halloween costumes and join us for a fun weekend hanging out with friends and possibly a trip to Japan’s deepest train station 👀 Just like last year, we will be holding an overnight retreat at Tenjin Lodge in Minakami, run by the wonderful Kieren and Bo. View the event page here.

Coco Winery Harvest Festival!

Held just outside of Gunma in Ashikaga, this festival is a wonderful experience filled with wine and live Music!

While this festival is held in November, tickets are pre-sold and go fast! GAJET is planning on going on the 16th (SAT). Get your tickets here! View the GAJET event page here.

Around the Cabbage Patch

Nitta Kanayama Castle Ruins

Come see the beautiful castle ruins in Ota. The fall leaves and cool air really make Kanayama a wonderful experience that you must try!

Maebashi Festival

After having to rebuild the city in the late 1940’s, Maebashi holds this festival every year to bring hope to its residents. Maebashi Festival takes place October 12-13 in the heart of Maebashi. Enjoy parades, dancing, food and more fun! For more info, click here!

That’s all from us for this month! If you’d like this newsletter straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

Have something you would like to share? Email our Editor (Leydi) at editor@gunmajet.net

Try to stay cool for the rest of the warm weather!

Picture of Leydi Gittens

Leydi Gittens

Leydi is the current Editor at GAJET (2024-2025) and writes the GAJET Gazette each month. She likes the parks in fall and sakura season in Gunma, and her favorite Japanese food is gyudon.