古く織物のまちとして発展してきた桐生市は、大正１０年（1921年）に全国８４番目の市として誕生しました。幾多の市域の変換を経て、平成１７年６月１３日には、新里村、黒保根村と合併し、面積は２倍に拡がりました。
　桐生市は、群馬県の東南部に位置し、栃木県の足利市と接し、西は赤城山まで達しています。東京には直線距離で９０キロ、車で約２時間、ＪＲまたは東武鉄道を利用すると約１時間４０分で結ばれています。
　市街地には渡良瀬川と桐生川が流れ、山々が屏風状に連なり、水と緑に恵まれた地に歴史と伝統が息づいています。
　桐生の歴史は古く、市内からは縄文時代の石器・土器、住居跡が発掘され、なかでも千網谷戸遺跡から出た耳飾りは国の重要文化財に指定されています。
　桐生の織物の起こりは古く、奈良時代のはじめには絹織物を朝廷に献上し、江戸時代には「西の西陣、東の桐生」とうたわれ、織物の一大産地となりました。
　織物産業の繁栄を今に伝えるまち並みがいたるところに残り、のこぎり屋根の織物工場や土蔵造りの店舗など近代化遺産の宝庫となっています。
　桐生は今でも織物の糸へんで生きるまちですが、近年は自動車関連部品の製造など機械金属産業が基幹産業となっています。
　今、信頼・責任・積極性をテーマに、「伝統と創造　粋なまち桐生」を将来都市像として、都市基盤の整備や群馬大学工学部を核とした産学官の連携による新産業の創出、さらに豊かな自然などの資源を生かした施策を推進し、住みよいまちづくりに努めています。

The city of Kiryu has prospered from of old as a textile-manufacturing center. In 1921, Kiryu officially became the 84th city of Japan. Over the years, there have been many changes to the size and population of the city, concluding on June 13, 2005 with the absorption of the villages of Kurohone and Niisato. As a result of this incorporation, the geographic area of the city has doubled.
Kiryu is located in southeastern Gunma, bordering on Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture. Mt. Akagi looms to the west of the city. Kiryu is about 90 kilometers from Tokyo. It takes roughly 2 hours to get there by car or 1 hour and 40 minutes by train using the JR or Tobu railways.
The Watarase and Kiryu rivers flow through the city. In addition, Kiryu is enclosed on three sides by mountains. Thus, the city is blessed by its beautiful natural environment, which has influenced both its history and its traditions.
The city of Kiryu has a long history. Jomon Era earthenware and pottery have been excavated from local archeological sites. The Chiamigaito Site is well known for its elaborate ear decorations, designated a National Important Cultural Asset.
Kiryu textiles also have a long and illustrious history. During the Nara Era, Kiryu textiles were presented to the Imperial Court. During the Edo Era, the phrase, "To the west, it is Nishijin; to the east, it is Kiryu," was commonly heard, indicating the prominent position of both Nishijin (Kyoto) and Kiryu as leading weaving centers. The many sawtoothed roof mills and shops with earthen-walled storehouses provide evidence of the city’s prosperous textile manufacturing past. These structures have become part of the city’s early modern heritage.
While textile manufacturing continues in Kiryu, in recent years the production of automotive parts and machine metalworking has taken a lead in the industrial sector.
Today, with a theme of "Trustworthy, Responsible and Energetic!" and with an image of a city of the future, we have adopted "Tradition and Creativity, the Resplendent City of Kiryu" as our goal. In order to further fuel the growth of the local economy, Kiryu and the Faculty of Engineering of Gunma University have established a system for cooperation between local industries, academia and government. Hopefully, this cooperation will stimulate the development of new businesses while protecting the environment and making use of local resources. In this way, the city is striving to make Kiryu a truly great place to live.

◆吾妻公園のチューリップまつり　Tulip Festival in Azuma Park

　四季折々の花が楽しめる憩いの場で、「チューリップまつり」や「花菖蒲まつり」が広く知られています。公園内の花壇に赤・白・黄などのチューリップ１万３千球が咲き、多くの来園者に喜ばれています。例年４月中旬から下旬にかけ開催され、期間中は茶会が開催されるほか、花の種の配付も行われます。また桜も合わせて楽しめることも人気のひとつです。
※ＪＲ桐生駅から徒歩１５分

The Azuma "Tulip Festival" and "Iris Festival" are well known in for enjoying flowers. Some 13,000 tulips bloom in shades of red, white and yellow from mid to late April to the great enjoyment of park visitors. In addition to a tea ceremony held at this time, flower seeds are also distributed to the public. This is also a popular time for cherry blossom viewing.
The park is a 15 minute walk from the JR Kiryu Station

◆サクラソウ群落　Wild Primrose

　新里のサクラソウは、主に標高４５０ｍ付近の鏑木川上流や支流に自生しており、毎年４月下旬から５月中旬にかけて見頃を迎え、市内外から訪れる多数の見学者の目を楽しませてくれます。
　桐生市では、自生地の３カ所を市の天然記念物に指定しています。その中の赤城山船原地区の約１，６００㎡の自生地が平成８年３月に県の天然記念物に指定されました。また、板橋地区の自生地を平成１２年にサクラソウふれあい公園として整備しサクラソウを身近に見られる様にしました。
サクラソウ群落　　　　　　　駐車場　１５台
サクラソウふれあい公園    駐車場  ２０台
問い合わせ先
　新里支所地域振興整備課　０２７７－７４－２２１７

