Shibukawa is in the northern extremity of the Kantō plains of central Gunma Prefecture, encompassing the juncture of the Tone River and Agatsuma River. It is about from Tokyo. To the west is Mount Haruna, and to the east is Mount Akagi. To the north are Mount Onoko and Mount Komochi. The Tone River flows from the north southward through the city, while the Agatsuma River flows from the west, merging with the Tone River near the center of the city. Shibukawa is at a central point of the Japanese archipelago and is thus known as the Bellybutton of Japan. Shibukawa's highest altitude is above sea level; its lowest point is above sea level. The majority of the city lies between above sea level Farmland covers , housing covers , and mountains and forests cover . The remaining has other land uses.
During the Edo period, the area of present-day Shibukawa prospered from its location on the Mikuni Kaidō highway connecting Takasaki with Niigata. Post stations within the borders of modern Shibukawa were Shibukawa-shuku, Kanai-shuku, Kitamoku-shuku and Yokobori-shuku. Modern Shibukawa town was created in Nishigunma District, Gunma Prefecture on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration. In 1896, Nishiguma District and Kataoka District merged to form Gunma District, Gunma; however, the area containing Shibukawa was separated out in October 1949 into Kitagunma District. On April 1, 1954, Shibukawa absorbed the villages of Furumaki, Kanashima and Toyoaki to become the city of Shibukawa. On February 20, 2006, Shibukawa absorbed the town of Ikaho, the villages of Komochi and Onogami, and the villages of Akagi and Kitatachibana.
Economy
Shibukawa is a regional commercial center and transportation hub. Seasonal tourism, particularly to its hot spring and ski resorts, play a major role in the local economy. The area is noted for its production of konjac.
- a farm designed to show its visitors about farming
Ikaho Sistina Museum- an op art museum which also has a Sistine Chapel replica
Japan Chanson Museum - a museum dedicated to the chanson style of music
Shibukawa Sōgō Park - a large park encompassing hiking trails, campsites, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a running track, and other recreational facilities
Onoike Ajisai Park- a hydrangea park with a pond and hiking trails
- a hot spring in a building which looks something like a spaceship
Festivals
Shibukawa calls itself "The Bellybutton of Japan" and hosts the Bellybutton Festival every year in late July. The festival is based on a traditional Japanese form of entertainment where revelers paint a face on their torsos and stomachs and pretend it is a head. A kimono is then wrapped around the waist and the person's real head is hidden by a large cloth hat. The belly button is traditionally painted into a mouth. These days, modern motifs and Japanese anime designs have crept into the festival, which city officials said is all about having fun.
