沼田市は、群馬県の北部に位置し、谷川連峰や三国山脈、日光連山などに近く、赤城山や皇海山、武尊山など日本百名山に挙げられる山々に四方を囲まれ、標高は２５０メートルから２,１００メートル余りの起伏に富んだ地形で、総面積は４４３.３７平方キロメートルに及びます。市街地は、市域を南北に貫流する利根川とその支流の片品川・薄根川により形成された日本一の河岸段丘上に広がっています。このような地勢から、玉原高原や吹割の滝、豊富な温泉群などに代表される豊かな自然と数多くの観光資源に恵まれています。
　 古くは、天文元年（１５３２年）に沼田氏が居城して以来、明治に至る３００有余年の間、真田・本多・黒田・土岐氏の城下町として栄えました。明治以後、北毛の交通の要衝として、また、利根沼田圏域の商業の中心として開け、大正１３年（１９２４年）の上越線の開通とともに、農林産物の集散地として一層の発展を見ました。戦後は、森林資源を背景に木材関係の工場が多くなり、次第に産業の基盤を整えてきました。昭和２９年４月、沼田町を中心に利南村、池田村、薄根村、川田村の１町４カ村が合併して市制が施行されました
　 市制施行後も、モータリゼーションに対応する三国トンネル、金精峠、志賀高原ルートなどの開通、さらには昭和５７年の上越新幹線、昭和６０年の関越自動車道新潟線の開通により、本市は交通の要衝として、ますます重要な役割を占めるようになりました。
　 そして現在は、利根沼田広域市町村圏（昭和４４年９月指定）の中で、行政、商業、情報その他の生活サービス機能の集積する中核都市として、また、首都圏近郊の観光リゾート地としての役割を担っています。
　 平成１７年２月１３日には隣接する白沢村、利根村と合併し、５５,０００人の市民とともに新しい市の歴史を築いていこうとしています。

Numata is located in the northern part of Gunma, close to the Tanigawa, Mikuni and Nikko mountain ranges. It is surrounded by mountains reputed to be among the top 100 most famous mountains in Japan, including Mt. Akagi, Mt. Sukai and Mt. Hotaka. Numata is a sprawling city covering 443.37 km with an elevation range of 250 m to 2100 m. Located in the No. 1 river terrace in Japan, formed by the Tone, Katashina and Usune rivers, Numata is rich in natural scenery including Tanbara Highlands, Fukiware Falls and an abundance of hot springs.
Founded by the Numata family in 1532, and succeeded by the Sanada, Honda, Kuroda and Toki families, the feudal town of Numata prospered for over 300 years.
After the Meiji Period, Numata became the center of commerce in the northern part of Gunma. It developed as a distribution center for agriculture and forestry products with the completion of the Joetsu line in 1924. After WWII, the number of lumber related factories increased, paving the way for the gradual growth of forest industries.
In April 1954, the villages of Tonami, Ikeda, Usune and Kawada merged to form the town of Numata, and the municipal government was established. With the new government's enforcement, Mikuni Tunnel, Konsei Pass, and the Shiga Plateau route were opened, giving way to motorized transportation. The area became an even more important transportation hub with the completion of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982 and the Niigata Line of the Kanetsu Express Way in 1985.
The current roles of the city include social services, commerce, and tourism.
On February 13th, 2005, the villages of Shirasawa and Tone merged into the expanded city of Numata resulting in its current population of 55,000.

◆玉原高原　Tanbara Highlands

　鹿俣山の西に広がるなだらかな高原の中央では玉原湖が青い水をたたえ、玉原湿原では雪解けを待ってミズバショウが顔を出し、色とりどりの高山植物が訪れる人の目を楽しませます。木立を縫うように整備された遊歩道でブナ平まで足を延ばせば、そこは大自然の深呼吸ゾーンです。

In the center of this gentle highland spreading west from Mt. Kanomata, lies Tanbara Lake, a clear blue lake, which never freezes over even in winter. With the spring thaw comes the blossoming of the beautiful skunk cabbage and the entire moor becomes filled with alpine plants in summer.
If you take the path to Bunadaira (a beech tree grove) you will find a 'Natural Deep Breathing Zone' where you can relax and appreciate the fresh air.

