Annaka City, Gunma群馬県安中市
Living in Annaka City, Gunma
We have Summarized the livability of Annaka City, Gunma.
WEST AREA西部地域
CONTENTS
- What kind of place is Annaka City?
- Annaka CityPR video
- How is the traffic situation in Annaka City?
- How are the rent and land prices in Annaka City?
- How is childcare and education in Annaka City?
- How about shopping in Annaka City?
- How about jobs and recruitment in Annaka City?
- Annaka City’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
What kind of place is Annaka City, Gunma?
Apt Road
Annaka City: full of sightseeing spots and a well-developed transportation network
Annaka City is located in the western region of Gunma Prefecture.
It is surrounded by Takasaki City to the northeast, Shimonita Town and Tomioka Town to the south, and Karuizawa Town in Nagano Prefecture to the west, forming a border area between Gunma and Nagano Prefectures. The population is approximately 55,000, with 24,000 households (as of August 2022).
Annaka City is a relatively new municipality, established on March 18, 2006, through the merger of the former Annaka City and Matsuidamachi.
However, the region itself has a long history, known as a major transportation hub along the Nakasendo during the Edo period. It was home to post towns such as Itahana, Annaka, Matsuidamachi, and Sakamoto, which flourished in the past.
Even today, the city retains its strategic importance with one Shinkansen station and two highway interchanges within its borders.
Annaka City is rich in water resources, with many rivers flowing through it, including the Usui River. The western part of the city features mountainous areas such as the old Usui Pass, blessed with a natural environment.
The city boasts numerous attractive tourist spots that take advantage of this environment, and the local government actively promotes various tourism projects.
Among the most famous tourist attractions is Isobe Onsen.
It is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, dating back to at least the Edo period, and is known as the birthplace of the ♨ (hot spring) symbol.
The locally famous Isobe Senbei, baked using hot spring water, is also a popular specialty.
Another must-see tourist spot is Usui Pass.
Spanning the border between Gunma Prefecture and Karuizawa Town in Nagano Prefecture, this 956-meter-high pass has long been known as a difficult mountain pass.
It is home to the Usui Third Bridge, commonly known as the “Megane Bridge,” which is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and a famous spot for photography.
Nowadays, it is also home to the experiential railway theme park Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park, making it a popular destination for families to enjoy.
PR video of Annaka City, Gunma
【Annaka City -Four Seasons-】ANNAKA CITY -THE FOUR SEASONS 2021-
Anoraks Design Market × Usui Pass Abandoned Railway Walk × Black Tree innovation
How is the traffic situation in Annaka City?
SL Retro Usui
Annaka City is a comfortable city with a comprehensive transportation network, both by train and car.
Two train lines run through Annaka City in Gunma Prefecture: the JR Shinetsu Main Line and the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen.
The JR Shinetsu Main Line has five stations: ‘Annaka Station,’ ‘Isobe Station,’ ‘Matsuida Station,’ ‘Nishi-Matsuida Station,’ and the terminal station ‘Yokokawa Station.’
It takes about 10 minutes to reach Takasaki Station from Annaka Station, making it very convenient.
The JR Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at ‘Annaka-Haruna Station,’ providing access to Tokyo in about 1 hour and Toyama in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The train travels to Tokyo and Omiya to the north, and Nagano, Toyama, and Kanazawa to the south, making it convenient for long-distance travel.
From the bus and taxi rotary in front of Annaka Station, you can use public transport.
Annaka City is particularly well-served by buses, with a variety of routes centered around Annaka City Hall.
The main roads for cars include National Route 18 and the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.
Along National Route 18, which runs through the center of Annaka City, commercial facilities and residential areas are spread out, making it a commonly used road.
Additionally, Route 18 provides access to Karuizawa Town, so traffic can be congested on weekends and holidays.
In Annaka City, there are two expressway interchanges on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway: ‘Matsuida-Myogi IC’ and ‘Usui-Karuizawa IC.’
To the east, it connects to the Kan-Etsu Expressway at Fujioka JCT, and to the west, it connects to the Chubu-Odan Expressway at Saku-Komoro JCT in Nagano Prefecture.
There are many train stations, so you can get there from any area. There are also many national roads and expressways, so it is also convenient to travel by car.
There aren’t many trains, so the main way to get around is by car. Many roads get congested depending on the time of day, so if you do travel by car, be careful about the time.
How are the rent and land prices in Annaka City?
Annaka city from the ruins of Gokan Castle
Convenient location with affordable housing prices: Annaka City
As of February 2022, the average rent for apartments and condominiums in Annaka City is ¥48,800.
Breaking it down by layout, the average rent for a 1R to 1K is about ¥30,000, for a 1DK to 2DK is about ¥40,000, and even for larger 2LDK to 3DK units, it’s around ¥50,000. With a budget of ¥70,000, you should be able to find a decent property.
