Higashiagatsuma, Gunma Prefecture, Kantō Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Higashiagatsuma (東吾妻町, Higashiagatsuma-machi) is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2020, the town had an estimated population density of 53 persons per km². The total area of the town is 253.91 square km (98.04 sq mi).

Geography Located in the north-western portion of Gunma Prefecture, Higashiagatsuma is surrounded by high peaks, including Mount Iwabitsu (802.6 meters). The town hall is 619 meters above sea level. • Mountains: Mount Iwabitsu, Yakushidake, Sugamine • Rivers: Agatsuma River, Ishikami River • Lakes: Lake Haruna

Surrounding municipalities Gunma Prefecture • Takasaki • Shibukawa • Nakanojō • Naganohara.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Higashiagatsuma has declined considerably over the past 70 years.

History During the Edo period, the area around Higashiagatsuma was part of the hatamoto-administered territory within Kōzuke Province.

With the creation of the modern municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration on April 1, 1889, the town of Hara and the villages of Ota, Iwashima, and Sakaue and Azuma were created within Agatsuma District of Gunma Prefecture. The first three villages merged into Hara in 1965, which was renamed Agatsuma Town in February 1956.

Higashiagatsuma was created on March 27, 2006, by the merger of the town of Agatsuma, and the village of Azuma, both from Agatsuma District.

Government Higashiagatsuma has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 14 members. Higashiagatsuma collectively with the other municipalities in Agatsuma District, contributes two members to the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Gunma 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Higashiagatsuma is heavily dependent on agriculture and seasonal tourism. Noted local crops include konjac and myoga production. Tourism from ski resorts and onsen hot springs also contribute to the local economy. Mount Ajara was a venue for the 2003 Asian Winter Games.

Education Higashiagatsuma has five public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government, and one public special needs high school operated by the Gunma Prefectural Board of Education.

Transport: Rail JR East – Agatsuma Line • Gōbara - Yagura - Iwashima.

Transport: Road • National Route 145 • National Route 406.

Local attractions • Iwabitsu Castle - A castle ruin of Sanada clan. • Agatsuma Gorge, National Place of Scenic Beauty • Tarusawa Tunnel.