◆たんばらラベンダーパーク　Tanbara Lavender Park

　最大の見頃は7月中旬から8月中旬頃、さわやかな高原に紫色のじゅうたんが敷き詰められます。夏山リフトでの空中散歩、アロマテラピー教室やラベンダー摘み取りなどイベントも盛り沢山です。

At its peak season from mid July to mid August, Tanbara Lavender Park becomes a purple blanket of lavender. Offering a refreshing escape from the stifling summer heat, visitors can enjoy the aerial view as they ride the summer chair lift, as well as try their hand at various other activities including aromatherapy and lavender picking.

◆たんばらスキーパーク　Tanbara Ski Park

　初級者から上級者まで、家族連れにも嬉しい充実設備のスキー場。山頂駅から玉原湖を見下ろし、ブナ林に囲まれた美しいコースでパウダースノーを満喫してください。スノーボードも全面滑走可能。ゴールデンウィークまで営業しています。

A fully equipped ski area suitable for beginners through to experts, Tanbara Ski Park is a place the whole family can enjoy. Overlooking Tanbara Lake from the mountain summit, one can find powder snow topped courses lined with groves of beech trees. All courses are open to both skiers and boarders and operation continues until the beginning of May.

◆吹割の滝（名滝百選）
　 Fukiware Falls (One of the hundred most famous waterfalls in Japan)

　片品川の浸食が作り出した吹割の滝は、高さ7メートル､幅30メートルに及び、急流が川底の割れ目に向かって左右から豪快に流れ落ち、見る者を圧倒します。周囲に巡らされた遊歩道を使って、左甚五郎作と伝えられる観音像が安置されている浮島観音堂や鱒飛の滝、獅子岩などの奇岩の連なりを楽しみながら散策できます。

Created by erosion from the Katashina River, the Fukiware Falls, with a height of 7 meters and a width of more than 30 meters present a breathtaking spectacle. As you walk along the path that leads to the Ukishima Kannon (goddess of mercy) Temple, you can enjoy viewing some of the unusual rock formations in the area. The temple houses the legendary Jingoro Hidari's work.

◆皇海山（日本百名山）
　 Mt. Sukai (One of the hundred most famous mountains in Japan)

　かつて山岳仏教の修行地として信仰を集め、日本百名山のひとつに数えられる皇海山へは、不動の滝などを眼下に眺めながら栗原川林道を進み、登山口で車を降りてから山頂まで約3時間。途中、シャクナゲの群生を抜け、山頂からは武尊山などの眺望が楽しめます。

Mt. Sukai, one of the one hundred most famous mountains in Japan, was originally a sacred mountain worship place for ascetics. From the base of the trail to the summit takes about three hours by foot. Along the path you can also view the Fudo Falls and azaleas in spring. From the summit you can enjoy the view of Mt. Hotaka and other mountains in the area.

◆沼田まつり(8月3･4･5日)　Numata Festival (Aug 3-5)

　北関東一と言われた｢祇園祭｣が沼田まつりの始まりです。3日間にわたり目抜き通りを歩行者天国にして開催される沼田まつりは、各町内のみこしやそれぞれに飾り付けが施された｢まんどう｣と呼ばれる山車が祇園囃子を奏でながら目抜き通りを練り歩き、町全体が熱気に包まれます。勇壮な須賀･榛名両神社のみこしとまんどうの競演は見る者を圧倒し、家内安全を願って女性だけで担がれる天狗みこしが華を添えます。200軒近くの露店は子供だけでなく大人にとっても楽しみのひとつです。

The Numata Gion festival, which is said to be one of the best and most exciting festivals in northern Kanto, marks the beginning of the Numata festival. Many giant floats, called mando, each with its own festival music and decorations, are pulled around the town. Each of the various communities in Numata has its own portable shrine (mikoshi) which are brought out for the festival. The mikoshi from the Suga and Haruna shrines are especially impressive. The highlight of the festival is to see the large tengu (long nosed goblin) mask which is carried by women to pray for the safety of their families. About 200 street stalls lining the festival route are a popular attraction with young and old alike.

◆老神温泉 大蛇まつり　Oigami hot springs giant snake festival

On May 3rd, a giant snake portable shrine weighing two tons and stretching to a length of 108 meters is brought out from its holding place at the Akagi shrine. On the 7th and 8th, the portable shrine will be carried by young people and parade it around the Onsen area. Adventurous souls are always welcome to join in.

