Summer has certainly arrived in Gunma! Festivals are returning to the towns and cities across the countryside, and there’s the ever-breathtaking hiking and camping to enjoy out there in the great outdoors. Find out all about them in this month’s “What’s On in Gunma”.
Lavender Season at Tambara Lavender Park
If you can’t escape the summer heat to Furano, Hokkaido to see the beautiful lavender fields there, Gunma has it’s own version much closer to home! From early July to late August, you can see fields of the beautiful flowers and buy some lavender-infused products.To find out more, check out the event page.
Kodomonokuni Park Haunted House
If you can’t wait for October for spooky season, Gunma Children’s Museum has a Japanese-style haunted house to enjoy. And for those of you who aren’t into getting scared silly outside October, or you have little ones with you who feel the same, there’s a slot each day to tour the house with the lights on.To find out more, check out the event page.
Shibukawa Heso Matsuri
Shibukawa’s Heso Matsuri (Bellybutton Festival) celebrates its’ 40th anniversary as the “bellybutton” of Japan. Watch as participants paint faces on the bellies and parade throught the streets and enjoy the fun festival atmosphere.To find out more, check out the event page.
Numata Matsuri GAJET Meetup
Enjoy the festival with the largest mikoshi (portable shrine) in Japan along with other JETs! Around 300 women carry massive tengu masks through the streets of Numata. So come along to meet up with old friends (or make new ones) and enjoy a Japanese summer festival.To find out more, check out the event page.
Shibukawa Dashi Matsuri
Voted the best float festival in Northern Kanto, the Shibukawa Float Festival promises to be a lavish and exciting spectacle. Enjoy the stunning floats brought from participating towns, and soak up the fun Japanese summer festival atmosphere.To find out more, check out the event page.
RUFF
The fun, casual catchup is back! RUFF (R U Free Friday?) is a casual meetup once a month at a local bar. There’s no cost (other than your drinks, but GAJET donations are always greatfully accepted!)To find out more, check out the event page.
Takasaki Matsuri GAJET Meetup
Back again and this time busier than ever, the Takasaki Matsuri promises to be a great event to celebrate the end of summer. Meet up with other JETs to enjoy the festival together and meet some friendly faces!To find out more, check out the event page.
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Cover photo by Stuart Davies on Unsplash
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