About Akima Bairin

Let’s make ume cordial

Look,F eel and Taste Akim a plum sphase_ 3Experiences

Akima Bairin is one of three major plum growing regions in Gunma. With approximately 35,000 trees
carpeting 50 hectares of rolling hills the area has been a popular beauty spot for 60 years. From

■When: All year
■How long: 30 mins

Activities in and around Akima Bairin.

mid-February until the end of March it hosts the Akima Bairin Festival an annual community gathering.
When the plum blooms are at their fullest there is also a celebratory Blossom Festival. At the heart of thefestivities is the warmth and wisdom of the many local farming women. From 11 stores they prepare■Take home: One 500ml bottle of ume cordial■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date

¥1,500For inquiries contact:

Akima Bairin Tourism Association 090-7739-8431 (Fukuda)

delicious local fare served up with welcoming smiles. Join in and experience authentic local culture, relax
in the beauty of nature and enjoy delicious tasting home produce.

Join us in a plum syrup workshop using bothgreen and ripe plums to create healthy anddelicious drinks!

■Fee: ¥1,500 (tax inc)tax inc

www.city.annaka.lg.jp/kanko_spot/hana/bairin.html

L o ok ,Fe el a n d T a s te A k ima p l u ms
phase_1

Ako Gishi 47

Let’s make ume jam

Is a site of archeological significance. It consists of a shrine and 47

Sour plum jam is the perfect quick and easy
accompaniment for meat dishes and yogurt
toppings. No fuss no mess!

stone figures constructed over a twenty year period (1716-1736) bylocal priest Motosuke. The memorial was built to acknowledge

Visitor Guide

Akuma Shrine

Motosuke’s gratitude and devotion to his fallen master Gengoemon

Heir to the Japanese throne Yamato Takeru No Mikoto

Parking available.

Let’s makeume vinegar pickles
Delicious plum vinegar pickles made using‘umezu’ (plum vinegar) a by-product of producing
umeboshi (sun-dried sour plums). The drainedplum vinegar is full of natural goodness and has
umami flavours. No doubt you’ ll have delicious
extra pickles to take home.

Kataoka, Asano Naganori, his wife and the 47 warriors collectively
known as Ako Gishi.

rested here exhausted from his journey to the East of■When: All year

www.city.annaka.lg.jp/kanko_spot/akou.html■How long: 30 mins
■Take home: Two 140ml jars of ume jam

Japan on horseback. Since then the area has been

Akima Bairin. Must see must do.

■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event dateknown Akima derived from the original ‘Akuma’ which

1,500

in kanji literally translates as tired of riding a horse.

¥Spring Festival: April 1st Autumn Festival: October 15thAnnakaHaruna

www.sakisaki.net/link/link_akuma.htmltax inc■Meeting place: Second Rest House at the hill top area
■Fee: ¥1,500 (tax inc)1,000¥

tax inc

Sta.

■When: All year (using seasonal vegetables) ■How long: 30 mins
■Take home: Two 140ml bottles of ume vinegar■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date
■Meeting place: Second Rest House at the hill top area
■Fee: ¥1,000 (tax inc)

↑Niigata(Megane Bashi)Completed in 1890 this majestic four arch brick bridge takes its nickname
from the Japanese word for spectacles ‘megane’. It is one of the largest
brick constructions in Japan and is designated a national important
cultural property. Parking available.
www.city.annaka.lg.jp/kanko_spot/megane_hiking.html

Aritaya

LO C A T I O NJoetsu
ShinkansensenkanhinuSrikku
HoUsui 3rd Bridge

Oginoya
Yokokawa
store■Meeting place: Second Rest House at the hill top area

GU N M A

ANNAKAA K I MA B A I R I N

Soy sauce has been produced here for over 180 years. To
this day the company continues to refine and innovate its

Yokokawa

Josnhi-EtsupExressywaSA

delicious products using traditional manufacturing and☎ 027-382-2121 Business hours 10:00-17:00

Sta.

(Closed on Mondays / public holidays)

Usui Karuizawa

Takasakinatural fermentation methods.

Yokokawa

Sta.

www.aritaya.com/en/

IN FOR MAT ION

G E T T I N G HE RE
Address
672 Nishikamiakima, Annaka City,
Gunma Prefecture

Instagram, Annaka City
For the latest information.

From Tokyo Station

ICApprox 1 hour by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Annakaharuna station.
Followed by a 15 mins taxi ride.

APT Track

Sand salt bathA 6 kilometre walking route along the abandoned Usui
Pass through its tunnels, viaducts and even a desertedstation. The course gives visitors a chance to experience

NishiMatsuidaSta.

Coach parking available at Lake Usui, Megane Bashi@akimabairinkankofrom Yokokawa station to Annaka station.
Followed by a 20 mins taxi rideMatsuineShinLinIC

Plum Walk
Look , Fe e l a nd Ta s te Ak i m a pl um seTokyo

IsobeSta.

