Katashina Village, Gunma群馬県みなかみ町
Living in Katashina Village, Gunma
We have Summarized the livability of Katashina Village, Gunma.
TONE-NUMATA AREA利根沼田地域
CONTENTS
- What kind of place is Katashina Village?
- Katashina VillagePR video
- How is the traffic situation in Katashina Village?
- How are the rent and land prices in Katashina Village?
- How is childcare and education in Katashina Village?
- How about shopping in Katashina Village?
- How about jobs and recruitment in Katashina Village?
- Katashina Village’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
What kind of place is Katashina Village, Gunma?
Oze Rock Crescent
Katashina Village is a town in a heavy snow area with plenty of skiing and hot springs.
Located in the northeastern part of Gunma Prefecture, ‘Katashina Village’ belongs to the Tone Numata region and Tone District. It is surrounded by Minakami Town to the north and west, Kawaba Village to the southwest, Numata City to the south, Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture to the east, and Hinoemata Village in Fukushima Prefecture to the northeast. The population is approximately 4,100, with around 1,700 households (as of September 2022).
Katashina Village is situated in the far northeastern part of Gunma Prefecture, with National Route 120 passing almost through the center of the village. Despite being 180 kilometers from Tokyo, it attracts many tourists. This is due to its status as one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the Kanto region, making winter leisure and hot springs particularly popular. With various ski resorts and hot spring facilities available, it is a favored destination in summer for those seeking relief from the heat and in winter for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
The village was established in 1889 with the enforcement of the municipal system, and it is notable for not having undergone any mergers or name changes since then. With a long history, the village engages in various activities. Although it once faced population decline and aging issues, recent trends towards rural living and local initiatives have slowed the rate of population decrease. The primary industry is agriculture, which was historically known for radish cultivation. However, it has recently become famous for highland tomatoes grown in greenhouses, which are shipped nationwide.
PR video of Katashina Village, Gunma
[Four Seasons in Oze] Video of the four seasons in Oze National Park
How is the traffic situation in Katashina Village?
Oze Bridge
Katashina Village is a town in an area with heavy snowfall that makes travel difficult in winter.
Katashina Village in Gunma Prefecture is not served by any train lines, with the nearest station being JR East’s Numata Station on the Joetsu Line.
As a result, residents do not rely heavily on trains, making cars the primary mode of transportation.
The main roads in Katashina Village include National Route 120 leading to Tochigi and National Route 401 leading to Fukushima, providing excellent transportation options. However, these routes often close due to heavy snowfall in winter.
Particularly along the border with Fukushima and Tochigi Prefectures, which are known for heavy snow, travel can be restricted during winter months. Additionally, the border with Fukushima is designated as Oze National Park, where general vehicle access is prohibited, allowing only pedestrian traffic on certain roads.
In 2016, a bus route operated by Kan-Etsu Kotsu connecting Katashina Village to Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture was revived after 24 years, enhancing local transportation options.
During the ski season, Kan-Etsu Kotsu runs direct buses between Shinjuku and the ‘Oze Katashina Road Station‘, making it convenient for many skiers and snowboarders.
Free shuttle buses operate from the road station to the various ski resorts, creating an accessible environment for visitors from the city to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
There are well-developed bus routes, allowing access to neighboring areas as well as the city. There are hot spring resorts and ski resorts, and many wide roads built for tourism make for a pleasant drive.
There is no train station in the area, so if you want to take the train, you will need to travel to a station in a nearby area. Also, in the winter, the roads will be covered in snow, so it is essential to be prepared.
How are the rent and land prices in Katashina Village?
Find great deals on used properties at the Vacant House Bank! “Katashina Village”
Katashina Village has a resort-like atmosphere, and its basic land prices are not significantly different from those in other major areas of Gunma Prefecture.
The best way to search for rental properties is through the village-operated ‘Akiya Bank‘.
There are more single-family homes available for rent than apartments, with prices ranging from 20,000 yen to 50,000 yen per month.
As of September 2022, the average land price in Katashina Village is approximately 38,000 yen per tsubo.
