Nowadays, thanks to the likes of Kusatsu Onsen and other Instagrammable hot springs, Gunma Prefecture shows up on the digital radar of overseas visitors far more often than it used to in years gone by. Still, many people who come to Gunma make a beeline for their final destination without checking out Takasaki City. While not officially the prefectural capital (that honor oddly goes to Maebashi), Takasaki is an easy add-on to any itinerary that takes a traveler to Gunma, given that the city is one of the most important transportation hubs in the prefecture.
So, what’s on offer in Takasaki City? Well, for starters, Takasaki is probably best known for its Daruma dolls. Don’t know what a Daruma doll is? In all honesty, you’ve likely seen one before — they’re those round, red effigies that are sold as good luck charms across Japan. These little figures are deeply rooted in Takasaki’s identity, with the tradition dating back over two centuries. Visitors can even head to Shorinzan Daruma-ji, the birthplace of the Daruma, to learn about their history and connection to the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma and even try their hand and painting one of their own.
In addition to its Daruma dolls, Takasaki City is also home to a massive statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon known as Takasaki Byakue Daikannon. Located not too far from the city center on top of Mt. Kannonyama, this towering white figure stands over 40 meters tall and watches benevolently over the city below. Built in 1936, the statue has become one of Takasaki’s defining landmarks and is visible from almost anywhere in town. Visitors can even climb up inside the Kannon to peek out from its windows for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Moving towards the outskirts of Takasaki City, there’s also lovely Mt. Haruna to enjoy. Officially one of the Three Mountains of Jomo along with Mt. Akagi and Mt. Myogi over by Usui Pass, this peak is home to an ancient Shinto sanctuary that’s it’s own standalone allure as well as nearby Lake Haruna. And, while it technically falls outside of the city limits, the far side of Mt. Haruna is also home to the lovely hot spring town of Ikaho Onsen. Combined, the two make a lovely day-long excursion into the mountains and lush natural environs of Gunma Prefecture.
As if this weren’t already enough reason to visit the largest city in Gunma Prefecture, know that this slept-on urban center is also famed for its Takasaki Pasta. In fact, many claim that Takasaki has the best pasta in all of Japan, and you’ll find restaurants serving the iconic dish all around the city center. Heck, Takasaki even has an annual pasta competition where the many Italian restaurants in town duke it out in a battle royale known as the King of Pasta. So, whether you’re a foodie or just looking for somewhere a little bit different, add Takasaki City to your next Japan trip!
How to Get There
Before we take a look at what to see and do in Japan’s top pasta town, let’s quickly pause and cover some key logistics. Compared to some of the more obscure spots that I cover on this blog, getting to Takasaki City is thankfully quite easy. All you need to do is take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station, and you’ll be there in under an hour. As always, you can just plug your starting point into a service like Jorudan and let it calculate the most expedient route for you.
Personally, though, I prefer to take it slow when heading up to Takasaki City from Tokyo. Rather than shell out for the Shinkansen, I’ll often take the Shōnan–Shinjuku Line and reserve myself a seat in the Green Car. While the trip takes around two hours, it’s not as costly as the bullet train and allows me to get some work done on the way up. If you wanted to, you could even eschew JR’s Green Car altogether and ride in a regular train car to maximize your savings — just know that you’ll likely be sharing space with a lot of commuters.
Once you’re in Takasaki City, how you get around largely depends on where you intend to go. Below, I’ll cover each of the main spots in turn and provide a brief overview of how to reach them from Takasaki Station. Still, note that many of the city’s top attractions are spread out, so consider this your notice that you’ll want to plan ahead. Simply put, it’s hard to fit everything into a single day-long outing, so if this is your first time in Takasaki, be selective about where you go and be sure to save enough time to have some pasta at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Takasaki Daruma Dolls
Perched on a gentle hillside about 20 minutes from Takasaki Station, Shorinzan Daruma-ji is easily one of the most iconic spots in Gunma. Extremely picturesque his temple is instantly recognizable thanks to the sea of bright red daruma dolls that fill its halls and line the pathways. The grounds themselves are surprisingly peaceful, with winding paths, old wooden gates, and a scattering of statues that seem to invite visitors to slow down and take in the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that feels both sacred and approachable, making it an excellent stop for anyone curious about the spiritual side of Takasaki.
