Takasaki, Harmony of city and nature

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

Gunma Herbs (Indian curry restaurant)

Gunma Herbs has two restaurants in Takasaki; its established Yachiyo-machi location and the recently opened, more central Miyamoto-cho branch which is just 700m from Takasaki station, opposite the well known Suzuran department store.

The restaurants serve a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, and can accommodate less adventurous guests (e.g. fussy children) with pasta and hamburgers. Prices are very reasonable and the menu includes vegetarian-friendly selections. Most dishes include dairy ingredients however, so vegans should enquire before ordering.

The larger Yachiyo-machi branch offers three seating options (tatami, raised tatami and conventional chairs and tables).

Opening hours: 11:00-15:00(Lunch) 17:00-22:00(Dinner)

Closed on Wednesdays (Yachiyo-machi) / Saturdays (Miyamoto-cho)

Pricing: from ¥780 Lunch Set

https://www.dan-b.com/gunmaherbs1/

https://tabelog.com/gunma/A1001/A100102/10022609/

pont neuf (shop & coffee)

This original shop sells handmade, organic, and natural goods, including cosmetics, fair-trade clothes, snacks, and accessories. The owner is committed to non-chemical products. Hand-dripped coffee and the store’s own organic coffee beans are also available for purchase.

Opening hours: 11:00-19:00

Holidays vary, check the website before traveling.

https://pontneuf.shopinfo.jp/

cafe tonaka

A small, tucked away cafe converted from an empty house. It serves a delicious selection of home-made cakes, scones, muffins, sandwiches, and tantalizing desserts.

Holidays vary, check the website before traveling.

Pricing: from ¥200 per scone

Take Out is available.

https://www.instagram.com/cafe_tonaka/

SALLY TABLE

A spacious, trendy restaurant serving health-conscious, part-organic food in a relaxed atmosphere. The lunch menu includes a vegetarian dish.

Opening hours: 11:00-22:30 (LO.21:30)

Closed on Tuesdays

Pricing: ¥990 Lunch Plate

https://www.sally-restaurant.com/

Itoya (Coffee)

Itoya Coffee Takasaki serves coffee and sweets and sells coffee beans and coffee related goods in a renovated old pharmacy building.

Itoya has other cafes in Kiryu-city.

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed on Wednesdays

Pricing: from ¥400 Coffee

Take Out (Coffee) is available.

https://itoyacoffee.com/

COFFEE PORT heim

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/

Hamaya (eyewear & cafe)

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 (Brewery & Bar)

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

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

https://www.oitette.com/

Gunma Gokoku Jinja

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/