Isobe Onsen
The birthplace of the hot spring symbol. Isobe is popular with those looking
for relaxation and wellness. Its waters are high in salt concentration and aidShimonitaGuide map of☎ 027-329-6203

Sta.

wayA popular event undertaken by 2,000 people annually.

Followed by a 25 minutes train journey via JR Shin-Etsu line

For inquiries: Annaka City Tourism Organization

Matsuida

xpressconnecting Yokokawa and Karuizawa.

Akima Bairin
Tourism Association

Approx 35 minutes by bus to Yokokawa station.

bodily detoxification.

JRJoshin-Etsu E

for one day only provides special access to the historic abandoned Usui Line linesSta.

sand salt bath treatment reputedly effective forby the natural beauty and wildlife of the Usui Pass.Car andFor more adventurous visitors there is an 11 kilometre guided walking activity that

From Karuizawa

Annakacan experience ‘diving under sand’ a special

ICboth railway history and Megane Bashi bridge surrounded

Abandoned railway walk

Followed by a 20 mins taxi ride.

At Isobe Onsen ‘Megumi-no-Yu’ hot spring you

Matsuida Myougi@annaka_city

Approx 15 mins by JR Shin-Etsu line to Annaka station.

↑main line that used to connect Yokokawa to Karuizawa.

Annaka City

From Takasaki Station

Experience pickling fresh plums grown by local
farmers and using your own preferred pickling
method. This workshop is suitable for both thenovice and experienced picklers.

‘Umeboshi’ is steeped in granny’ s wisdom and is
one of the most authentic produce found inJapanese kitchens. We use them to flavour salt
‘umebisio’ creating a delicious seasoning. Perfectfor sprinkling onto onigiri (rice ball), or as anatural preservative, check it out!

■How long: 30 mins

hot water for the beauty. Isobe is also known for a delicious crispy snack■When: All year round■Take home: One 1kg WECK jar of umeboshi‘Isobe Senbei produced using the mineral rich local spring water.

¥☎ 027-385-6310

Let’s make umebishio■When: Late June – early Julyskin rejuvenation. Best expressed in Japanese term ‘Bijin no Yu’ meaning

Inquiries: Isobe Kanko Onsen Ryokan Cooperation

Let’s make umeboshi

2,000tax inc

www.visit-gunma.jp/en/spots/isobe-onsen/■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date
■Meeting place: Second Rest House at the hill top area
■Fee: ¥2,000 (tax inc)

1,000

¥

tax inc

Inquiries: Annaka City Tourism Organization ☎ 027-329-6203■How long: 60 mins
■Take home: Two 140ml jars of umebishio■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date
■Meeting place: Second Rest House at the hill top area
■Fee: ¥1,000 (tax inc)

Our Plum Story

they might see opportunity in agriculture. We promote thefarming life by offering agricultural experiences, to people
from all walks of life. Getting them actively involved in theorchard life. And we set up our ‘Plum School’ where they

Farmers in Akima Bairin just as those in rural areas

can enjoy and participate in workshops that explore theacross Japan, are ageing and the legacy of their wisdom

delights and flavours of plum recipes. We have also

is under threat of being lost. Five years ago in a bid toestablished ‘Umezono’ a plum tree sponsorship program

help address this we began work on engaging people

that helps safeguard plum orchard traditions for thewith plum farming culture, its people, knowledge, produce

future as a place where people can continue to come andand community. We developed initiatives specificallybe part of its community Our journey continues toaimed at supporting the ageing farmers by engaging theshowcase the gift of the plum and to make everyone

younger generations. We started to tie up with local

aware of its many wonders and influences. We hope more

schools so that the farming legacy could be better

people can join us at Akima Bairin and take home with

understood by younger people in order that ultimately

them their own special plum story.

1,800

¥

tax inc

Let’s pull leeks

Let’s pick plums

Get close to the land and join in with our local
Japanese leek harvest experience!
Joshu negi (Japanese leek) are delicious and canbe prepared in a wide range of ways to create
countless tasty recipes.

Experience the end of season harvest of ume
side by side with the local farmers.
Recommended for those looking to make syrup
and umeshu.

■When: December-early February■How long: 60 mins

■When: May to mid-June■How long: 30 mins
■Take home: 10 Japanese leeks■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date
■Meeting place: Akuma Shrine■Fee: ¥1,800 (tax inc)¥2,000tax inc■Take home: 5kg or 10kg fresh sour plums■Booking: 10:00 – 15:00 / 3 days prior to event date
■Meeting place: Akuma Shrine■Fee: ¥1,000 (tax inc)↑

Wa l k i n g M a p a t Ak i ma plums

Akuma Shrine

Ebozawa

Annaka City

Three delicious Akima eats you should try!