◆沼須人形芝居（市文化財指定）　Numasu puppet theater (A city cultural asset)

　幕末の安政年間に始まった人形芝居で、毎年4月3日に砥石神社に奉納されます。人形頭は有形文化財に、芝居は無形文化財に登録されています。

The puppet theater is held every year on April 3rd at the Toishi shrine, having originated in the end of the Edo period. Both the performance itself and the doll heads used in it have been designated as cultural assets of the city.

◆平出歌舞伎（市文化財指定）　Hirade kabuki (A city cultural asset)

　県内7座ある農村歌舞伎のひとつで、江戸時代中期より継承され、現在は、芸術祭などにおいて上演しています。

Hirade kabuki is one of seven farmers' kabuki troupes in Gunma. Having originated in the middle of the Edo period, the troupe currently performs at events and art festivals.

◆老神温泉　Oigami Hot Springs

　日光男体山の神との戦いで傷を負った赤城山の神が発見しその傷を癒したとされる老神温泉は、片品渓谷沿いに老舗の旅館やホテルが軒を連ね、豊富な湯量と温かいおもてなしが自慢です。「湯めぐり手形」で、日帰り入浴も楽しめます。ゆったりと温泉情緒をお楽しみください。

Legend has it that the Oigami hot springs were discovered by the battle injured deity of Mt. Akagi and used to heal the god's wounds. This area of the Katashina gorge has a number of long-established Japanese inns and hotels which boast of their rich variety of hot springs and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy a day visiting spas with a Yumeguri Tegata ticket, and have relaxing soak in beautiful setting.

◆朝市　Morning Market

　近隣の人々が持ち寄るとれたての野菜や季節の果物、自慢の漬物などがずらりと並ぶ老神名物の朝市は、4月下旬から11月中旬までの毎朝6時から7時30分まで観光会館前で開催しています。

Early risers in Oigami can take advantage of an array of freshly picked vegetables and seasonal fruits grown on nearby farms. This "morning market" is open from 6:00 to 7:30 every morning from the end of April to the middle of November in front of the tourism hall.

◆雪ほたる　Snow Fireflies

　1･2月の土曜日と祝前日、あちこちに作られた小さなかまくらにキャンドルがともされます。雪の中に浮かぶ神秘的な光は、老神の新しい名物です。

On saturday and the day before holidays in January and February, small mounds of snow are lit with candles. This mystic light, which resembles fireflies dancing in the snow, has become a new local favorite in Oigami.

◆白沢高原温泉｢望郷の湯｣ 　Shirasawa Highland Hot Springs Bokyo-no-yu

　国道120号沿い｢道の駅･白沢｣にあり､正面に赤城山を望む大浴場や露天風呂をはじめ、サウナやジャグジーなどの施設も充実。展望レストランでゆったりとお食事をお楽しみいただけます。

Bokyo-no-yu is conveniently located at a rest stop just off Rt. 120. The facility is equipped with saunas, Jacuzzis, and a large indoor bath, but the highlight of Bokyo-no-yu is its open-air outdoor bath with its breathtaking view over the valley facing Mt. Akagi. The view can also be enjoyed while partaking of a comfortable meal in the attached restaurant.

◆南郷温泉｢しゃくなげの湯｣　Nango Hot Springs Shakunage-no-yu

　地元産木材をふんだんに使った懐かしさと温かみがある建物で、香り豊かな檜風呂やせせらぎが聞こえる露天風呂があり、そば打ちやつる工芸の体験もできます。地元の食材を使った料理もお召し上がりください。

Constructed in a traditional Japanese style from local timber, Shakunage-no-yu provides a warm and relaxing atmosphere to those who visit. There are two main outdoor baths, one made from cypress and the other from stone. The outdoor hot springs offer a perfect place to relax as the rich fragrance of the Japanese cypress and the sound of a babbling brook wash over you. You can also try your hand at making buckwheat noodles or wisteria crafts. If you have time, you might also wish to try out the local delicacies.

◆沼田城址公園　Numata Park

　天文元年(1532年)沼田氏が築城した沼田城は、戦乱の時代を経て真田氏の居城となり、初代城主信幸によって五層の天守が築かれ、天下の名城としてその威容を誇りました。四季を通じて美しく手入れされた公園は、桜の名所としても知られ、櫓台の石垣や堀跡の一部などに城址としての名残をとどめています。

The ruins of Numata castle can be found in Numata Park. The castle was originally built by Akiyasu Numata, twelfth lord of the Numatas, in 1532. An impressive five story keep was added to the castle by Nobuyuki Sanada and the castle became known as one of the most imposing castles in Japan. The park is beautiful in any season and is especially known for its cherry blossoms in spring.

