The "Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon," a symbol of Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture, is a must-see sightseeing spot if you're visiting Takasaki. Among the many Byakue Kannon statues in Japan, this Takasaki Byakue Kannon is the most famous. In this guide, we’ll introduce in detail how to enjoy the Takasaki Byakue Kannon, from its impressive exterior to the fascinating interior, along with access information and highlights of the surrounding area.
About Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon
The Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon (commonly known as Takasaki Kannon) is a statue of Kannon built in 1936 (Showa 11). Towering over Takasaki City as if watching over it, this statue stands about 42 meters tall and weighs around 6,000 tons. At the time of its construction, it was the largest in the East. Even the thumb alone is 0.4 meters long, giving the statue an impressive and powerful presence.
Clad in white robes and draped with a white cloth, its graceful appearance symbolizes a pure heart. The gentle gaze of Kannon-sama watches over Takasaki City with deep compassion. Seeing the Takasaki Byakue Kannon can bring a sense of calm and peace, as if your heart has been cleansed.
How to Get There
If you’re going by car, it takes about 20 minutes from the Kan-Etsu Expressway Takasaki I.C. or Maebashi I.C., and about 15 minutes from Takasaki Station. If you prefer to take the bus, board the "Gururin Kannonzan Line / Kataoka Route" from the west exit of Takasaki Station. After about 20 minutes, get off at "Byakue Kannon-mae." From there, it's about a 2-minute walk to the site. Choose either car or bus depending on your convenience.
Explore the Inside
You can also explore the interior of the Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon. The interior tour is called "Tainai Haikan" (Womb Viewing). Inside, there are 20 statues of Buddhas and high priests. Each statue is colorful and unique, making the experience enjoyable. The interior extends up to the 9th floor, and there are 146 steps to climb, so be cautious as you make your way up.
Each floor has windows offering views of Mount Jomo, the Kanto Plain, and the Takasaki cityscape. Admission is very affordable—300 yen for high school students and older (200 yen for groups) and 100 yen for junior high school students and younger (50 yen for groups). You can easily enjoy exploring the interior.
Jigan-in Temple
The Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon is located within Jigan-in Temple, which was relocated in 1941 (Showa 16) as a special branch of Koyasan. Jigan-in, rich in history, offers more to see beyond the Kannon statue. The bright red "Taiko Bridge" is very photogenic. Taking photos of both the Takasaki Kannon and the Taiko Bridge together creates an even more impressive scene.
"Kouondo Hall" is said to grant one wish. It is famous for prayers related to love—matchmaking, successful romance, and good relationships. Jigan-in itself is known as a sacred place for matchmaking, and during Valentine’s season, they hold the Red String Prayer Festival. The heart-shaped decorations set up at this time make for adorable photo spots.
Of course, it's not just about love—at "Daishido Hall," you can also pray for academic success and passing exams. When troubled by love, visit Kouondo; when worried about studies, visit Daishido. It’s a place that supports you through life’s challenges.
Mandoue (Lantern Festival)
Every year on the fourth Saturday of August, the Mandoue festival is held. During this event, the entire Kannon Mountain area is illuminated by 12,000 transparent lanterns and 15,000 traditional lanterns. The lights alone are stunning, but combined with the illumination of the Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon, the scene becomes truly breathtaking. Many visitors are captivated by its magical and fantastic beauty.
The Mandoue festival is a traditional event to pray for the elimination of sins, the accumulation of good deeds, and the fulfillment of various wishes. As you gaze upon the glowing lights, you are reminded to reflect on your gratitude in everyday life. The beautiful lights also bring a sense of spiritual cleansing. There is even a lantern parade during the event, making it a great photo opportunity for visitors.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots to Visit Together
◆ Kannon-yama Sando Shopping Street
The Kannon-yama Sando Shopping Street connects Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon to Heiwatou Square Parking Area. Its specialty is a dish called “Hippataki,” a miso oden. You can also try other local favorites like Yaki Manju (grilled sweet buns) and Sansai Soba (wild vegetable soba). Souvenir shops line the street, and among them, "Kadoya," home to the shopping street’s mascot owl, is especially popular with tourists. It’s said that if you make a wish here, something lucky might happen!
It may be a small shopping street, but it offers a warm and welcoming local atmosphere—an excellent place to explore.
◆ Cave Kannon
The mysterious Cave Kannon is a hidden gem in Takasaki. It’s located about 1.5 km from Jigan-in. Construction began in 1919 (Taisho 8), and it took 50 years to complete. Inside the 400-meter cave path, there are 33 stone Buddha statues lined up. It stays cool inside, making it a perfect spot during warm seasons. If you visit during colder times, be sure to bring warm clothes.
Name: Cave Kannon / Yamatoku Memorial Hall
Address: 2857 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Official Site URL: http://www5.wind.ne.jp/yamatokuen/
◆ Kannon-yama Park
Just an 11-minute walk from Takasaki Byakue Kannon, Kannon-yama Park is a spacious park where both children and adults can have fun. You can enjoy a picnic on its vast grassy areas, and the Kerner Square playground offers uniquely shaped play equipment that kids will love. There’s even a trampoline, so you can spend the entire day playing. During summer, the park’s pool area is also open.
Name: Kannon-yama Park
Address: 2740-2 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Finally: The Cherry Blossom Season is Spectacular
Jigan-in, home to the Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon, offers different attractions for each season. During spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, it becomes a famous spot for hanami (flower viewing). Along the Kannon Sando Shopping Street, about 3,000 cherry trees bloom in full glory. The combination of the Takasaki Byakue Kannon and cherry blossoms creates an absolutely breathtaking scene. It's a popular photo spot and is said to bring blessings as well.
Why not visit and experience the charm of Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon along with its surrounding spots?
Name: Koyasan Shingon Sect Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon Jigan-in
Address: 2710-1 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Official / Related Site URL: https://takasakikannon.or.jp/