上信越道：下仁田・南牧IC→松井田・妙義 IC
Shimonita, Nanmoku IC Shimonita Town is located in southwestern Gunma Prefecture. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, Shimonita offers stunning landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. Approximately 84% of the town’s area is covered by forests, making it a haven for nature lovers. The town is part of the Myōgi-Arafune-Saku Kōgen Quasi-National Park, which includes notable peaks like Mount Myōgi and Mount Arafune . The town played a role in Japan’s silk industry, with sites like the Arafune Cold Storage, used historically for preserving silkworm eggs, contributing to the region’s sericulture heritage. Shimonita is famous for its Shimonita Negi, a type of Welsh onion known for its sweetness and tenderness. These leeks are a sought-after delicacy, especially in winter months. With its thick, tender texture and natural sweetness, Shimonita Negi is a beloved ingredient in Japanese cooking. It’s used in a variety of warming, hearty dishes such as sukiyaki, nabe (hot pot dishes), tempura, oden, and more. It can also be enjoyed simply grilled over charcoal, seasoned lightly with salt or soy sauce. Another local specialty is konnyaku, a gelatinous food made from the konjac plant, produced in this area since the Edo period. Before cooking, it’s briefly boiled to remove its natural earthy smell. Then it’s simmered, grilled, or stir-fried to soak up flavorful broths or sauces. Konnyaku is often cooked together with negi, a classic and healthy combination in Japanese cuisine. It’s a delicious and super healthy recipe! Annaka City Annaka is located in southwestern Gunma Prefecture, bordering Nagano Prefecture to the west. The city is characterized by its diverse terrain, from lowland areas to mountainous regions. During the Edo period, Annaka thrived as a post town along the Nakasendō, one of the five routes connecting Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto. Annaka boasts several hot spring resorts, including Isobe Onsen and Kirizumi Onsen, known for their therapeutic waters. A local culinary specialty is Tōge no Kamameshi, a rice dish cooked in a traditional pot, often enjoyed by travelers passing through the region. Matsuida, Myogi IC To be continued
Jōshin-etsu Expressway: Shimonita IC – Matsuida, Myogi IC
April 2025