◆御殿桜　Goten-zakura

　西櫓台の石垣上に大きく枝を張り、｢御殿桜｣の愛称で公園のシンボルともなっているエドヒガンザクラ。

Branching out over the stone wall of the castle ruins, this cherry tree is the symbol of Numata Park and is called the goten-zakura or 'palace cherry tree' as a term of endearment.

◆旧土岐家住宅洋館　Historic Toki Residence

　大正13年(1924年)に東京渋谷に建てられた最後の沼田藩主土岐氏ゆかりの洋館を、平成２年に現在地へ移築したものです。「牛の目」と呼ばれる屋根窓が特徴的なドイツの別荘風住宅は、近代以降の旧大名家の生活を知る資料としても重要で、国の登録有形文化財になっています。

This house was the residence of Lord Toki, last lord of Numata. It was built in Shibuya in Tokyo in 1924 and was relocated to Numata in 1990. It was constructed in a German villa style with large dormer windows. The house allows us a glimpse at the formal feudal times and has been recognized as a national cultural asset.

◆旧生方家住宅　Historic Ubukata House

　市街地にあった沼田藩御用達の薬種商の住宅を移築したもので、妻入・板葺きの外観を持ち、その様式と技法から17世紀末頃の建築とみられ、東日本最古の町家造りとして、国の重要文化財に指定されています。

This house was owned by the pharmacist for the Numata clan. It was removed from its former location at midtown and relocated to its present position in Numata Park. Built in the 17th century, the house has shingle roofing and a gabled side entrance and has been designated a national cultural asset.

◆迦葉山　Mt. Kasho (Kashozan)

　四季折々に豊かな表情を見せる迦葉山。その中腹にある弥勒寺は、嘉祥元年(848年)天台宗比叡山座主慈覚大師を招いて開創され、室町時代末期に曹洞宗に改宗ののち、江戸時代には徳川初代将軍の祈願所として御朱印百石、十万石の格式を許された由緒ある寺です。中峯堂には顔の丈6.7メートル、鼻の高さ2.7メートルの日本一の大天狗面が安置され､天狗のお山としても知られています。参拝の際に天狗面を借りて帰り、願いが成就したら新しい面とともに奉納する慣わしがあります。

Mt. Kasho, also known as Tengu's Mountain, is home to the historic Mirokuji Temple. The temple was opened by the famous priest Jikaku from Hieizan and was once used by Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun, to pray. At the temple you will find the largest tengu (long nosed goblin) mask in Japan. The mask stands 6.7 meters high and has a nose measuring 2.7 meters. Visitors can rent tengu masks for wish granting. When the wish has been realized, the mask should be returned to the temple.

◆沼田市南郷の曲屋　Nango Historic House "magariya"

　南郷に残る旧鈴木家住宅は、関東では大変珍しい曲屋で天明５年(1785年)の建築とされ､茅葺き･入母屋造りの建物が豪農の暮らしぶりをうかがわせます。

The historic Suzuki house, built in Nango in 1785, is a 'magariya,' a style of building famous for its thatched roof and L shape, typical of wealthy farmhouses of that era. This type of building is especially rare in Kanto.

◆高平の書院と五葉マツ　Takahira Manor House and Pine Tree

　慶安２年(1649年）、四代沼田藩主真田信政が新田開発や宿割を行った際に使用した館を、領内見回りの休憩所として書院風に建て替えたもので、当時植樹されたと伝わる五葉マツが今に残っています。書院は県の重要文化財に、松は県の天然記念物に指定されています。

The manor house was used when the fourth Lord Sanada, Nobumasa, of Numata created a new estate. The house was later rebuilt in the shoin style of Japanese residential architechture. The house and its adjacent pine tree have been designated as prefectural monuments.

◆りんご(9月上旬～11月下旬)
　 Apples (Beginning of September to the end of November)

　たっぷりの日照時間と昼夜の寒暖差が、おいしい沼田のりんごを育てます。沼田生まれのあかぎや陽光をはじめ、たっぷり蜜がのったふじや新世界など、市内約150軒の観光農園で｢沼田の秋｣を丸かじりしてください。

With long sunny days and cool nights, the climate of Numata is ideal for growing apples. With apples ranging from the locally created Akagi to the sweet and juicy Fuji, there are 150 apple orchards in Numata. Pick a few and have a taste of autumn.