However, for apartments or houses with 4LDK or more, the average rent is ¥82,300.
When looking at rent by the age of the property, newly built properties (less than 1 year old) average ¥65,900, while used properties within 20 years average ¥57,700. A rough benchmark for average rent is around ¥60,000.
Throughout the year, the rent tends to peak from October to January, with November being the highest.
As of September 2022, the average land price in Annaka City is ¥81,000 per tsubo.
The highest land prices are in the Iwai area at ¥142,000 per tsubo, Annaka area at ¥109,000 per tsubo, and Nakajuku area at ¥89,000 per tsubo.
The lowest land prices are in the Saginomiya area at ¥33,000 per tsubo, Matsuidamachi area at ¥66,000 per tsubo, and Isobe area at ¥72,000 per tsubo.
There are plenty of rental properties and new construction properties in the area, so you can enjoy searching for a property with many options. Land prices are also low in some areas, so it is also recommended for those who want to build their dream home by custom-making.
Since this is a car-oriented area, it is more convenient to have parking for two or more cars.
How is childcare and education in Annaka City?
Akima Plum Grove
Annaka City: A city that provides peace of mind for dual-income families raising children
Annaka City has 15 nurseries, 7 kindergartens, 10 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, and 3 high schools.
Annaka City’s Child Medical Expense Assistance covers children under 18 years old (until March 31 of the year they turn 18) for both outpatient and inpatient care.
Additionally, the Single-Parent Family Medical Expense Assistance Program provides partial reimbursement for medical expenses based on insurance for children up to 18 years old (until March 31 of the year they turn 18) in single-parent families.
Annaka City also operates the After-School Childcare Clubs for children whose parents are absent during the day due to work or other reasons.
These clubs provide a safe place for children after school hours, on school holidays, and during long breaks in spring, summer, and winter, supporting their healthy development and helping parents balance work and childcare.
There are about 20 childcare clubs in the city, located in various facilities such as elementary schools, nurseries, agricultural cooperatives, and former legal affairs bureaus.
There is an abundance of nature and leisure facilities, making it a great place for children to have fun.
If you need to travel to a slightly further area for your children’s lessons or cram school, you may need to be picked up and dropped off by car due to the infrequent train services.
How about shopping in Annaka City?
National Route 18
Annaka City: A city with many shopping spots centered around National Route 18
Major commercial areas in Annaka City include the downtown Annaka district, as well as Haraichi, Isobe, Matsumita, and Ibanba, which are scattered throughout the city, centered around the old post towns.
Recently, the expansion of suburban shopping centers along National Route 18 has been remarkable, indicating a high demand for shopping among residents.
Whether it’s traditional individual shops, local supermarkets, or large shopping centers and home improvement stores, a diverse range of stores is available, ensuring that daily necessities like clothing and groceries are easily accessible.
For example, in the area along National Route 18, Beisia Annaka Store is well-known.
It offers a wide variety of fresh foods including vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood, as well as a good selection of prepared foods and bento.
With a spacious parking lot, it is convenient to access by car from the national route.
Additionally, the Beisia Annaka Mall, which is located on the same premises, features a wide range of daily necessities such as clothing, shoes, toys, sports equipment, and pet supplies.
It also has a game corner for children, making it an ideal place for family shopping on weekends.
Other convenient stores in major commercial areas include the Annaka Power Center Uokatsu Annaka Store, A Co-op Annaka Store in Haraichi, and A Co-op Matsumita Store in Matsumita.
There are shopping malls and supermarkets scattered around the city, so you will have no trouble finding food and daily necessities.
A car is essential to go to the shopping mall. It is filled with the so-called “common shops,” so if you want to buy something fashionable, you have to go to another area.
How about jobs and recruitment in Annaka City?
Annaka City is focusing on attracting businesses and has high expectations for future growth.
Annaka City has many commercial facilities, from supermarkets to fashion and restaurants, so you will often find job openings in customer service and other industries.
You can also find job openings in manufacturing and transportation.
In conjunction with the Nishimo Regional Trunk Road, which is scheduled to open in 2029, the city is aiming to develop a new industrial park, so we can expect great things from Annaka City in the future.
Annaka City, Gunma’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
Annaka City, Gunma’s unique relocation assistance and relocation subsidy system
| Annaka City Relocation Support Grant Program Annaka City Trial Relocation |
Annaka City, Gunma’s unique housing assistance and subsidy system
Annaka City, Gunma’s unique childcare support system
| Annaka City Pre- and Post-natal Home Help Service |
Annaka City, Gunma’s unique system for further education and tuition assistance/subsidies
| School attendance assistance system |
