The Sacred Land of Daruma! Shorinzan Daruma Temple – A Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Takasaki!

Located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Shorinzan Daruma Temple is famous as the birthplace of the lucky Daruma doll. Known as the sacred land of Daruma, this historic temple features the Daruma Hall, where countless Daruma dolls are on display. Visitors can enjoy painting their own Daruma as a cultural experience, admire the beautiful autumn foliage, and take part in New Year festivals. Open year-round, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Takasaki for those looking to explore traditional Japanese culture and history. In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of Shorinzan Daruma Temple.

How to Access Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple

To reach the historic Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, taking a combination of train and bus is highly recommended for convenience and ease of access. Begin your journey by heading to JR Takasaki Station. From there, transfer to a local bus depending on your preferred stop. If you're planning to get off at Hachiman Daimon-mae, board the Gunma Bus bound for Annaka Garage, which departs from Platform 3 at the station’s West Exit. Alternatively, if you prefer to alight at Shorinzan Iriguchi, take the Gururin Shorinzan Line via Noritsuke, departing from Platform 1 at the same exit.

For those who prefer a quicker and more direct route, taking a taxi is another viable option. A taxi ride from the west-side taxi stand at JR Takasaki Station takes approximately 15 minutes, offering a comfortable and hassle-free trip straight to the temple grounds.

Travelers who are driving to Shorinzan Daruma-ji can take advantage of Japan’s well-maintained expressway network. Most visitors use either the Kan-Etsu Expressway or the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. From the Kan-Etsu Expressway, it takes around 20 minutes from Maebashi Interchange or about 30 minutes from Fujioka Interchange. Meanwhile, if you're coming via the Joshin-Etsu Expressway, expect a travel time of approximately 30 minutes from Takasaki Interchange or 35 minutes from Matsuida-Myogi Interchange. Whether by public transport, taxi, or car, each route offers a pleasant journey to this culturally rich destination.

The closest station to Shorinzan Daruma-ji is Gumma-Yawata Station. However, it's about a 20-minute walk, so taking a taxi (approx. 5 minutes) from the station is recommended.

Must-See Spots Inside the Temple Grounds

Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is home to many fascinating sights. Here are some of the top spots we recommend you visit.

◆ Reifudo Hall

The Reifudo Hall, considered the main hall of Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, is one of the temple’s iconic landmarks. Both sides of the hall are lined with numerous Daruma dolls, creating a mysterious and unforgettable atmosphere. Here, Bodhidharma (Daruma Daishi) is enshrined alongside Hokushin Chintaku Reifu-son, a guardian deity said to embody the deified forms of the Big Dipper and the North Star, worshipped for protection against misfortune brought by unlucky directions.

Hōi-yoke, or directional misfortune purification, is a traditional prayer for those whose age and zodiac sign fall into an "unlucky direction" based on the Nine Star Ki. It's also a general prayer to ward off harm caused by bad directions or negative spiritual energies. As the symbolic heart of the temple, it’s highly recommended to start your visit to Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple by offering prayers at Reifudo Hall.

◆ Daruma Hall

Opened in 1986, Daruma Hall is a fascinating spot where a wide variety of Daruma dolls from different periods and countries are on display. As you step inside, you’ll immediately be greeted by a striking seated statue of Bodhidharma (Daruma Daishi), which serves as the centerpiece. This is the second-generation statue, donated by a man named Monshichi Fukushima. The original statue, carved by a wandering monk named Ichiryo Koji, unfortunately perished in a fire in 1881 (Meiji 14).

Interestingly, the very existence of the original statue is what inspired the founding of Shorinzan Daruma Temple. Admission is free, and the hall is always open to the public, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the temple grounds.

◆ Senshin-tei

Senshin-tei is a historic villa where world-renowned modern German architect Bruno Taut once stayed. After traveling around Japan, Taut settled here in 1934 through the introduction of Buichi Inoue and was welcomed by Dr. Kanji Sato, an agricultural scientist from the former Imperial University.

Built during the Taisho period, the one-story house consists of two rooms—6 tatami mats and 4 tatami mats in size. Taut spent his time here designing furniture and bamboo crafts. Now recognized as a cultural property of Gunma Prefecture, Senshin-tei has become a popular sightseeing spot, especially for those visiting the famous Shorinzan Daruma Temple.

What blessings can you receive?

Shorinzan Daruma Temple offers blessings mainly for the fulfillment of wishes, passing school entrance exams, and winning competitions or lotteries. Given the temple's strong association with the "daruma," a symbol of perseverance—famously linked with the phrase "fall down seven times, get up eight"—these types of blessings make perfect sense. At the Kannon Hall within the temple grounds, visitors can also pray for safe childbirth, fertility, and protection from misfortune. Shorinzan Daruma Temple is also widely regarded as a spiritual power spot in Japan, believed to bring happiness and positive energy to those who visit.

Omamori (Lucky Charms and Amulets)

Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple offers a wide variety of omamori (amulets and talismans) to suit different wishes and intentions—ranging from traffic safety and academic success to good fortune, love, and safe childbirth. Feel free to choose the one that best aligns with your hopes. The Daruma-shaped amulets are especially adorable and make thoughtful souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. You can receive these omamori at the Zuiunkaku Talisman Hall and at "Darudaru," located behind the Daruma Hall.

Daruma Doll Painting Experience

At the Darudaru souvenir shop located within the grounds of Shorinzan Daruma Temple, visitors can enjoy a hands-on Daruma doll painting experience. The activity is available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and no reservation is required for individual guests. However, groups are encouraged to contact the shop in advance.

The experience begins with a skilled artisan demonstrating how to paint the Daruma. After the demonstration, participants get to try it themselves by painting the eyebrows and beard. While it may seem challenging, even slightly uneven lines add charm and uniqueness to your creation. Put your wishes and intentions into the bright, colorful Daruma and create your very own one-of-a-kind lucky charm.

Daruma Market (Daruma Ichi)

At Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, the “Nanakusa Taisai Daruma Market” is held annually on January 6 and 7. January 7 marks the auspicious day of the arrival of Reifuson, and from the evening festival on the 6th, a vibrant fair takes place, attracting many visitors. This is a beloved seasonal tradition in Gunma. The Daruma Market itself is a historic event that has continued for over 320 years, preserving the cultural charm of the region.

On the day of the Nanakusa Taisai, reception for the Star Festival prayer ceremony begins at 9:00 AM. Be aware that traffic restrictions start from 12:00 PM, and the safety prayer ritual is held at 2:00 PM. It’s also enjoyable to walk around and explore the many local stalls selling Daruma dolls and regional specialties.

Daruma-related spots you shouldn’t miss!

There are also several Daruma-themed attractions near Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple. One such place is Daruma no Furusato Daimonya, where you can find Takasaki Daruma dolls with over 200 years of history. They offer a variety of themed Daruma such as “Victory Daruma,” “Exam Success Daruma,” and “Safe Childbirth Daruma.” With different designs and purposes, you may find yourself wanting to collect more than one.

Another recommended spot is Imai Daruma Shop, which offers a selection of Victory Daruma, Elegant Daruma, Naming Daruma, and even unique ones like Place Card Daruma. They also sell designer Daruma and bridal-themed Daruma, perfect for those looking for something a little different. When visiting Shorinzan Daruma-ji, be sure to explore the surrounding “Daruma spots” as well.

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The Sacred Land of Daruma! Shorinzan Daruma Temple – A Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Takasaki!