Founded in the late 17th century, Shorinzan Daruma-ji is often credited as the birthplace of the famous Takasaki daruma. The story goes that a monk at the temple began crafting the round, hollow dolls as a way to bring good fortune and resilience to local farmers during hard times. Over the centuries, these lucky charms spread across Japan, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of perseverance in the country. Each daruma starts with blank eyes, and the owner paints in one while making a wish or setting a goal. Once that wish is fulfilled, the second eye is added as a sign of gratitude.
Every year in January, Shorinzan Daruma-ji hosts the Daruma Kuyo, a special ceremony where people bring their old daruma dolls to be ritually burned. The event draws thousands of visitors from across Japan, and the sight of the flames consuming hundreds of red figures is both mesmerizing and symbolic. It represents renewal and the start of a fresh cycle, encouraging participants to let go of the past year’s efforts and set new intentions. The temple grounds are lively during the festival, making it an excellent time to experience Japanese culture.
Getting to Shorinzan Daruma-ji is actually quite straightforward. You can take a local bus bound for the temple, which will get you there in about 20 minutes, or hop in a taxi if you prefer a quicker and more direct route. For those who enjoy hoofing it, it’s also possible to make the roughly 4-kilometer trek from the core city’s streets on foot, though the route does include some uphill stretches. No matter how you choose to get there, visiting Shorinzan Daruma-ji offers a chance to see one of Japan’s most enduring traditions in its original setting.
Jigen-in & the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon
Sitting high on Mt. Kannonyama just a short trip from the station, Jigen-in is a serene temple complex best known as the home of the towering Takasaki Byakue Daikannon. Standing over 40 meters tall, this gleaming white statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon keeps watch over the city and has long been one of Takasaki’s defining landmarks. Whether you spot it from the train or gaze up from the temple grounds, the sheer scale of the statue is impressive. Visitors can climb up inside to peer out from small windows near the top, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Jigen-in itself has a quiet charm that contrasts nicely with the grandeur of the statue. Established in 1905, the temple was built to promote peace and compassion, ideals embodied by the figure of Kannon. The statue was later completed in 1936 after nearly six years of construction and has since become a symbol of both the city’s spirit and the resilience of the local population during challenging times. The temple grounds feature smaller shrines, prayer spaces, and a number of stone statues scattered among the trees, making it an ideal spot for a reflective stroll.
Throughout the year, Jigen-in and the surrounding Mt. Kannonyama area host a handful of seasonal events that give visitors a chance to experience the temple in different moods. In spring, the slopes are blanketed in cherry blossoms that frame the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon beautifully, while autumn offers the opportunity to enjoy the fiery foliage of the maple and ginkgo trees. On clear days, it’s even possible to see as far as Mt. Haruna in the distance. There are also a few cafes and souvenir shops nearby where you can grab a light snack or a local treat before heading back into town.
Getting to Jigen-in and the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon from the station is straightforward. Local buses run frequently and drop you off near the base of Mt. Kannonyama in about 20 minutes. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the temple grounds. If you prefer to travel by taxi, the ride is quick and convenient, and the driver will usually know exactly where to go. For those feeling energetic, it’s also possible to hike up, though the climb takes around an hour. However you get there though, few spots are more iconic of Takasaki than Jigen-in and the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon.
Mt. Haruna & Haruna Shrine
Perhaps my favorite part of Takasaki is Mt. Haruna, a peaceful peak that rises on the northernmost edge of the city. While much of the mountain stretches beyond Takasaki’s borders, its southern slopes actually fall within the city limits, giving locals and visitors alike easy access to its forested trails and spiritual heritage. Hidden among those towering cedar trees lies the mystical Haruna Shrine. Though officially classified as a Shinto site today, the ancient sanctuary stands as one of Japan’s finest examples of the syncretic blend that once united Buddhism and the country’s native beliefs.
