Takasaki Daruma Byakue Kannon and Gourmet Course

Takasaki is Gunmas largest city and a transport hub served by the Shinkansen. Known as a center for producing lucky daruma dolls, it is watched over from a hilltop by the towering Byakue Kannon statue. This one-day route lets you enjoy the charm of daruma, the great Kannon, and gourmet unique to Takasaki.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Takasaki Station Set off from Takasaki Station, a stop on the Shinkansen. First head toward the Shorinzan area by bus or car.

10:00 Visit Shorinzan Daruma Temple Go to Daruma Temple, said to be the birthplace of Takasaki daruma. The grounds are lined with countless offered dolls, an unusual and striking sight.

11:30 Look up at the Byakue Kannon Head to Takasakis symbol, the Byakue Kannon. The statue stands over 40 meters tall, and you can climb inside for a sweeping view of the town.

13:00 A gourmet lunch of Takasaki specialties Takasaki is also known as a pasta town. Enjoy lunch at a popular pasta shop or with Gunma home cooking.

14:30 Shopping around Takasaki Station Browse the station building and shopping streets for souvenirs, starting with daruma. The wide variety of dolls is a joy just to look at.

16:00 Wrap up the trip at Takasaki Station Finish by choosing Gunma specialties at the station to end the day.

Highlights

The Byakue Kannon is Takasakis defining sight, standing proudly over the town from its hilltop. Climb the interior stairs for a full view of the townscape. Shorinzan Daruma Temple is a distinctive space filled with offered dolls, a place to touch the culture of lucky charms. Takasaki gourmet, pasta above all, is another pleasure of the trip.

Access and Tips

Takasaki Station is a convenient hub where the Shinkansen and local lines meet. Reaching the Kannon and Daruma Temple is mainly by bus or car. The citys sights are spread out, so a taxi or rental car is handy for getting around efficiently.

A Quick Tip

Daruma come in many sizes and colors, so picking your own as a travel memento is a fun idea. If you climb inside the Byakue Kannon, the stairs continue for a while, so comfortable shoes make the visit more pleasant.