11 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Takasaki! From Classic Spots to Gunma-chan

Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture is home to many fun places to visit. In addition to classic sightseeing spots where you can enjoy a relaxing time, such as shrines, nature, and art museums, there are also new attractions like the store of “Gunma-chan,” the popular mascot character of Gunma Prefecture now known nationwide. Gunma's delicious local gourmet food is also well-known, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to try when sightseeing.

Takasaki has prospered since ancient times as a key transportation hub. Even today, the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines run through it, and expressways like the Kan-Etsu, Joshin-Etsu, and Kita-Kanto expressways are accessible as well. This makes Takasaki not only easy to visit from the Tokyo metropolitan area, but also an ideal destination for tourists from all over the country. This time, we’ll introduce 12 recommended sightseeing spots in Takasaki City, full of charm.

1. Haruna Shrine

Haruna Shrine, located on Mount Haruna, is a sightseeing spot gaining attention as a spiritual power spot. Its history spans over 1,400 years. Surrounded by rich natural beauty including massive and oddly shaped rocks, trees, and a river, visitors can fully experience this nature along the approximately 700-meter path from the shrine’s entrance to the main hall.

At the rest area, you can purchase souvenirs or enjoy local delicacies like konnyaku (konjac). The path from the temple gate to the shrine is a bit long and mountainous, so having places to rest along the way is a welcome feature. Be sure to try the popular omikuji (fortune slip), which reveals writing when wetted with water.

2. Lake Haruna

Lake Haruna is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity of Mount Haruna. While it’s beautiful to admire the reflection of Mount Haruna-Fuji on the lake from the surrounding areas, taking a pleasure boat or rental boat out onto the lake surface is also fun! There are also horse-drawn carriages around the lake, offering a unique way to tour the lakeside.

The route around the lake takes about one hour. There are various course options depending on the number of people and your preferred route, so you can choose one that suits your scene. From early to late December, the Illumination Festa is held, with colorful lights decorating the lake surface. Fireworks are also launched, so try to time your visit accordingly.

3. Mount Haruna (Haruna-Fuji)

Mount Haruna, along with Mount Akagi and Mount Myogi, is one of the “Three Famous Mountains of Jomo.” “Mount Haruna” is a collective name referring to various peaks such as Haruna-Fuji, Eboshi-dake, Tenmokuzan, Somayama, and Bukkake-dake, which surround the summit caldera lake. Among them, Haruna-Fuji stands as the symbol. It is a beautifully shaped mountain that rightfully bears the name "Fuji."

Viewed from the shores of Lake Haruna, it takes the form of a small but distinctly Fuji-like peak. Many tourists enjoy photographing the reflected scenery on the lake’s surface. You can reach the summit either by hiking or by ropeway. On foot, the climb takes only about 30 minutes, making it a great light workout.

The ropeway takes about three minutes to reach the summit, and it’s a refreshing ride as you glide above nature. A fun way to enjoy both experiences is to go up by ropeway and come down on foot.

4. Takasaki Byakue Daikannon

A symbol of Takasaki City, the serene “Takasaki Byakue Daikannon” quietly watches over the city. Locally known and affectionately called “Kannon-sama,” it is recommended to also visit Jigan-in Temple which spreads at the statue’s base. However, since you’re here, you shouldn’t miss the “internal viewing” experience.

As the name suggests, the internal viewing allows you to enter the statue. Inside, you’ll find Buddhist statues and a staircase with around 150 steps. Once you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Takasaki City.

5. Cave Kannon

Cave Kannon was created by Tokuzo Yamada, a kimono merchant, starting in 1919 (Taisho 8), and continued as a lifelong endeavor until his death. Imagined as a spiritual place where many people could gather and enjoy, the cave interior features a mysterious space with 39 Kannon statues carved by master stonemason Rakuzan, as well as streams that replicate secluded mountain valleys.

The cave tunnels stretch for about 400 meters. The construction, done entirely by hand in an era without machinery, is truly beyond imagination. While visiting, don’t miss the “Tokumeien” stroll-style Japanese garden built alongside the cave, or the “Santoku Memorial Hall” which exhibits Yamada Tokuzo’s Kitazawa Rakuten collection.

