Getting Around Kiryu
Kiryu is a city in Gunma Prefecture, and its transport network is built around a handful of train stations, a local bus system, and a compact, walkable centre. The practical picture for a visitor is simple: trains and buses do the heavy lifting, taxis fill the gaps, and a free sightseeing bus and rental bicycles make the sights easier to reach.
Rail Connections
Kiryu sits on the JR Ryōmō line, roughly halfway between Oyama and Takasaki, which makes it reachable by local train from either end. This is the main rail artery into the city, and JR Kiryu station is the natural arrival point for most visitors coming by train.
A second rail option is the Tōbu network. The Tōbu Isesaki line limited express Ryōmō stops at Tōbu Shin-Kiryu station on its run between Asakusa and Akagi; it requires seat reservations. The short local Tōbu Kiryu line also stops at Shin-Kiryū on its run between Ota City and Akagi. Between them, these lines connect Kiryu to the Tokyo side of the region and to points west.
For travellers already in Maebashi, the tiny Jōmō Dentetsu line runs between Chūō Maebashi and Nishi Kiryū station.
Kiryu is also the starting point for a scenic railway journey. The Watarase Keikoku (Valley) railway begins at JR Kiryū station and intersects the Tōbu Kiryū line at Aioi before heading up through the mountains and gorges to the headwaters of the Watarase River valley, serving Ōmama in Midori City and continuing to Ashio and Matō, now administered by Nikkō. Note that not every train covers the full distance, so check the timetable if you plan to ride to the far end.
Buses and Other Public Transport
The city's public bus system is the Orihime Bus, which runs the various local routes with their own schedules and fares. It is the main way to reach parts of the city that the rail lines do not serve.
For sightseeing specifically, Kiryu runs Mayu, an electric sightseeing bus service that is free of charge. It has two routes: the Amusement Park – Yurinkan Route and the Silk Heritage Route. Because it is free and aimed at visitors, it is worth checking whether either route passes near where you are staying or what you plan to see.
Rental Bicycles
Bicycles can be rented at the Yui Office in JR Kiryu Station. This is a convenient option if you want to explore at your own pace, and the station location makes it easy to pick up a bike as soon as you arrive by train.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available for hire and are easy to identify: a red sign lit on the dashboard means the taxi is free, while a green light means it already has a passenger and will not stop. The left-side rear door opens automatically, so stand clear of the door when getting in.
Stations have taxi stands, and you can also call a taxi by telephone. Local city taxi companies include Kiryu Asahi Taxi, Kiryu Godo Taxi, and Numataya Taxi. Tipping is not necessary, but there is a surcharge for service between 22:00 and 05:00.
Because Japan's laws on drinking and driving are extremely strict, "daiko service" — a taxi with two drivers — is popular. Under this system, a driver is provided to drive your own car while the daiko taxi accompanies you to your destination, where your car is parked; the driver then returns with the daiko taxi. It is a useful option if you have driven somewhere and do not want to leave the car behind.
Walkability
Kiryu's central sights are served by a compact set of stations — JR Kiryū, Tōbu Shin-Kiryu, and Nishi Kiryū — with the Orihime Bus, the free Mayu sightseeing bus, and rental bicycles from JR Kiryu Station filling in the rest. Practically speaking, you can expect to combine walking around the areas near the stations with a bus or bicycle for anything further out.
Getting There from the Airport
The most direct airport connection is by highway bus. The Nihon Chuo Bus runs directly between Haneda airport and Kiryu twice each way daily, with a one-way fare of ¥3,400 (child ¥1,700). The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on Tokyo traffic, so allow extra time if you are connecting to a flight.
The same company also runs the overnight Sendai Liner, which leaves JR Kiryū station South Exit nightly and arrives at Sendai station, and returns from Sendai station nightly to Kiryu. Adult one-way fare is ¥5,900 (child ¥2,950), with round-trip fares available. This is a useful option if you are combining a Kiryu visit with travel to Sendai rather than flying in or out.