Midori, City center in eastern Gunma Prefecture, Japan
Midori is a city in eastern Gunma Prefecture where wooded hills and the Watarase River shape much of the landscape. The built-up areas sit mostly in the valleys, while steep slopes and dense forest occupy the larger part of the territory.
The city was formed in 2006 when Omama, Kasakake, and Azuma merged under the new name Midori. This administrative reform followed a nationwide trend of combining smaller towns into larger units.
The name Kasakake area originates from traditional mounted archery practices, reflecting the deep connection between local heritage and historical Japanese martial arts.
Four railway lines connect the city to the region, while the Ota-Yabuzuka exit on the expressway serves the southern district. The north-south spread leads to noticeable temperature differences between neighborhoods.
The elevation differences within the city lead to cherry blossoms opening two to three weeks later in the north than in the south. Visitors can experience the same natural display twice within the same municipality.
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