Beautifully detailed! (Photo: 岡部碩道 / Public Domain)
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Gunma Insect World

Discover over 1400 types of insects in natural habitats

Insects are some of our planet's most fascinating creatures, and can be found in just about all environments - it's even said that approximately 90% of all animal life forms on Earth are insects. If you're curious about learning more about them, Gunma Insect World is a great place to start. The venue was opened in August of 2005 and covers a space of 45 hectares, with a range of different insects to appreciate in their natural environments.

There are wetlands, rice fields, greenhouses and more on the grounds, and there are various opportunities to learn about insect life. Part of the concept behind Gunma Insect World was to nurture and enhance a respect for nature through direct contact with insects, particularly for children. The site has a total of 1,400 species of insects and 80 species of birds confirmed on the grounds, so there's no shortage of things to see! You'll find nets available for catch-and-release insect encounters, guided tours and classes on topics such as silkworm raising, seasonal rice planting, and fun insect-related craft activities including traditional origami.

The hours of admission at Gunma Insect World differ with the seasons. From April to October, the facility is open from 9:30 am until 5 pm, with last admissions at 4:30 pm. From November through to March, those hours are slightly reduced from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm, with last admissions at 4 pm. Do bear in mind that the venue is closed every Monday if you plan to make a special trip.

Getting there

By Public Transportation

Gunma Insect World is located approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Akagi Station, on the Tobu Railway Kiryu Line.

By Private Vehicle

Alternatively, if you drive to the venue yourself, it's approximately a 20 minute drive from the Isesaki Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. There is free on-site parking for 300 vehicles.

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Lynda Hogan 3 years ago
Good to have them all in the same place like this. We've been to Beetle lands / worlds and butterfly parks, be great for the kids to see so many together like this.
Sleiman Azizi 4 years ago
I wonder how the insects here would react if they knew I had some locust for lunch the other day. And yes, it was yum.
Sleiman Azizi 4 years ago
Yeah, crispy and crunchy. It was sweet, courtesy of the sauce it was basted in.
Elizabeth S 4 years ago
The insect visitors to my apartment in suburban Tokyo hasn’t topped 1400 yet, but I’d love to put names to faces rather than just call them Taro and Hana. Some of them are gorgeous things - emerald green beetles, stick insects, and delicate moths. This looks like a great opportunity to learn about them.
Kim Bergström Author 4 years ago
Haha! I laughed out loud at your first line! My daughter has been interested in them ever since going to school in Japan...I feel like they really do put an emphasis on caring about even the smallest of creatures, and the neighborhood kiddos all enjoy collecting bugs and releasing them too :)
Sherilyn Siy 4 years ago
I know some kids who would go crazy about this insect world!
Kim Bergström Author 4 years ago
Mine included!!
Elena Lisina 4 years ago
WOW! It's the place of my greatest interest!
Elena Lisina 4 years ago
:D My Japanese friends who live all their life in Japan often say they haven't visited as many places in Japan as I! Because they just work, work... Here, in my country I also don't travel much. ;)

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