Akima Bairin Map↑

Plum Orchard Walk

You can’t miss the big sign!

Entrance toplum orchard『Miso oden』『Imogushi』『Yakimochi』

Gunma's specialty konjac
drizzled with miso sauce.
You can never have enough!

The simple taste of taro on askewer grilled over charcoal
with sweet miso sauce!

A traditional grilledhomemade bun that’s zuniqueto each store and is a perfecttakeaway souvenir.



WALKING COURSETO ENJOY AKIMA BAIRIN
01 Orchard walkGetting back to nature

02 Farmers table

A delicious farmers lunch

03 Plum kitchen

Make your own plumsyrup and jam

February to MarchThis is the best time to enjoy the beauty of the plum trees

20 mins by car

04 Take a break
Akima River

Megumi no Yu sand salt bath(sauna bathing detox treatment)

10 mins walk

JA Usui Annaka Plum
Sorting Factory

05 Check-inflavours produced by different preparations and recipes.

experience. Another experience you won’ t want to missis the natural beauty of the Usui Pass and the spectacular

ABT Road &Abandoned Railway Walk

15 mins by car‘Megane-bashi’, selected as an important culturalproperty. Take a nature walk along the abandoned railway
walk that connects Yokokawa and Karuizawa through aseries of pitch-black tunnels. And after all this enjoy arelaxing spa in the birthplace of the hot spring symbol

mplu

07 Beautiful Usui Pass Usui late and Megane Bashi
Usui Third Bridgedharorc

Kobai Parkthis course also lets you sample the different plumsouvenirs to take home, a delicious memory of yourYour accommodation for the night

06 Walking the tracks
tois bloom. In addition to the beauty of nature in full bloom

You can also participate in making your very own plum

Isobe Onsen Ryokan

20 mins by carEntr
ance

PlumExperience

Isobe Onsen,Yamaichi
Best views of wee

Look out across a Akiyama Farmsea of plum blossom

ping plum blossomPlum orchard

Make your own plum jam

sand salt bath

Abandoned Railway Walk

Nagameya

2nd rest house

Kanbai Koen

event venue

Minoriya

TouristInformation
CenterUmejizo

Enjoy poppies and hydrangeas

Daiichi Baiten

outside of the plum season.

Kanbai Shokudo

01 Orchard Harvest Pick the choicest plums

UguisuThe view from the
top is wonderful

FujiyaUmenoya

Shop Takahashi

02 Farmers table

A delicious farmers lunch

03 Plum kitchen

Make your own plum syrup
and salty pickled plums

04 Plum colours

Dyeing with plum dyes

06 Crispy walk

Hill top area
Sangenjaya area

Enjoy the plum blossoms and heritage of Akima

Your accommodation for the night

Try this 2-3 hours

with stunning panoramic views ofplum orchards in bloom(includes 30-60min break) walking course

START!

Sangenjaya
area

Akiyama Farm side
promenade15m ins

KanbaiKoen

10minsHill toparea

30

Takahashi Store side
promenade

mins

Akuma
Shrine30

mins

who rested here on his journey tothe East of Japan and named the spot
‘Akuma’ which literally means tiredof riding a horse.

Isobe Onsen for a rejuvenating bath. Or maybe try
something special such as a Sand Salt Bath detox. This is

Megumi no Yu sand salt bath(sauna bathing detox treatment)a relaxing adult experience in Akima Bairin and IsobeOnsen.

10 mins walk08 The joy of Soy

Aritaya

Soy sauce sampling

Isobe

30
mins
originates from Prince Yamato Takeru,

After all that hard work relax by taking a short trip over to

Step out and enjoy
delicious Isobe Senbei

Gokan River

Sangenjayaarea

It is said that the name ‘Akima’

Sangenjaya
area!!

Pick the very best plums on the tree to make into↑

also beautiful!
y home isThe plum orchard on your waEND

07 Relax

close to nature in the orchards alongside a local farmer.
delicious plum syrup and pickled plums for your kitchen.

10 mins walkpavilion

Matsuida↑

Enjoy the sunsetover Mt. Myogi!

↑This is the harvest time for plums. Spend the day working

Isobe Onsen Ryokan

20 mins by carKanbai Koen

Gokan

June to July

20 mins walk

05 Check-in

HarvestExperience

Plum picking

Making Umeboshi

Plum plant dye

Isobe Senbei

If you can’t get enough of the charm of Akima, you can always enrol at the ‘Plum School’ where you can experience working along-sideplum farmers, or help us keep the traditions of the area alive by joining ‘Umezono’ our tree sponsorship programme.
For more information, please contact: Akima Bairin Tourism Association 090-7739-8431 (Contact: Aoba Fukuda, Japanese only)