Katashina, Mountain village in Tone district, Japan
Katashina is a mountain village in Gunma Prefecture featuring forested hills and valleys across a large area. The settlement sits at elevations between 640 and roughly 2,600 meters and is shaped by rivers and woodland.
The village was established as a municipality in 1889 and served as an important center for silk production in the region. Later, winter tourism became a major part of the local economy.
The village preserves silkworm farming traditions and crafts that families have passed down through generations. You can see how this connection to nature shapes the way people live and work in the community.
The area is crossed by two main highways that provide access to ski resorts and hiking routes. Visitors should be prepared for winter conditions, as the elevation brings regular snowfall.
The village is one of the least densely inhabited areas in the prefecture, with vast forest landscapes that appear almost untouched. This remoteness has kept the village as a refuge for people seeking a quiet life surrounded by nature.
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