The famous Niisato primroses grow wild mainly at the head of the Kaburagi River and its tributaries at an altitude of 450m. The best time for viewing is from the end of April to mid-May. The flowers provide spectacular viewing for the many visitors that come from both within the village and from far away.
There are 3 locations in Niisato that have been classified as natural treasures. The Funahara region at Mount Akagi - a 1,600m² wild primrose field area was also classified as a natural treasure of Gunma Prefecture in March 1996. In addition, the Itabashi area was remodeled into the Primrose Fureai Park to make viewing the primroses accessible to everyone.
Parking at Primrose Flower Section : 15 cars
Parking at Primrose Fureai Park : 20 cars
For information or inquiries, please contact the Niisato Branch Office Regional Promotion and Maintenance Division at 0277-74-2217.

◆黒保根運動公園の桜　Kurohone Sports Park Cherry Trees

　3月下旬から4月中旬が見頃
　河津桜、雅桜、シダレザクラ、ソメイヨシノなどが入れ替わりに咲くため、長期間、桜が楽しめます。
　水沼駅温泉センターの露天風呂からが、お花見スポットとしておススメ。
　わたらせ渓谷鐵道水沼駅より徒歩１分。

Flower viewing is from the end of March through mid April. Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed over a long period here because the many varieties, including Kawazu cherry, Miyabi cherry, weeping cherry, and Somei Yoshino cherry, bloom successively.
Viewing the cherry trees from the outdoor bath at Mizunuma Station Spa is particularly pleasurable.
The sports park is about 1 minute on foot from Mizunuma Station on the Watarase Keikoku Railway Line.

◆桐生八木節まつり　Kiryu Yagibushi Festival

　毎年８月の第１金・土・日に開催され、本市最大のイベントである桐生八木節まつり期間中は、市内各所での八木節おどりのほか、子どもみこしまつりや全日本八木節競演大会・ダンス八木節・ジャンボパレードなど多彩なイベントが繰り広げられ、約４０万人の人出で賑わいます。
※市内各所でイベントが開催されるが、参考に末広町通りは、ＪＲ桐生駅から徒歩１分

The biggest event of the year in Kiryu, this festival takes place on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August. During the festival, Yagibushi folk dancing takes place all over the city, along with a children's Mikoshi festival, the All-Japan Yagibushi Singing Competition, the Dance Yagibushi event, and the Jumbo Parade. Some 400,000 visitors participate in this colorful event.
* Events are held at various sites in the city. The nearest site from JR Kiryu Station is Suehiro Street ( 1 min. walk).

◆カリビアンビーチ　Caribbean Beach

  関東最大級の全天候型室内温水プール“カリビアンビーチ”は、ダイナミックなカリブの海をイメージした常夏の楽園。高さ３０㎝～１ｍの大小さまざまな波で海水浴気分を味わえ、ボディボードも出来る波のプールをはじめ、１周１５０ｍの流れるプール、本格的に泳ぎたい人に競泳プール、６ｍの高さからダイナミックに滑り落ちるロデオマウンテン、専用ゴムボートに乗って水ふぶきとともに８０ｍあっという間に滑り抜けるウォータースライダーや子供プールもあり充実しています。プールサイドには、休憩スペース、ジャグジーもあります。また、水着のままで飲食できるレストランやショップもあり１日遊べます。駐車場も広く８００台無料で置けますので、友達同士、ご家族で気軽においで下さい。

問合せ先　カリビアンビーチ　０２７７－７０－２１２１

The Caribbean Beach is the Kanto region's largest all-year-round indoor heated pool. This endless summer paradise is created in the image of the Caribbean ocean.
Visitors can feel like they are at the beach by enjoying the large and small waves which range from between 30cm-1m tall; a pool where you can body board; a 150m round pool with flowing waters; a pool with swimming lanes for serious swimmers; "Rodeo Mountain" - a 6m high waterslide; an 80m waterslide where you can ride down in special rubber dinghies; and a kids' pool.
At the poolside there is a relaxation space and a jacuzzi. Also, there is a restaurant where visitors can eat and drink in their swimwear as well as a shop, so visitors can enjoy a whole day at Caribbean Beach.
The large 800 vehicle car park is free.

For information and enquiries, please contact Caribbean Beach at 0277-70-2121.