Just a short distance up the mountain road lies Lake Haruna, a tranquil caldera lake that perfectly complements the spiritual atmosphere below. In summer, visitors can rent paddleboats and enjoy the cool mountain breeze, while in winter the lake often freezes over, creating a pristine mirror of ice surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. The area is popular with day-trippers who come to enjoy hiking trails, lakeside cafés, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the changing scenery. Whether you visit in the vibrant greens of summer or under a canopy of autumn leaves, the serenity of this mountaintop lake leaves a lasting impression.
Not far from the lake sits Ikaho Onsen, one of Gunma’s most storied hot spring towns, along with Shima Onsen and the aforementioned Kusatsu Onsen. Famous for its long stone staircase lined with inns, bathhouses, and retro game arcades, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into old-school Japan. The mineral-rich waters here are said to aid circulation and relieve fatigue, making them a perfect way to unwind after exploring the mountain. Many visitors pair a soak in the onsen with a hearty local meal like Gunma-style udon or a dish featuring freshly caught river fish.
While you should look to your app of choice for actual departure times, know that the shrine can be reached from a bus stop just outside Takasaki’s main train station in about 90 minutes. Buses bound for Harunajinja-mae run regularly, winding their way up the mountain before dropping passengers near the entrance to the sacred site. From there, it’s a short walk through cedar forests that lead to the first torii gate. The journey itself feels like a gradual immersion into another world as the sounds of the city fade and the scent of moss and earth takes over.
To be perfectly honest with you, the best way to visit Mt. Haruna is to ride up to the Harunajinja-mae bus stop, explore the syncretic shrine, continue onward to Lake Haruna, and then make your return to Takasaki City via Ikaho Onsen. This route creates a natural loop that captures the full character of the area, from its spiritual heritage to its scenic beauty and restorative hot springs. Just know that this adventure easily fills an entire day, so plan accordingly if you want to enjoy it without rushing. Also if you want to see more of Takasaki City, be sure to budget for another day in town.
Takasaki City & Pasta Dishes
As noted in the introduction, one of the most surprising things about Takasaki is its deep connection to pasta. While most people expect soba or ramen when traveling through Japan, this city has carved out a reputation for serving some of the best pasta in the country. Local chefs take pride in using Gunma-grown wheat and locally sourced vegetables to create pasta dishes that feel distinctly Japanese while still honoring Italian traditions. The result is a regional comfort food that perfectly embodies Takasaki’s knack for blending the unexpected with the familiar.
You’ll find pasta restaurants scattered throughout the city, from cozy family-run eateries near the station to stylish cafés tucked away in backstreets. Each shop brings its own twist to the table, whether it’s a tomato-based sauce infused with local herbs or a creamy variation that uses fresh seasonal ingredients. Many places also offer “Takasaki-style” pasta sets that come with salad, soup, and dessert, making it an easy and satisfying option for lunch between sightseeing stops. Even if you’re not a huge pasta fan, it’s worth trying a plate here just to see why the city’s reputation has grown so strong.
Every November, Takasaki hosts an annual event known as the King of Pasta, a friendly competition that pits the city’s top Italian restaurants against one another in a delicious showdown. Visitors can sample creations from dozens of chefs and vote for their favorite, turning the streets into a lively food festival that celebrates both community spirit and culinary creativity. The event draws food lovers from all over Japan and has become one of the city’s proudest traditions. If your visit happens to coincide with the competition, it’s a tasty way to experience Takasaki’s passion for pasta firsthand.
Tomioka Silk Mill
OK! OK! I get it… Like with Ikaho Onsen, the Tomioka Silk Mill isn’t technically in Takasaki. That said, at least as far as travel logistics go for overseas visitors to Japan, it might as well be. The site is only a short train ride away, and given how often travelers base themselves in Takasaki to explore Gunma, the two make a natural pairing. Just as Kamakura and Enoshima are separate cities that visitors experience as one destination, the Tomioka Silk Mill fits seamlessly into any Takasaki itinerary. It’s a manageable addition that also provides an important slice of Japanese industrial history to your time in Gunma.
The Tomioka Silk Mill dates back to 1872 and holds the honor of being Japan’s first modern silk reeling factory. Built during Japan’s push toward modernization, it was established with French technical guidance to improve the quality of Japanese silk for export. The complex introduced mechanized spinning techniques that revolutionized production and helped Japan emerge as a leading silk exporter. Today, the preserved red-brick buildings and tall chimneys stand as a vivid reminder of that transformative period, offering a rare glimpse into the country’s early industrial development.
