Chikyūya, located in Shinto Village, Kitagunma District, Gunma Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination where visitors can discover Japanese-style goods, handmade crafts, and a wide variety of hands-on workshops. One of its main attractions is the “World’s Largest Hanging Ornament”, which is permanently displayed inside the facility and is registered with Guinness World Records.
With its combination of traditional Japanese culture, handmade crafts, shopping, and creative workshops, Chikyūya is an enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages, from children to adults.
The highlight of Chikyūya is a spectacular hanging ornament suspended from the ceiling and made from 13,556 individual lucky charms and decorative objects. Each small ornament was carefully handmade by artisans using traditional silk fabrics, known as chirimen and other vintage Japanese textiles.
The countless handmade ornaments come together to create a magnificent and colorful display. Visitors can even step inside the hanging decoration, making it possible to enjoy a memorable photo opportunity.
The beautiful combination of traditional Japanese colors, textiles, and craftsmanship makes this an impressive way to experience the appeal of Japanese folk crafts up close.
The shop offers a wide selection of Japanese-style products, including hanging ornaments, traditional accessories, handmade dolls, natural power stones, and recycled kimono.
The collection ranges from traditional designs to distinctive original creations, making it a convenient place to look for souvenirs and gifts. Visitors can also purchase DIY craft kits, allowing them to continue enjoying Japanese-style handicrafts after returning home.
Chikyūya offers a variety of hands-on craft experiences, including making hanging ornaments, chirimen textile crafts, dolls, and bags. Many of the workshops are suitable for beginners, giving visitors the opportunity to create their own original souvenirs.
Group participation is also available, with facilities capable of accommodating approximately 40 people at one time. This makes Chikyūya suitable not only for individual travelers and families, but also for group tours, school excursions, and educational or training trips.
Next to Chikyūya is the Chikyūya Bakery, where visitors can enjoy freshly baked bread made with carefully selected ingredients.
All of the bread is made using naturally cultivated yeast and is prepared without preservatives, artificial flavorings, or other food additives. The bakery uses selected ingredients including Hokkaido wheat flour, beet sugar, salt from Nagasaki, and low-temperature-pasteurized milk.
The bakery also has a café space where visitors can relax over breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. The aroma of freshly baked bread creates a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying a leisurely break during a day of sightseeing.
Across the road from Chikyūya is Chikyūya Haruna Glass, a spacious hands-on craft studio offering more than 30 different creative experiences.
Activities include sandblasting, glass art, kaleidoscope making, herbarium creation, pottery, and making traditional glass beads known as tonbōdama. The variety of activities makes the studio suitable for both children and adults.
Creating an original piece by hand provides a unique souvenir and a memorable way to experience Japanese craftsmanship during your trip.
Chikyūya is more than a place to look at traditional crafts. Visitors can see, shop, create, and experience Japanese culture in a relaxed setting.
You can admire the enormous Guinness World Records hanging ornament, browse Japanese-style goods, choose a handmade souvenir, or try your hand at one of the many craft workshops. With the bakery and Chikyūya Haruna Glass nearby, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a creative and relaxing visit.
For travelers exploring Shinto Village and the Mount Haruna area, Chikyūya is an appealing destination where traditional Japanese culture and hands-on creativity come together.