◆くろほね夏まつり　Kurohone Summer Festival

　黒保根運動公園で開催される、くろほね夏まつりは、昔から真夏の夜を彩る一大ページェント。揺れるちょうちんの光、なつかしいリズム。遠く故郷を離れていた人たちも参加し、八木節大会や花火大会等が行われ、夜遅くまで祭りは盛り上がります。
わたらせ渓谷鐵道水沼駅より徒歩１分

The Kurohone Summer Festival, held at Kurohone Sports Park, is a colorful summer evening event dating from long ago. Former residents come from far and wide to see the swaying paper lanterns light up the night and hear the nostalgic rhythms of the festival. The celebration continues until late at night with Yagibushi dancing and a fireworks display.
The festival grounds are a 1 minute walk from the Watarase Keikoku Railways Mizunuma Station

◆えびす講　Ebisuko

　１１月１９日が「宵祭り」、２０日が「本祭り」のえびす講は、西宮神社の例祭として有名。商売繁盛を願う多くの参拝客が関東一円から訪れ、賑わう。神社への参道と周辺の道路には、きらびやかなオタカラやクマデ、あるいは、食べ物を売る露店が数百件も立ち並び、特に参道は歩くのも困難なほどの人出となります。
※ＪＲ桐生駅から徒歩１０分

Ebisuko is an annual festival which takes place at Nishinomiya Shrine every year on November 19 (Festival Eve) and 20 (Main Festival). Pilgrims from all over the Kanto area come to pray for success in business, making it a very lively occasion. The streets leading up to the shrine are lined with stalls selling showy "otakara" and "kumade," along with many delicious kinds of food. The main street leading up to the shrine is always thronged with pilgrims.
The festival grounds are a 10 minute walk from the JR Kiryu Station.

◆にいさと薪能　Niisato Takigi Noh (traditional outdoor plays)

　「にいさと薪能」は秋に、山上城跡公園の二の丸芝生広場で開催されます。古城跡の静寂の闇にはじける篝火が幽玄の世界を照らし出します。その幻想的な舞台は、観る人を魅了します。
問い合わせ先　新里公民館　０２７７－７４－４１５１

Niisato Takigi Noh takes place each year in autumn and is held on the Ninomaru Lawn in Yamakami Castle Ruins Park. A bonfire glows in the eerie darkness of the old castle ruins and lights up a subtle yet profound world. This mystical background is mesmerizing. For information and inquiries, please contact the Niisato Education Office at 0277-74-4151.

◆古路瀬渓谷の紅葉　Kojise Ravine Autumn Leaves

　渡良瀬川の流れにより長い時間を経て形成された自然景観は、秋の紅葉はもとより四季折々の風景が観る人の心を和ませます。

Carved out over the ages by the Watarase River the natural scenery of this ravine is most beautiful during autumn and soothes the hearts of onlookers.

◆普門寺のだるま市　Daruma Fair at Fumonji Temple

　昭和３９年に始められた「だるま市」。参道及び周辺には、開運・商売繁盛・家内安全・厄除けなど様々な「だるま」を売る露店や食べ物・日用品を扱う露店が数十件程立ち並び、家族連れなど多くの人出で賑わいます。普門寺は由良成繁公が天生３年（１５７５年）に新田郡世良田村の普門寺をこの地に移したものです。なお、普門寺は、あじさい寺（約２００本）としても有名です。
※ＪＲ桐生駅から車で１０分

The "Daruma Fair" was instituted in 1964. The road leading up to the temple is lined with stalls selling "daruma dolls," (tumbling dolls) guaranteeing good fortune, commercial success, household safety, etc. In addition, there are many other stalls selling food and household goods. Many people attend with their families, making it a very lively event. Fumonji Temple was established in 1575 by Lord Yura Narishige, who moved it from its location in Serada Village, Nitta-gun. Fumonji is also known as the "Hydrangea Temple" because of the 200 hydrangeas growing there.
The temple is a 10 minute drive by car from the JR Kiryu Station.

◆山上城跡公園のロウバイ
　 Japanese Apricot Blossoms at the Yamakami Castle Ruins Park

  山上城跡公園内の芝生広場の外周に約１５０本のロウバイが植えられています。清楚な黄色い花を咲かせる姿は見事で、園内にあまい香りを漂わせ、いち早く春の訪れを告げます。１月の中旬から２月の下旬が見頃で、多くの観光客でにぎわいます。花名は、ろう細工のように油を含んで半透明色であることに由来します。
問い合わせ先
　新里支所地域振興整備課　０２７７－７４－２２１７

There are around 150 Japanese apricot blossom trees planted around the edge of the grassy area of the Yamagami Castle Ruins Park.
The pretty yellow blooming flowers make for a brilliant sight. The park is filled with their sweet scent, announcing the coming of spring. The park is bustling with tourists from mid-January to the end of February, when it is the best time for viewing the flowers.
It is said that the origin of the name of the flower in Japanese (roubai) reflects its semi-transparent, wax-like appearance.
For information or inquiries, please contact the Niisato Branch Office Regional Promotion and Maintenance Division at 0277-74-2217.

◆梨木の氷柱　 Nashigi Ice Curtain

黒保根町宿廻の林道脇（梨木温泉：梨木館前）の山腹方面に見事な氷柱（ツララ）が新スポットとして数年前から注目を集めています。
わたらせ渓谷鐵道本宿駅より車で10分

Along the forest road of Kurohonecho Shukumeguri (Nashigi Spa: in front of Nashigikan) there is an amazing icicle formation on the hillside which has become a new popular attraction over the last few years.
The ice curtain is a 10 minute drive by car from the Watarase Keikoku Railways Motojuku Station.