Takasaki, Connecting the Kanto
and Shin-etsu Regions

Niigata
Kanazawa
NaganoUtsunomiya
Hitachinaka
TakasakiTokyo
Yokohama

With a well-developed transportation network providing great accessibility,
Takasaki is a pivotal city in the Joshin-etsu and northern Kanto regions.
Boasting first class infrastructure, a rich urban culture
and the largest population in Gunma Prefecture,
Takasaki is a convenient, comfortable and enjoyable place to live or visit.
Outer suburbs are blessed with beautiful nature,adorned by the charms of the four seasons.

Mito

Karuizawa

Direct access to Tokyo from Takasaki,
the gateway to Gunma Prefecture
50 minutes from Tokyo,
15 minutes to Karuizawa
Takasaki is 50 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo or 60
minutes by car from Tokyo’s Nerima Interchange on the
Kan-etsu Expressway. Takasaki is a residential area withincommuting distance of Tokyo thanks to direct access tomajor train stations in the capital via the Shonan-Shinjuku
and Ueno-Tokyo lines.
Located in the center of Honshu, Takasaki is a pivotal pointin the inland transportation network, with the Kan-etsu,
Kita-Kanto, and Joshin-etsu Expressways, and Joetsu andHokuriku Shinkansen lines passing through the city. Work
was completed on the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansenline to Kanazawa in March 2015, further improving
Takasaki’s convenient location.
Takasaki is within easy reach of the internationally-known
resort town of Karuizawa. Gunma is also home to the
popular hot spring towns of Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami and
Shima, and Takasaki’s transportation network makes it abase for visiting not only Tomioka Silk Mill but also themany other tourist spots in the prefecture. Takasaki Station
is surrounded by numerous hotels and traditional Japanese
inns convenient for both business and tourism. Visitors will
enjoy shopping for souvenirs at the specialty counters inside
the station building that sell locally-produced goods fromaround the prefecture.

Hokuriku Shinkansen

02 T A K A S A K I

03

The Lucky Town
Takasaki

Jigen-in Temple（2710-1 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki）
027-322-2269

Feb）

9:00-17:00（Mar-Oct）, 9:00-16:30（Nov-￥ Adults ¥300, children（15 years and younger）¥100 *Only for entrance to inside of statue

20 min. by bus

from Takasaki Station or 25 min. by car from Takasaki IC

Byakue Dai-Kannon (White-Robed Goddess of Mercy Statue)

The Lucky Daruma

白衣大観音

縁起だるま

From the summit of Mt. Kannonyama at an altitude of 190 meters

The inside of the statue is divided into 9 levels and visitors can enter

The Daruma is Takasaki’s famous symbol of good fortune, easily

stands the magnificent statue of Kannon, the White-Robed Goddess

and climb the stairs to the shoulder of the Goddess. There are 20

recognized by its bold facial features of cranes for eyebrows andthey use to describe the silkworm shedding its skin. The Daruma’sof Mercy. Built of concrete in 1936 by businessman Yasusaburo

small Buddhist statues enshrined along the way and the top levelturtles for a beard. Said to have originated more than 200 years agoround shape is like that of a silk cocoon, and for these reasons silk

Inoue, the statue measures 41.8 meters in height, weighs 5,985

provides a sweeping view of the city as well as the Three Mountains

during the Edo Period, Takasaki is now proudly one of the biggest

farmers believe the good luck brought by the Daruma will help themtons, measures 48 meters around the waist and 0.4 meters aroundof Jomo, and the distant Nikko, Chichibu and Yatsugatake Mountainproducers of Daruma in Japan. Takasaki is traditionally an area

to raise healthy silkworms.

the thumb. The model for the statue was carved by the sculptor from

Ranges. In 1998 the statue was awarded the Takasaki Urban

where many households raise silkworms. For such households, theDaruma used for good luck by politicians, who paint the doll’s left eye

Isesaki, Torizo Morimura.

