Takasaki is Gunma’s largest city, conveniently located in the centre of Honshu, and served by a number of expressways and shinkansen lines. Popular Takasaki tourist destinations include Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple, Kannonyama with its Byakui statue, and Mount Haruna with its nearby shrine.
Takasaki sightseeing brochure:
http://www.takasaki-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/en_pamphlet01-28.pdf
A refined, quiet and classic cafe serving a variety of blends for the discerning palate. The barista patiently hand-drips the coffee for you . It takes 10 minutes from Takasaki Station on foot.
Opening hours: 13:00-22:00
Closed on Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
Pricing: ¥500 a cup of coffee
https://www.instagram.com/coffeeport_heim/
An offbeat store offering high-end eyewear and a range of hand-dripped coffees. The very attentive shop manager is happy to explain the characteristics of each blend (coffee) and brand (glasses).
It takes 7 minutes from Takasaki Station to walk here.
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Closed on Thursdays, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays
Pricing: from ¥440 a cup of coffee
Take Out (coffee) is available.
https://www.hamaya-shop.jp/map.html
Shinkichi Jozojo brews, serves and sells a variety of distinctive and delicious local craft beer. A selection of light meals, snacks and sweets is available.
Opening hours: 12:00-21:00 on Mondays and Fridays / 12:00-19:00 on Saturdays and Sundays
Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Pricing: from ¥600 a glass of beer
Take Out (bottled beer) is available.
https://www.instagram.com/shinkichibrewery/
Oitette is a cozy, local restaurant serving health concious food, such as handmade cheese burgers, pork and chicken plates served with brown rice and salad.
Vegetarians and vegans can be accommodated. A selection of homemade cookies, scones, muffins and other cakes are also available.
The staff can speak English to a good level.
Opening hours: 11:00-16:00 11:00-21:00(Only on Saturday)
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Pricing: from ¥1,000 Lunch plate
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
A daruma is a lucky charm, a Japanese figurine resembling the zazen form of the Indian Buddhist monk Daruma. Takasaki is well known as a Daruma producing area.
Darumaya Mashimo sells various kinds of Daruma including traditional and modern variants, and is located at the foot of Kannonyama.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed on Sundays. Irregular holidays, check website to confirm.
Daruma painting experience: 7/20 – 9/30 ¥2,200 (Reservation is required)
https://www.darumaya-mashimo.com/
Restaurant Ishida is a small French establishment on Kannon-yama run by a local couple. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.
Opening hours: 11:30-14:30 18:00-22:00
Closed on Mondays
Due to the limited number of seats, reservation is recommended.
Pricing: from ¥2,800 Lunch Course / from ¥5,400 Dinner Course
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.
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
Potoro serves delicious Spanish dishes in a dark and relaxing atmosphere. It’s particularly suitable for a gathering of friends.
Opening hours: 11:30-14:30(Course meal only/ Reservation mandatory) 17:00-01:00
Irregular holidays, check website to confirm
Pricing: Lunch course from ¥5,000 / A la carte dinner ¥4,000
https://www.facebook.com/potoro.soma
https://tabelog.com/gunma/A1001/A100102/10020720/