6. Shorinzan Daruma Temple

Shorinzan Daruma Temple is a Zen temple associated with Bodhidharma, who is famously linked to the Daruma doll. Takasaki is also well-known as the town of Daruma. The papier-mâché Daruma, considered a good luck charm and recognized throughout Japan, actually originated from this temple. Since it is also a place where Daruma dolls are offered, a large number of them are brought here from all over the country.

In the Daruma Hall located within the temple grounds, various forms of Daruma from across Japan are on display. Though we refer to them simply as "Daruma," their forms are surprisingly diverse. You’ll enjoy viewing them and may be surprised by their unexpected appearances. Notably, the famous architect Bruno Taut once stayed at this temple. Influenced by Japonism, he left behind the words “ICH LIEBE DIE JAPANISCHE KULTUR” (I love Japanese culture), which are now inscribed on a monument.

7. Gunma Prefecture Gokoku Shrine

7. Gunma Prefecture Gokoku Shrine
The “Gunma Prefecture Gokoku Shrine” is Takasaki’s foremost shrine, attracting many visitors every year for the first shrine visit of the New Year and for personal prayers. The best time to visit this shrine is in April when the single cherry tree reaches full bloom—a truly magnificent sight! If you’re sightseeing in the area, make sure to see this cherry blossom along with your visit.

8. Takasaki City Hall Observation Lobby

On the 21st floor of Takasaki City Hall, there is an observation lobby that offers a panoramic view of the cityscape. In the distance, you can even see Takasaki’s symbolic figure, the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon. While daytime views are impressive, the night view is especially recommended. The city lights spread out below in a romantic scene that draws many couples on dates.

On the same floor, there is a restaurant called “Art Marche,” which serves delicious dishes made using agricultural products from Gunma and Takasaki. There are also couple seating options, making it another great date spot. Since the observation lobby is part of City Hall, admission is free, and it’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays.

9. The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma

The collection of the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma includes works by artists connected to the prefecture, as well as pieces from both domestic and international artists. The museum houses around 1,900 works in total. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also holds special and themed exhibitions, so it’s a good idea to check the current exhibitions before visiting.

The building was designed by Arata Isozaki, and fans of architecture often visit just to see his work. The museum is located within Gunma Forest Park. If the weather is nice, a stroll through the park can be a relaxing part of your Takasaki sightseeing trip.

10. Takasaki City Yamada Kamachi Art Museum

Are you familiar with “Yamada Kamachi”? Yamada Kamachi was an artist who tragically passed away at the young age of 17, and he is considered one of Takasaki City’s representative artists. His works range from artistic pieces like watercolor and crayon paintings to literary expressions such as poetry and songs. He was expected to become a multifaceted artist in the future, but his life was cut short by an accident.

Approximately 130 of Yamada Kamachi’s works created during his lifetime are exhibited at the Takasaki City Yamada Kamachi Art Museum. The displayed works are captivating, and not only fans of Yamada Kamachi but also those unfamiliar with him or those not usually interested in art will find much to enjoy.

11. Gunma-chan SHOP

Do you know about the mascot character from Gunma Prefecture who won first place in the 2014 Yuru-chara Grand Prix? That character is “Gunma-chan.” Gunma-chan also serves as the promotional manager for Gunma Prefecture, dedicating full effort to PR activities for the region. The place where you can purchase all kinds of Gunma-chan merchandise is the “Gunma-chan SHOP” located inside Takasaki Station.

Inside the store, you’ll find a countless number of Gunma-chan items—not only the ever-popular plush toys, but also sweets and treats perfect as souvenirs! There are even events where Gunma-chan makes an in-store appearance, so timing your visit to coincide with one can be a great idea. The shop is conveniently located just outside the ticket gate at the JR Takasaki Station East Exit. It’s a perfect spot to stop by during your sightseeing trip.

◎ Summary

Redevelopment is currently underway around Takasaki Station. With new large-scale commercial facilities being built and projects moving forward to develop the area as a “city of music,” even more attractive sightseeing spots are expected to emerge. Takasaki is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it a convenient and spontaneous travel destination. Enjoy your sightseeing while witnessing the ongoing transformation of Takasaki!

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11 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Takasaki! From Classic Spots to Gunma-chan