Scenery Prize and in 2000 it was designated a Tangible Cultural

Daruma is especially auspicious because of its ability to return to an

before and the right eye after being elected, are almost all produced

The statue is a popular tourist spot, and also known as the first stop

Property of Japan.

upright position when pushed over thanks to a weight in its base. The

in Takasaki.

on the pilgrimage of the 88 holy grounds of Kanto. It was chosen

Loved as the symbol of Takasaki since its construction, the statue’s

Japanese proverb “nana-korobi ya-oki” literally means if you fall over

The strong winds and dry climate of Takasaki’s winter are ideal foras one of the One Hundred Togoku Flower Temples because of thecompassionate and gentle gaze appears to be watching over theseven times, get up eight, with its message being to keep striving forthe production of Daruma. Without doubt the Daruma is a work of art

more than 3,000 cherry trees and other seasonal flowers that adorn

people below, protecting their peaceful existence.

your goals without giving up. Silkworm-raising households think ofborn out of Takasaki’s natural environment as well as from the great

the Daruma as a precious figure to be worshipped because of thisskills of the local craftsmen.

the surrounding hills making it a popular place for locals to relax.
04 T A K A S A K I

proverb, since the “oki” word in the proverb sounds similar to a word05

Takasaki,
the City of Music

Gunma Music Center

Gunma Symphony Orchestra

群馬音楽センター

群馬交響楽団The Gunma Music Center is a fine example of contemporary

Takasaki has also taken bold steps to develop in the field of arts

The Gunma Symphony Orchestra has held regular subscription

Japanese architecture. Designed by one of the pioneers ofand culture. The Takasaki Citizens Orchestra that later became theconcerts since 1946, and celebrated its 500th such concert in July

Modernism in Japan, architect Antonin Raymond, it was constructed

Gunma Symphony Orchestra, was founded in November 1945 in the2014. The orchestra’s visits to schools have continued ever sincein 1961 almost entirely with donations from citizens. The Music

aftermath of the Second World War. The music the orchestra played

its foundation, introducing live, classical music to more than 6

Center was selected by DoCoMoMo（an international organization

calmed the hearts of the people and enriched their lives. The movie

million school children. The orchestra received invitations to performworking to conserve and document modern architecture）in 2000 as“Koko ni Izumi Ari” shot in 1952 is the story of the early years of theabroad in 1994, playing at the Prague Spring International Music

one of 20 nostalgic Japanese buildings in the modern style. Situatedorchestra. Director Masashi Imai engaged Japanese sweetheart

Competition and at the Vienna Arts Week.

at the end of Symphony Road, it continues to shine as Takasaki’s

Keiko Kishi in the leading role as a pianist, and shot the film on

cultural symbol. Gunma Music Center hosts regular subscription

location in Takasaki and around Gunma Prefecture. The film went on

concerts by the highly acclaimed Gunma Symphony Orchestra

to move the hearts of more than 3 million cinema-goers around theas well as theater and opera, and traditional Kabuki and Nohcountry after its 1955 release.

performances.
06 T A K A S A K I

07

Activities of the Film Commission

Takasaki, the City of Film

Cinematheque Takasaki

Takasaki Denkikan

シネマテークたかさき

高崎電気館

The Takasaki Film Festival began in 1988 as a continuation of the cultural pulse running through the city.

Cinematheque Takasaki is a community cinema that

Denkikan opened in 1913 as the first permanent cinema

It focuses on bringing high quality films to regional cinema screens. From its very beginning, the festival

opened in December 2004 with the aim of giving

screen in Takasaki. It closed in 2001 but the building was

locals the opportunity to watch high quality films on adonated to the City of Takasaki, and it was reborn as

has been run entirely by volunteers and is now a much-anticipated spring event in Takasaki. Thanks toregular basis. The NPO Takasaki Community Cinema

the Takasaki Regional Revitalization Center in October

the Festival’s connections with the film industry, the Takasaki Film Commission has made a name foris responsible for the cinema’s day-to-day operation

2014. It is now used as a base for cultural activities inand is staffed mostly by volunteers of the Takasaki Filmthe central city area. Meeting and training rooms in theFestival.

Center are available for use by the public.

itself and the city is now often used as a location for shooting and providing movie extras.

