Sightseeing

Kanaizawa-hi is one of the Three Stelae of Kozuke, registered in the Memory of the World Program by UNESCO. It is the oldest group among the ancient (7th-11th century) stone monuments, of which only 18 examples exist in Japan, and has been carefully protected.

The Kanaizawa-hi is a stone monument erected in 726 (in the first half of the Nara Period) by a powerful family, in memory of their ancestors and for the prosperity of the family. It tells of the spread of Buddhism in the ancient East, family relations, and facts about the administrative system.

It is 110 cm high, 70 cm wide, and 65 cm thick. It is made of hard andesite, a natural stone, and has 112 characters written vertically in nine lines on the flat front surface. Due to weathering, some of the characters are illegible. It is stored in the building now for preservation.

https://www.city.takasaki.gunma.jp/info/sanpi/en/04.html

Syorinzan Darumaji is well known as the birthplace of daruma, a Japanese lucky charm. About 200 years ago, the ninth chief abbot carved a wooden model based on the Chinese Zen master Daruma. He then taught neighboring farmers how to make papier-mâché daruma dolls to help those who were struggling from severe famine. They were sold on the day of the New Year’s Festival, a tradition that continues to this day.

It is located in a quiet mountainous area, and is nice to stroll around. Painting Daruma experience is available without reservation.

https://www.daruma.or.jp/eng/

There are many ancient tombs in Gunma Prefecture. Kannonyama Kofun is one of them.

It is a 100-meter-long tomb in the form of a keyhole-shaped burial mound. It was built in the late 6th century, more than 1,400 years ago. It is the grave of a person who ruled the area now known as Takasaki City.

Some of the artifacts excavated from the Kannonyama Tumulus are designated as national treasures and are housed at the Prefectural Museum of History in Gunma no Mori.

Stone chambers in ancient tombs are usually already dug out, and in most cases the items that were supposed to be stored inside have been stolen. Fortunately however, the tomb thief was unable to dig out the stone chamber of this tomb because it had collapsed, and the items stored by the tomb owner at the time were unearthed exactly as they were. This is extremely rare in Japan.

https://www.pref.gunma.jp/03/x4510004.html

Gunma Gokoku Jinja is a shrine with a large garden, which is especially beautiful in cherry blossom season. It’s therefore a popular spot for photography. It is located at the foot of Kannonyama.

No admission fee

Exorcism prayer: 9:00-16:00, from ¥6,000

http://www.gunmagokoku.info/

Byakui Kannon is a buddhist statue that stands atop Kannon-yama. It can be seen from across a wide area of Takasaki city and is popular among local people and tourists. Enjoy the view from the top of the 146 stairs inside the statue. (¥300).

There are several souvenir shops in the vicinity of the statue.

https://takasakikannon.or.jp/

Seisuiji is a small local temple near Byakui Kannon Statue, 45 minutes walk from Takasaki Station. The 520 tree-lined steps make for a very calm and refreshing approach. Afterwards, you can enjoy walking around the Kannon-yama area.

In late June, the hydrangeas are beautiful there.

https://www.city.takasaki.gunma.jp/kankou/history/kiyomizu.html

Daisyo Gokokuji temple was established in 1216 and associated with Keishoin, the mother of the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi. She donated the the temple’s 41 Buddhist statues , whose restoration is currently underway. To date, nine of them have been returned. It has a beautiful traditional Japanese garden that was renovated in the spring of 2021. In a temple hall, there is a contemporary ceiling painting of a dragon.

Opening hours: 10:00-16:00

Closed Tuesday to Thursday

Reservation is necessary on weekdays.

Admission fee:

https://daisyou-gokokuji.net/