Major city · Japan
Kiryu桐生市
Go for one day from Takasaki or Ashikaga: the walkable silk-mill core and free zoo fill a half day, and Mt. Akagi or the Watarase valley need a second.
Kiryu is a former silk town in western Gunma, about 90 km northwest of Tokyo, that kept its prewar core: sawtooth-roof mills, merchant storehouses and Meiji-era Western buildings sit along one walkable avenue. It is a half-day to one-day stop on the JR Ryomo line between Takasaki and Oyama, and the trailhead for the Watarase Keikoku railway up the valley.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), Golden Week
- Airports
- HND · NRT
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kiryu110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kiryu, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are summer heat on the walk between sights, unlit pavements after dark, and cash-only small shops.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHND Tokyo Haneda (Nihon Chuo Bus runs to Kiryu twice daily, 2–3 h depending on Tokyo traffic).
- Getting aroundThe old core is walkable: JR Kiryu north exit to Honcho Street is about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a cafe¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup (soba or ramen)¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9)
- Beerdraught in an izakaya / can at a konbini¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6)¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiLate-night surcharge 22:00–05:00.Late-night surcharge 10:00 PM–5:00 AM.¥1,800–2,400 (≈ US$13–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Meijikan, Yukari, Okawa)¥150–1,000 (≈ US$2–7)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥3,000 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥12,000 (≈ US$85)
- High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥25,000 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥11,000 (≈ US$75) · High ¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HND Tokyo Haneda (Nihon Chuo Bus runs to Kiryu twice daily, 2–3 h depending on Tokyo traffic) · NRT Tokyo Narita (No direct bus; train via Tokyo or Ueno, then the JR Ryomo line)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kiryu: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
4 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
13 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old core is walkable: JR Kiryu north exit to Honcho Street is about 15 minutes on foot. The city runs the free Mayu sightseeing bus on two routes (Amusement Park–Yurinkan and Silk Heritage), plus the Orihime city bus. Rental bicycles are available at the Yui office in JR Kiryu station. Taxis wait at the station; no tipping, with a late-night surcharge from 22:00 to 05:00.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ashio and the Watarase valley
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Watarase Keikoku railway from JR Kiryu station; 11 of 18 daily trains run the full line
First train leaves Kiryu 06:36; last train leaves Mato 19:46. Full-distance fare about ¥1,110 each way (check).First train leaves Kiryu 6:36 AM; last train leaves Mato 7:46 PM. Full-distance fare about ¥1,110 each way (check).
Mt. Akagi
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Train or bus toward Akagi, then local bus up the mountain
Buses are infrequent outside summer; check the timetable before committing.
Tomioka
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
JR Ryomo line toward Takasaki, then the Joshin line
Silk mill and the World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill pair well with Kiryu's textile story.
Takasaki
goDoor to door: About 1 h
JR Ryomo line, about 1 h
Shinkansen stop; the practical base for a Kiryu day trip.
Maebashi
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Jomo Dentetsu from Nishi Kiryu to Chuo Maebashi
Small two-car line; a slow but scenic link to the prefectural capital.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
JR Kiryu Station area
North exit puts you 15 min on foot from the mills and museums; business hotels cluster here.
Nishi Kiryu / Miyamaecho
Quieter, around the 1928 Jomo Dentetsu station; good if you arrive from Maebashi.
Aioi
Watarase Keikoku line stop near the Meijikan; useful for an early valley departure.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–10,000 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥10,000–16,000 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- High
- ¥16,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business-hotel double room1 × 1 night × ¥12,000 | ¥12,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥11,000 | ¥22,000 |
| JR Ryomo line, Takasaki to Kiryu, one way2 × ¥1,000 · check | ¥2,000 |
| Watarase Keikoku railway, full line, one way2 × ¥1,110 · check | ¥2,220 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥4,320 |
| Trip total≈ ¥23,770 per person per day, bed included | ¥47,540≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a cafe | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup (soba or ramen) | ¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Beer: draught in an izakaya / can at a konbini | ¥500–750 (≈ US$4–6) / ¥250–350 (≈ US$2–3) |
| 5 km taxiLate-night surcharge 22:00–05:00.Late-night surcharge 10:00 PM–5:00 AM. | ¥1,800–2,400 (≈ US$13–17) |
| Museum entry (Meijikan, Yukari, Okawa) | ¥150–1,000 (≈ US$2–7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Many sights close on Mondays or Tuesdays and over New Year (Dec 28–Jan 4): check each site before you plan the day.
- The Hikobe Manor opens weekends 10:00–16:00 only; weekday tours need a reservation.The Hikobe Manor opens weekends 10:00 AM–4:00 PM only; weekday tours need a reservation.
- Some smaller museums and shops take cash only.
- Summer is hot and humid; the walk between sights has little shade.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Kiryu桐生市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies in Kiryu; most countries keep embassies in Tokyo and consulates in Tokyo or Osaka (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- JR Ryomo line, Takasaki to Kiryu: about ¥1,000 (≈ US$7), about 1 h (check)
- Tobu limited express Ryomo, Asakusa to Shin-Kiryu: about ¥2,400 (≈ US$17) reserved, about 90 min (check)
- Nihon Chuo Bus, Haneda to Kiryu: ¥3,400 (≈ US$25) one way, 2–3 h (check)
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigato gozaimasu)
- これをください — This one, please (kore o kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kado de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Local tourist association guide: kiryu-walker.net
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kiryu. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), Golden Week · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HND: Nihon Chuo Bus departures field-checked, last-train fallback via Takasaki, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: JR Kiryu north exit, Honcho 1–2 chome, Yurinkan and Tenmangu, the zoo and Okawa museum hillside.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Yurinkan, Textile Museum Yukari, Okawa Museum of Art, Meijikan) and eat pages with last orders.
- Watarase Keikoku railway fixture with first and last train times so the valley day can go green.
Sources
- officialKiryu city official site
- officialKiryu Walker tourist guide
- officialWatarase Keikoku Railway
- officialTobu Railway limited express
- officialNihon Chuo Bus highway routes
- officialVisit Gunma
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kiryu, revision 5237883 (CC BY-SA 4.0)