08 T A K A S A K I

09

Takasaki City Dye Plant Botanical Garden

Takasaki,a City of Fine Craftsmanship
The Takasaki Brand

The Development ofKusaki-zome in Takasaki
The Legacy of Seiju Yamazaki

Intricate patterns
dyed by the Master Craftsman
using traditional techniques

Edo-Komon Textile Dying at the Aida Dye House

Kusaki-zome Natural Dyeing Techniques

藍田染工の江戸小紋

草木染

Traditional clothes from the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods

prevent the dye from taking to the cutout area. Next, “ji-zome” isSeiju Yamazaki（1923-2010）devoted his life to textile dyeing using

plants, and changed established ways of thinking in regard to fresh-（1185-1573）dyed evenly with small motifs are called Komon. Using

when the dye in paste form is rubbed into the fabric using a spatula,natural dyes derived from plants and grasses（kusaki-zome）toleaf green dyes. Yamazaki was instrumental in the founding of thea paper-cut pattern, the intricate design is dyed evenly over one side

followed by “mushi” when the fabric is steamed to ensure the dyesuch an extent that he referred to himself as the “man possessed

Takasaki City Dye Plant Botanical Garden, helping to select plants,of a single-color fabric. This effect is only possible thanks to the fine

fixes, and finally “mizu-arai” when the excess dye and paste is

by color”. Together with his father Akira, the novelist and father ofhand-dyeing himself the textiles for display, and giving lectures

combination of skills of the two craftsmen; one who cuts the paper

washed off to reveal the pattern. The master craftsman Masao

kusaki-zome, Seiju established a research center for natural dyeing

on kusaki-zome within the facility. His decision not to apply forpattern and one who applies the dye.

Aida is highly respected for his ability to produce the difficult stripedin Saku, Nagano Prefecture. At age 33 he moved to Takasaki, aan extension on the registered trademark “Kusaki” that was first

The Aida Dye House carries on the tradition of Edo-Komon fabricpattern of the Edo-Komon technique, especially his fabrics with 31 orcity with a long tradition of textile dyeing, where he spent his timeregistered in 1932 was due to his desire for “those who love kusaki-dyeing from its atelier at the foot of Mt. Haruna in the Ashikado

33 stripes within just a 3 centimeter width. Aida is also contributing

experimenting with the plants he found in the city’s natural surrounds

zome to be able to freely use the technique”, and thus Yamazaki’s

suburb of Takasaki. Here, the process of dyeing is done exclusively

to the preservation and further development of Edo-Komon throughand open spaces, contributing greatly to the development of kusaki-

legacy lives on through today’s artists and devotees who are able toby hand using a traditional method. “Kata-zuke” is the first step,

his own “itabikimoku”（wood-grain pattern）and “miyama-some”

zome techniques. Seiju Yamazaki meticulously searched for naturalcontinue to freely use the name.

when the white base fabric is stretched over a wooden board andtechniques, while ensuring that his craftsmanship and knowledge

colors. He recreated the ancient colors he had seen stored in thethe paper pattern is spread over it. A dye-proof paste is applied toare passed on to the next generation.

Shosoin Repository, traveled to tropical countries in pursuit of dye

10 T A K A S A K I

Takasaki City Dye Plant Botanical Garden

See page 25

11

Takasaki, a City of Fine Craftsmanship

One of a Kind
The Oldest Sake Brewery in Gunma

Clear and Pure Simplicity
Manipulating Color and Shape

Makino Brewery Inc.

Takasaki Glass Maker, Akira Kimura

牧野酒造

高崎のグラスメーカー 木村 明

In the Kurabuchi-machi area of Takasaki on the western slopespresident Kenjiro, the brewery has continued taking advantage

Delicate balance between the soft changes of sunshine, and the airof Mt. Haruna, the winter temperatures drop to minus 5 degreesof Kurabuchi’s climate and natural features to brew its finest

between. Glass is the perfect vessel for capturing the transition of

Celsius. The area is blessed by clean air and naturally-filteredquality sake. At the Kanto Shin-etsu Sake Awards 2006, Makino’s

the seasons. Glass is the image of summer in Japan as a cocktail

underground spring water. Route 406 that runs north to south of here

“Osakazuki Daiginjo” was selected from sakes from 249 breweries

glass under a beach parasol or a glass bottle of barley tea on a

was once the Kusatsu Kaido, an olden-day road providing accessto become the first in Gunma to be awarded the Grand Prize. Theverandah, yet in northern Europe a glass object placed by theto the ancient inland route from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Nakasendo. It

