A historical area along Hoshikawa River in Kumagaya including temples and the scenic Seikei-en garden. Seikei-en is a Meiji-era strolling garden designated as a Kumagaya scenic spot. Multiple temples line the clear Hoshikawa stream, conveying the castle town atmosphere. Gensoji is an ancient temple said to date from the Heian period, with a prefectural-designated Amida statue. Takagi Shrine is Kum…

Kumagaya has been a transportation hub since ancient times, developing as a Nakasendo post town. In the late Heian period, Kumagai Naozane based himself here and fought in the Genpei War. After slaying the young Atsumori at Ichi-no-Tani, Naozane was so grieved that he later became a monk under Honen…