◆さくらんぼ（6月上旬～7月上旬）
　 Cherries (Beginning of June to the beginning of July)

　程よい酸味と甘さがおいしいさくらんぼは、沼田を代表する初夏の味覚として定着しています。ご贈答にもどうぞ。

The slightly tangy, sweet flavor of cherries embodies the taste of early summer in Numata. Light and delicious, they also make a lovely present.

◆ブルーベリー(７月上旬～8月中旬)
　 Blueberries (Beginning of July to the middle of August)

　おおつぶ星、あまつぶ星は群馬生まれの新しい品種。健康面でも大注目のブルーベリー、摘みたての実は、ほかでは味わえないおいしさです。果肉を使ったケーキも開発中。

Otsubu-boshi and Amatsubu-boshi are new varieties of blueberries created in Gunma. The fresh picked taste of these berries is second to none.

◆ぶどう（8月下旬～10月中旬）
　 Grapes (End of August to the middle of October)

　沼田は、県内でも有数のぶどうの産地。平棚と垣根仕立てがあり、雨除け栽培されたぶどうは果汁たっぷりで糖度が高く、子どもからお年寄りまで人気も抜群です。

Numata is the leading producer of grapes in Gunma. Protected from the rain and grown in flat trellises and hedges, the grapes are sweet and juicy, a favorite of young and old alike.

◆いちご（2月上旬～6月上旬）
　 Strawberries (Beginning of February to the beginning of June)

　白沢地区を中心に、群馬生まれの大粒で甘味たっぷりの品種を栽培しています。春の味覚を摘み取ってお楽しみください。

Several sweet, Gunma born varieties of strawberries such as Oze-haruka and Tone-hoppe, are grown in the Shirasawa area. Be sure to grab a handful for a taste of spring.

◆味噌まんじゅう（焼きまんじゅう） Miso Manju (Yaki manju)

　竹串に刺したまんじゅうに独特の味噌ダレを塗って、炭火で香ばしく焼きあげます。お土産セットもどうぞ。

Miso manju is one of the tastiest local delicacies. To make miso manju, steamed buns are skewered and then placed over a charcoal fire, roasted and basted with sweet miso sauce. A must try if you're in Numata, you can pick them up in sets at souvenir shops.

◆だんご汁　Dumpling soup (Dango-jiru)

　よくこねた小麦粉をちぎって、季節の野菜やキノコ、肉などと煮込んだ伝統的な家庭料理。市内の飲食店で創作だんご汁も楽しめます。

The local dango-jiru is a traditional dumpling soup made with seasonal vegetables and meat. Many of the local restaurants offer this savory dish.

◆菓子　Sweets

　沼田の歴史を思い起こさせる和菓子、季節の地元産フルーツを使った洋菓子、地方色豊かで種類も豊富です。

From traditional Japanese sweets to western treats made with locally grown fruits, Numata has a wide variety of snack foods to tempt your taste buds.

◆はちみつ　Honey

　四季を彩る花々から届けられた天然のもので、アカシヤやレンゲなど種類も豊富です。ロイヤルゼリーなども人気の商品です。

Natural honey made by bees taking nectar form local seasonal flowers is available at many shops in the city. Royal jelly is another popular bee product.

◆伝統工芸品　Local Crafts

　職人の技と自然と文化が育んできた品々は県指定のものも多くあり、お土産や贈答用にも喜ばれています。

Local artisans craft a number of traditional articles particular to Gunma Prefecture which are popular as souvenirs.

東京方面から
○車では
　 練馬I.C.－関越自動車道－沼田I.C.［1時間30分］
○電車では
　 □上越新幹線で
　　 東京駅－上毛高原－(バス)－沼田駅［1時間40分］
　 □JR高崎線・上越線では
　　上野駅－(高崎線)－高崎駅－(上越線)－沼田駅［3時間］

From Tokyo
○By Car
　　Nerima I.C.－(Kan'etsu Expressway)－Numata I.C. [1hr 30mins]
○Trains
　 □By Shinkansen
　 　Tokyo Station－Jomo Kogen Staition－(By Bus)－Numata Station[1hr 40mins]
　 □By JR Takasaki Line / Joetsu Line (Train)
　　Ueno Station－(JR Takasaki Line)－Takasaki Station－(JR Joetsu Line)－Numata Station[3hrs]