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
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/
Japanese home style cuisine on Kannonyama, near Byakui kannon statue. The woodland setting adds charm and character.
Opening hours: 10:30-16:30
Closed on Thursdays, Fridays and over New Year
This restaurant is popular, reservation is recommended.
Pricing: from ¥1,300 for lunch
https://www.facebook.com/ichirodoucafe
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:
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)
https://www.facebook.com/kashigi.takasaki/
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.
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 on exhibition days
No admission fee
http://www.gallery-artg.com/index.html
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.
Opening hours: 11:00-15:00 (Last Order 14:30)
Schedule varies. Check the website for updates.
Pricing: from ¥1,200 Curry Plate
Take Out (Bento Box) is available.
https://www.facebook.com/baimai88/
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.
Opening hours: 11:00-22:00
Closed on 12/31, 1/1
Pricing: from ¥1,500 set meal
Take Out (Bento Box) is available.
https://www.gunlabo.net/shop/?q=%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A4%E5%93%B2#search-result
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.
Pricing: ¥1,500 Lunch Plate
Take Out (Bento Box) is available.
https://cafe-naturellement.com/
