Showa Village, Gunma群馬県昭和村
Living in Showa Village, Gunma
We have Summarized the livability of Showa Village, Gunma.
TONE-NUMATA AREA利根沼田地域
CONTENTS
- What kind of place is Showa Village?
- Showa VillagePR video
- How is the traffic situation in Showa Village?
- How are the rent and land prices in Showa Village?
- How is childcare and education in Showa Village?
- How about shopping in Showa Village?
- How about jobs and recruitment in Showa Village?
- Showa Village’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
What kind of place is Showa Village, Gunma?
Showa Village is a town with a thriving agricultural industry and is recommended for those starting out in agriculture.
Located in the Tone-Numata area of Gunma Prefecture and belonging to the Tone District, “Showa Village.”
Surrounded by Numata City to the north and Shibukawa City to the south, the area spreads out like a fan from Mount Akagi down to the foothills.
The population is about 7,100 people, with 2,700 households. (As of April 2021)
Geographically, being close to Mount Akagi, winters here are very cold.
Despite being near a heavy snowfall area, the town does not experience much snow, but the cold winds, known as the Akagi Oroshi, can be strongly felt.
Along the town flow the Tone River and the Katashina River. Though nestled between rivers and mountains, the area boasts vast, fertile land, making it a hub for agriculture.
Showa Village is one of Japan’s leading producers of highland vegetables, with its konjac farming area accounting for about 30% of Japan’s total, making it the largest producer in the country.
About 15% of the village population is involved in agriculture, making farming a central part of life here.
Garlic, lettuce, corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, and other crops are harvested year-round, earning Showa Village the nickname “Vegetable Kingdom.”
With the Kan-Etsu Expressway running through the town, access to the Tokyo metropolitan area is convenient, earning it the title “The Kitchen of the Greater Tokyo Area.”
PR video of Showa Village, Gunma
[Showa Village, Gunma Prefecture] Tourism Promotion Video – Four Seasons Edition
How is the traffic situation in Showa Village?
Kan’etsu Expressway
Showa Village: A town where you can race through beautiful scenery
There are no trains running through Showa Village.
Therefore, if you wish to use a train, you’ll need to travel to Numata City and use JR Joetsu Line’s “Numata Station” or “Iwamoto Station.”
Showa Village operates a local bus that travels between Showa Village and Numata Station, so you can either take this bus or drive your own car to access the station.
Although there are no major national highways running through Showa Village, there is a well-maintained road from the middle of Mount Akagi down to its foothills that is easy to drive on.
Among these, the “Tone-Numata Bogyou Line,” which runs along the base of Mount Akagi, is a beautiful road surrounded by open fields, making it perfect for scenic drives.
Other roads within the village rarely experience traffic, so driving is generally stress-free.
Additionally, the Kan-Etsu Expressway passes through Showa Village, with the Showa IC providing convenient access to the Greater Tokyo Area.
You can reach Tokyo in about an hour and a half.
It’s also convenient for accessing Niigata and other areas.
There is a well-developed bus system, which provides access not only to the village but also to neighboring cities, making it very convenient for people without a car.
There is no train station, so if you want to take the train you will need to travel to a station in a nearby area.
How are the rent and land prices in Showa Village?
Showa Village is a town with low land prices and is recommended for those considering building a custom home.
As of August 2022, the average rent for apartments and condominiums in Showa Village is 52,000 yen.
Showa Village does not cater much to single residents, so there are very few studio apartments available. Typically, 1LDK or larger layouts are standard, and with a budget of 60,000 yen, you should be able to find a decent property.
Looking at the average land prices in Showa Village as of September 2022, it is 36,000 yen per tsubo (3.3 square meters).
The area around Itoi is priced at 39,000 yen per tsubo, while the Kawagaku area is at 34,000 yen per tsubo.
With the low land prices, this area is recommended for those looking for custom homes with spacious gardens.
The average housing prices, including rent, are relatively low compared to areas in the central part of the prefecture, meaning that housing-related financial burdens in this area are minimal.
Since this is a car-oriented area, it is safer to have parking spaces or garages for two or more cars.
How is childcare and education in Showa Village?
Fureai Green Park
Meiwa Village is a town rich in nature and perfect for raising active children.
In Showa Village, there are three nursery schools, but no kindergartens. There are three elementary schools and one junior high school, but no high school.
For kindergarten or high school, residents need to commute to nearby areas.
Showa Village is surrounded by mountains and rivers, making it a rich natural area.
The ability to play in mountains and rivers is a unique feature of this region, which is not possible in urban centers.
Within the Showa Village Comprehensive Sports Park, the Fureai Green Park offers fun and active play equipment for children, including a long slide known as the “Jet Slider” and a bouncy dome.
Showa Village’s Children’s Medical Expense Subsidy covers outpatient and inpatient care for children up to the age of 18 (until March 31st after their 18th birthday).
The “Medical Expense Support System for Single-Parent Families” provides partial reimbursement for medical expenses based on insurance for children up to the age of 18 (until March 31st after their 18th birthday) raised in single-parent households.
Additionally, Showa Village offers subsidies for childcare fees, covering about 30% of the annual fees for the first child, while subsequent children can attend for free.
The rural landscape and natural surroundings make it a safe and relaxed environment to raise your children.
There is no train station, so children will need to be picked up and dropped off by car if they are going out alone.
How about shopping in Showa Village?
Roadside Station Agurimu Showa
Showa Village: A town where you can always get fresh vegetables
Showa Village is home to the Agri-Mu Showa Roadside Station, where you can purchase locally grown agricultural products.
There is also a dining area where you can enjoy set meals made with fresh vegetables, as well as crepes made with vegetables and buckwheat flour.
Additionally, you can experience harvesting at the adjacent Agri-Mu Farm, rent a bicycle to ride through the highlands, or enjoy foot baths at a natural hot spring, offering a variety of fun activities.
Showa Village features a community-oriented supermarket called Super Koike Showa Store, where you can find general food and daily necessities.
There are also various individual shops and convenience stores, so you should have no trouble purchasing food and other items.
Since there are no shopping malls, if you want to enjoy a wider range of shopping, you’ll need to access Numata City or Maebashi City, making a personal vehicle essential.
Although it is a small town, there are many shopping spots scattered around, so you will have no trouble buying food and daily necessities.
There are no large shopping malls, so if you want to enjoy shopping for fashion or miscellaneous goods, you will need to go to a nearby area.
How about jobs and recruitment in Showa Village?
Showa Village is an agricultural area with many farms. Therefore, it is easy to find job openings related to agriculture.
There are also industrial companies near Showa IC, so you may be able to find jobs in the transportation and manufacturing industries.
Showa Village, Gunma’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
Showa Village, Gunma’s unique relocation assistance and relocation subsidy system
| Relocation support funds Marriage new life support project subsidy Subsidies for new housing construction associated with permanent residence |
Showa Village, Gunma’s unique housing assistance and subsidy system
Showa Village, Gunma’s unique childcare support system
| Subsidized and free childcare fees |
