The Karuta Museum in Higashiagatsuma Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, is a unique exhibition facility dedicated to Jōmō Karuta, a traditional card game that has become an important symbol of Gunma’s local culture.
It is the first permanent exhibition facility in Gunma devoted specifically to Jōmō Karuta. Through the cards, visitors can discover the prefecture’s history, famous people, natural landscapes, traditional culture, local products, and tourist attractions in an enjoyable and accessible way.
One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its collection of large-scale Jōmō Karuta signs and cards. Their impressive size makes them popular photo spots, allowing visitors to take memorable pictures while learning about Gunma.
For local residents, the museum offers an opportunity to revisit childhood memories and their connection with their hometown. For visitors from outside Gunma, it provides an entertaining introduction to the character and culture of the prefecture.
The Karuta Museum is located along National Route 145, beside the Agatsuma River in Higashiagatsuma Town. The building was formerly used as a roadside drive-in and was renovated and reopened as the Karuta Museum in November 2022.
Large objects inspired by Jōmō Karuta cards are displayed around the parking area, creating a distinctive landscape that makes the museum easy to recognize even from the road.
Admission is free, making it an easy place to stop during a sightseeing drive. Visitors who arrive early can also take their time photographing their favorite cards without the crowds that may gather later in the day.
Inside the museum, all 44 Jōmō Karuta cards are displayed on large panels. Each card is accompanied by explanations introducing the history, nature, people, and culture represented by its image and verse.
Historical materials are also exhibited, including examples from the original 1947 edition and the revised edition published in 1955. Comparing the different versions allows visitors to see how the illustrations and presentation of Gunma’s cultural heritage have changed over time.
Many exhibits are actual objects related to the subjects featured on the cards. For example, the card beginning with “A: Asama’s mischief—Onioshidashi” refers to the dramatic lava landscape created by the eruption of Mount Asama. A piece of volcanic lava is displayed at the museum, and visitors may be able to touch it by asking the museum director.
The museum also displays actual examples of local products and traditional culture featured in Jōmō Karuta.
The card “Ne: Negi and konnyaku, specialties of Shimonita” introduces Shimonita’s famous green onions and konnyaku. A real konnyaku tuber is displayed, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about Gunma’s important konnyaku industry.
Another exhibit features Isezaki Meisen, a traditional silk textile that is now produced only on a very limited scale. These displays make the museum more than a simple card exhibition: visitors can encounter tangible examples of the history and culture represented by the cards.
Among the 44 cards, one of the most beloved is “Tsu: Gunma, shaped like a dancing crane.” The verse refers to the shape of Gunma Prefecture, which resembles a crane spreading its wings.
The card has a particularly special place in the competitive version of Jōmō Karuta. When players finish with the same score, the player holding the “Tsu” card is traditionally declared the winner. As a result, the card has acquired a special significance among Gunma residents.
At the Karuta Museum, the “Tsu” card is also a popular spot for commemorative photographs and serves as a symbol of local pride.
Jōmō Karuta was created in 1947, shortly after World War II, and has since become one of Gunma’s best-known forms of local culture. The name “Jōmō” comes from an old name for the Gunma region.
The game consists of 44 cards featuring Gunma’s famous places, historical figures, natural landscapes, industries, traditions, and cultural heritage. The cards were designed to introduce children to their home region at a time when geography and history education was restricted in schools after the war.
Local historians and cultural figures worked together to select the subjects and wording of the cards. The result was an educational game that allowed children to learn about Gunma while having fun.
The first competitive tournament was held the following year. Since then, competitions have been held every year. Qualifying tournaments are held throughout Gunma in January, followed by the prefectural championship in February. Many children practice during the winter, making Jōmō Karuta a familiar part of everyday life and childhood memories for generations of Gunma residents.
The museum also has a souvenir corner offering a variety of products inspired by Jōmō Karuta.
Among the most popular items are keychains and straps featuring the picture card on one side and the corresponding reading card on the other. All 44 designs are available, and some enthusiasts even collect the complete set.
The museum also sells original earrings and other accessories inspired by the cards. An English-language edition of Jōmō Karuta is available as well, making it an appealing souvenir for international visitors who want to learn more about Gunma.
The food section features a selection of Gunma specialties, including himokawa udon, products made with Shimonita negi, and a variety of konnyaku products.
Visitors can also find original items such as Jōshū motsuni, a savory pork offal stew, and snacks inspired by grilled-pasta-style dishes. These products offer another way to take home a taste of Gunma after a visit to the museum.
The Karuta Museum is more than an exhibition space. It also serves as a convenient cultural stop where visitors can learn about Gunma while enjoying a road trip through the region.
Exhibits include trophies and medals from Jōmō Karuta competitions, giving visitors a glimpse into the competitive side of this local tradition as well.