Prices in the Kamata area are about 67,000 yen per tsubo, while in the Hanasaki area, it’s 25,000 yen per tsubo, and in the Tsuchiide area, it’s 23,000 yen per tsubo.
Due to the aging population, many used pensions are on the market, often at relatively low prices compared to the average.
Most can be purchased for under 10 million yen, making them attractive not only for those looking to start a pension business but also for individuals wanting to relocate to the countryside for a comfortable life.
You can also find single-family homes for sale through the ‘Akiya Bank‘, so if you’re considering a move, take a look!
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 Katashina Village?
Katashina Plateau
Katashina Village is a town rich in nature and perfect for raising children with an outdoor lifestyle.
In Katashina Village, there are three nurseries and no kindergartens. There is one elementary school and one junior high school, but no high schools.
Surrounded by mountains and rich in nature, Katashina Village offers a great environment for raising children, with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and river play that are not available in urban areas.
The nearby ski resorts and hot springs, along with numerous long-standing local events, provide opportunities for physical activities and interactions with other children in the community. This fosters close relationships with many people, which is a unique aspect that urban settings often lack.
Moreover, since many events are organized by the local government, most are free to participate in, allowing children to join without financial burden. In contrast to urban areas, where skiing or snowboarding often requires significant time and expense, residents can enjoy these leisure activities as if they were in their own backyard.
Katashina Village offers a ‘Birth Celebration Fund‘ that provides 300,000 yen for each child born after the third child.
Additionally, there is a subsidy for purchasing child seats, which covers half of the purchase cost (up to a maximum of 10,000 yen).
The ‘Child Medical Expense Subsidy‘ in Katashina Village covers children under 18 years old (until March 31 of the year they turn 18) for both outpatient and inpatient care.
The ‘Medical Expense Subsidy System for Single-Parent Households’ provides support for individuals raising children up to 18 years old (until March 31 of the year they turn 18) based on the costs of medical care under health insurance.
The area is surrounded by rural landscapes and abundant nature, and there are plenty of leisure activities and events available, making it a safe and relaxed environment where you can 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 Katashina Village?
Roadside Station Oze Katashinahara
Katashina Village: A town where you can get fresh agricultural products from Katashina Village
Katashina Village, while located at a distance from the central cities of Takasaki and Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, has well-maintained roads that allow residents to easily drive to various shopping destinations.
Takai City and Maebashi City can be reached in about an hour by car, making regular shopping trips common for many residents.
For everyday essentials, there are local supermarkets run by individual proprietors within the village, offering a variety of food items and necessities, ensuring that residents do not face difficulties in their daily lives.
They also provide a wide selection of homemade bento, making it convenient for many people to stop by and grab a meal.
Additionally, there is the ‘Oze Katashina-Hara Roadside Station‘ within the village, primarily aimed at tourists, where you can purchase fresh agricultural products harvested in Katashina Village.
This location features “Katashina Shokudo,” where you can enjoy Oze famous water udon, as well as a “Community Kitchen” run by local residents, providing an easy way to experience Katashina cuisine.
Although it is a small village, 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 Katashina Village?
Katashina Village: A town with many jobs unique to resort areas
Katashina Village is a tourist area, so you can find job listings for resort jobs such as hotel staff.
Also, there are several factories scattered around the village, so you can find part-time job listings for simple tasks such as manufacturing and transportation. You can also find job listings for nursing care and construction.
Katashina Village, Gunma’s unique subsidy/subsidy system
Katashina Village, Gunma’s unique relocation assistance and relocation subsidy system
| Katashina Village Relocation Support Fund |
Katashina Village, Gunma’s unique housing assistance and subsidy system
| Vacant House Bank Katashina Village Housing New Construction and Renovation Subsidy Program |
Katashina Village, Gunma’s unique childcare support system
| Birth gift money Subsidy for purchasing child car seats |
Katashina Village, Gunma’s unique system for further education and tuition assistance/subsidies
| School attendance assistance system Katashina Village Education Loan Interest Subsidy Program |
