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
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.
Kashigi is a quiet and sophisticated restaurant with unique and delicious Japanese cuisine. It is a luxury venue suitable for special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays, or a business dinner.
Opening hours: 17:00-24:00
Closed on Sundays
Due to the limited number of seats, reservation is recommended.
Pricing: from ¥5,000 for A la carte dinner (w/o tax)
Gallery Art G opened in 1995 in Iwaoshi-machi, before moving to its present Shigoka-machi location in 2002.
The gallery specializes in print works, particularly woodcut prints and etchings, regularly showcasing works by popular Gunma artists Junko Nagano, Miho Ikeda and Miho Takahashi.
One feature of the venue’s original architecture is its windows, included at the request of gallerist Yoriko Denda, making it more welcoming and less oppressive than some galleries.
Gallery Art G holds an average of seven exhibitions per year, but is closed mid-summer and mid-winter, so check the website for their current schedule.
Baimai is a small curry restaurant, situated in Moto-machi, Takasaki city, 20 minutes walk from Takasaki Station. It serves Thai curry and spice curry plates. Sometimes vegan curry is available. Check the website for this week’s menu.
There are 3 Katsutetsu restaurants, 2 in Takasaki and 1 in Fujioka. Katsutetu serves set meals with Tonkatsu (Fried Pork in breadcrumbs), rice, miso soup and shredded cabbage. The rice, soup and cabbage can be replenished free of charge. Suitable for family dining.
Naturellement serves organic cuisine including a vegan plate. It’s located in Kaneko-machi, not far from AEON Mall Takasaki. Naturellement uses locally grown vegetables for its organic lunch plate, which is available with chicken or tofu-based soy meat etc.
Opening hours: 11:00-15:00
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Due to the limited number of seats, reservation is recommended.