city, Gumma ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan. It lies in the northern Kantō Plain along the Isesaki line of the Tōbu railway, north of Tokyo. Founded in the 16th century as a castle town, it developed as a commercial centre for the surrounding rice-producing region. Long known for its silk, the city now also produces woolen textiles, beverages, and processed foods. The Morin Temple is nearby. Tsutsujigaoka Prefectural Park is a well-known azalea garden, and Tatebayashi Park has many cherry trees. Pop. (2005) 79,454.