Gunma Prefecture is a landlocked region in the Kantō area of Honshu, Japan, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation during the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE). During this time, the early inhabitants of Gunma were hunter-gatherers who created intricate pottery and tools. Archaeological finds from this period, such as stone tools and pottery shards, offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Jomon people who once thrived in the region.

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In the Kofun period (250–538 CE), Gunma became a significant political and cultural center. The period is known for the construction of large kofun (burial mounds) across Japan, and Gunma has its fair share of these ancient structures. The Ōta Futagoyama Kofun in Gunma is one of the largest kofun in the Kanto region, reflecting the area’s historical importance during this time. These burial mounds suggest that powerful rulers and clans lived in Gunma, maintaining control over its fertile lands and strategically valuable position.

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By the Nara (710–794 CE) and Heian periods (794–1185 CE), Gunma was part of the province of Kōzuke (modern-day Gunma and parts of Saitama), and it played a significant role in agriculture and trade. The fertile soil, abundant water sources, and the region’s position near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) helped it become a key supplier of rice and other crops to the capital. During the Heian period, many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines were constructed in Gunma, some of which are still in use today, such as Haruna Shrine and Ikaho Onsen’s sacred spots.

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In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Gunma became a stronghold for samurai clans. The Minamoto clan, which founded the Kamakura shogunate, had ties to the region. Gunma’s mountainous terrain made it an ideal location for castles and fortifications, and it became a battleground during many of Japan’s feudal conflicts, including the Sengoku period (1467–1603). During this time, powerful warlords like the Uesugi and Takeda clans fought over control of Gunma, with its strategic proximity to the capital making it a desirable prize.

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The Edo period (1603–1868) saw Gunma as a key agricultural and silk production center. The region’s famous Tomioka Silk Mill, founded in 1872, became Japan’s first modern silk-reeling factory, symbolizing the beginning of the country’s modernization during the Meiji Restoration (1868). The mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, played a vital role in transforming Japan into an industrial power by exporting silk to the West.

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During the 20th century, Gunma transitioned into a modern industrial hub, with companies like Subaru establishing manufacturing plants in the prefecture. Despite its modernization, Gunma retains its natural beauty, with attractions like Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, and Mount Akagi, a sacred volcanic mountain.

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Today, Gunma is a blend of tradition and modernity, known for its onsen, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage. Its history, from ancient burial mounds to industrial modernization, reflects Japan’s dynamic evolution.