For visitors, the mill offers more than just a history lesson. The site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its global cultural importance and its role in Japan’s modernization. You can tour the reeling factory, peek inside the workers’ dormitories, and learn how the site balanced technology with human craftsmanship. English signage and audio guides are available, making it easy for international visitors to appreciate the story behind the structures. Even if you’re not a history buff, the mill’s atmosphere, with its mix of European architecture and Japanese setting, makes for great photography and a deeper appreciation of Japan’s evolution during the late 1800s.
Getting to the Tomioka Silk Mill from Takasaki is straightforward. From Takasaki, take the Joshin Line to Joshu-Tomioka Station, a trip that takes about 40 minutes. From there, it’s roughly a 10-minute walk to the mill’s main gate. Trains run regularly, and the route is covered by most major IC cards, making it easy for travelers using Japan’s rail network. Once you arrive, the site offers optional guided tours in Japanese and multilingual audio guides that explain the history and layout of the mill. With such easy access and visitor-friendly facilities, adding a stop here fits smoothly into any Takasaki itinerary.
Other Nearby Attractions
If you’re going to go to Gunma, you might as well explore a bit more of the prefecture beyond Takasaki City. That said, within Takasaki there are still a few more sites of interest worth checking out. For example, the Hodota Kofun Cluster offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s ancient past. These massive keyhole-shaped burial mounds date back over 1,500 years and stand as quiet reminders of a time when this area was home to powerful local chieftains. Walking the grassy paths around the kofun, it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like during the Kofun period, long before Takasaki grew into the transport hub it is today.
In addition to the kofun, the city is also home to a handful of minor castles and ruins that hint at Takasaki’s samurai-era history. While none rival the grandeur of Japan’s more famous fortresses, sites like Takasaki Castle Park still hold a certain charm. The moats and stone walls that remain offer a peaceful setting for a stroll, and the park itself is a popular cherry blossom spot in spring. Scattered throughout the region are also the remains of smaller fortifications, like Minowa Castle, each with its own local legend and story to tell.
Outside of Takasaki City, there are plenty more things to see and do within the confines of Gunma Prefecture itself. Since I’ve written about many of these before, I’ll simply point you toward my previous work in the spirit of brevity…
- Mt. Akagi & Akagi Shrine
One of Gunma Prefecture’s “Three Mountains of Jomo,” Mt. Akagi is a great outdoor adventure for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. - Mystical Mt. Myogi
Found at the western extremes of Gunma, Mt. Myogi is home to an ancient shrine as well as some of Japan’s best weeping cherry blossom trees. - Gunma’s Koizumi Inari Shrine
Found in remote Gunma Prefecture, Koizumi Inari Shrine is home to a collection of torii gates that’s worthy of being posted to Instagram. - Mountainous Minakami
Found at the northernmost tip of Gunma, Minakami is without a doubt Japan’s top spot for adventure tourism and other outdoor activities. - Journey to Mt. Haruna
Considered to be one of the three sacred peaks of Gunma, Mt. Haruna is chock full of all sorts of attractions such as shrines and hot springs. - Manza Onsen
Manza Onsen is one of Japan’s highest hot spring towns. Here, you can quite literally soak away all of your worries while bathing in the clouds. - Kusatsu Onsen
This in-depth guide to Gunma’s Kusatsu Onsen will tell you all that you need to know about what may very well be Japan’s top hot spring town.
Finally, let’s wrap up with a quick note on how to slot Takasaki City into any trip bound for central Japan. Thanks to Takasaki Station being the junction where the bullet trains split toward Niigata and Nagano (and beyond), it’s incredibly easy to include in almost any travel plan. Especially if you have a regional rail pass like the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata Area), hopping off at Takasaki is a breeze. So, whether you just visit Shorinzan Daruma-ji and the Takasaki Byakue Daikannon or venture up to Mt. Haruna, be sure to add Takasaki City to your Japan bucket list.
Until next time travelers…