The surrounding area is home to attractions such as Agatsuma Gorge and several hot spring resorts, making the museum a convenient stop during a sightseeing itinerary. Because admission is free and the exhibits are accessible to visitors of different ages, it is particularly suitable for families.
By train: Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Iwashima Station on the Agatsuma Line.
By car: Approximately 30 minutes from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway via National Route 145.
A spacious parking area makes the museum convenient for travelers exploring the area by car.
The 44 Jōmō Karuta cards cover a remarkably wide range of Gunma’s identity, from mountains and hot springs to historical figures, traditional industries, food, and local customs.
Gunma is blessed with mountains, valleys, rivers, and hot springs, and many of these natural attractions appear in Jōmō Karuta.
“A: Asama’s mischief—Onioshidashi” refers to the dramatic lava landscape of Onioshidashi Park, created by an eruption of Mount Asama. The rugged volcanic rocks create an otherworldly landscape in Tsumagoi Village.
“Su: Akagi’s long slopes” celebrates Mount Akagi, one of Gunma’s most famous mountains. The mountain is home to scenic destinations such as Lake Ōnuma and Kakumanbuchi, which are popular for hiking and driving.
“Se: The flower fields of Lake Ozenuma, a secluded paradise” introduces Oze, one of Japan’s most famous high-elevation wetlands. From spring through summer, visitors can see alpine plants such as Asian skunk cabbage and daylilies.
“Mo: Mount Myōgi reflected in autumn foliage” celebrates Mount Myōgi, famous for its distinctive jagged rock formations. Counted among Japan’s Three Most Scenic Strange Rock Landscapes, the mountain is particularly spectacular during the autumn foliage season.
“Ya: Agatsuma Gorge surpassing Yabakei” refers to Agatsuma Gorge, one of Gunma’s most impressive valleys. Its clear river, dramatic cliffs, and seasonal scenery make it especially attractive in autumn.
Gunma is one of Japan’s best-known hot spring regions, and several famous onsen destinations appear in Jōmō Karuta.
“I: Ikaho Onsen, one of Japan’s famous hot springs” celebrates Ikaho Onsen, known for its atmospheric stone staircase lined with traditional inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
“Ku: Kusatsu is a wonderful place, a medicinal hot spring” introduces Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. The Yubatake hot spring field and traditional yumomi performances offer visitors an opportunity to experience Japanese bathing culture.
“Yo: Shima Onsen washes away the dust of the world” refers to Shima Onsen, a peaceful mountain hot spring resort. Its name and traditional reputation are associated with the idea of healing many ailments, and the resort remains popular with travelers seeking a relaxing retreat.
Gunma is home to numerous historical sites and cultural treasures, many of which are celebrated in Jōmō Karuta.
“Ni: Japan’s first Tomioka Silk Mill” refers to the Tomioka Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that played an important role in Japan’s modernization during the Meiji period. Today, visitors can tour the historic industrial complex and learn about Japan’s silk industry.
“Mu: The ancient Tago Stele speaks of the past” refers to the Tago Stele, one of Japan’s Three Ancient Stelae. This important stone monument preserves valuable evidence of Japan’s history during the Nara period.
“Yu: The venerable heritage of Nukisaki Shrine” introduces Nukisaki Shrine in Tomioka, a historic shrine distinguished by its unusual approach and arrangement of its main buildings.
“Re: The historically renowned Nitta Yoshisada” celebrates Nitta Yoshisada, the samurai leader known for his role in the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate. Numerous sites associated with his history remain around the Ōta area.
Jōmō Karuta also introduces the traditional industries, famous people, and regional specialties that have shaped Gunma.
“Ki: Kiryu is Japan’s great center of weaving” celebrates Kiryu, a city that developed as an important textile-producing center. Historic buildings and textile-related heritage can still be found throughout the city.
“Ne: Negi and konnyaku, specialties of Shimonita” highlights Shimonita negi green onions and konnyaku, two of Gunma’s best-known regional products.
“Ma: Silk cocoons and raw silk are Japan’s finest” recalls Gunma’s long history of sericulture and silk production. The industry once supported numerous farming households and contributed significantly to Japan’s modernization.
“Ra: Thunder, dry winds, and a spirit of humanity” captures distinctive aspects of Gunma’s climate and local character. Summer thunderstorms and the strong, dry winter winds known as karakkaze are characteristic features of the prefecture.
The Karuta Museum offers an enjoyable way to discover Gunma through the familiar cards of Jōmō Karuta. The exhibits combine history, nature, traditional culture, local products, and stories of the people of Gunma in a format that is easy for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
For Gunma residents, it is a place filled with childhood memories and local pride. For travelers, it is an engaging introduction to the character of the prefecture.
If you are exploring Gunma, consider stopping at the Karuta Museum to discover how 44 simple cards have preserved and passed down the stories of an entire region.