Makino Brewery has also been awarded an excellence prize at thewindow to capture the sun’s rays bringing warmth to the room is

was on the Kusatsu Kaido, a road bustling with feudal lords making

same awards in the Junmai-shu（pure sake）section every year for

associated with winter. Fascinated by the multi-facets of glass, Akira

the compulsory periodic journey to Edo, pilgrims on their way tothe past six years.

Kimura continues to create glass products. He was one of the very

pray at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, and travelers to the hot spring
town of Kusatsu that in 1690, a small sake brewery was founded.
Throughout its 325-year history from the time of founding President
Chobee to the current 17th President Shigemi Makino and future
12 T A K A S A K I

Makino Brewery Inc.
Founded: 1690
17th President: Shigemi Makino
2625-1 Gonda, Kurabuchi-machi, Takasaki

first glass craftsmen in Japan and has been around since small
glass ateliers first started to appear. He is also known for his creation
TEL: 027-378-2011of the glass trophy in the shape of a woman presented to winners at
the Takasaki Film Festival.
13

Bic Camera Takasaki and Taiyo Yuden Women’s Softball Teams
ビックカメラ高崎と太陽誘電女子ソフトボール部

Seven of the 17 members of the Japan Women’s Softball Team play for
Takasaki teams; 4 from Bic Camera Takasaki and 3 from Taiyo Yuden.
Carrying the success of the national team is the dynamic duo of starplayers Yukiko Ueno, widely recognized as the fastest pitcher in women’s
softball, and Yamato Fujita, a superb pitcher and hitter.
Head Coach of Bic Camera Takasaki Reika Utsugi, and Head Coach of
Taiyo Yuden Noriko Yamaji are also Head Coach and Assistant Coach of
the TAP-A (U24) Japan Women’s Softball Team, focusing their energy on
the development of players in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
A popular figure in world softball, Bic Camera Takasaki Senior Adviser
Taeko Utsugi led the Japanese Olympic team to silver in Sydney andbronze in Athens, paving the way for a gold medal-winning performance inBeijing. Bic Camera Takasaki and Taiyo Yuden Women’s Softball Teams are
rivals in the Japan Softball League and through them Takasaki is inspiring
children everywhere as it makes a name for itself as the world’s best city ofsoftball.

Yukiko Ueno, Player-Coach（Bic Camera Takasaki）

Yamato Fujita, Player（Taiyo Yuden）

Takasaki, the City of Softball
Unbeatable in Asia and a strong performer on the world stage, the leading players of the Japanese
Women’s Softball Team are based in Takasaki, playing in the first division of the Japan Softball League
for Bic Camera Takasaki and Taiyo Yuden Women’s Softball Teams. During her time as coach of theJapanese Women’s Softball Team, Bic Camera Takasaki Senior Adviser Taeko Utsugi led top players
Noriko Yamaji and Reika Utsugi to medals at the Sydney and Athens Olympics. Noriko Yamaji is now
Head Coach at Taiyo Yuden, and Reika Utsugi at Bic Camera Takasaki. The pair now also holds theroles of Head Coach and Assistant Coach of the Japanese Women’s Softball Team.

14 T A K A S A K I

15

Karasu River

Takasaki-Shoka-Daigakumae Station

ay

am
aP

as

s

Negoya Station

NakNominated for Inscription on the
Memory of the World Register
The Three Stelae of Kozuke Province

Kanaizawa Stela

Yamana Hachimangu Shrine
Yamanoue Stela

Yoshii Station

Tago Stela

ine

in L

sh
Jo

Maniwa Station

Yamana Station

Nishi-Yamana Station

KaburaRiver

R254

TheYamanoue Stela

The Tago Stela

The Kanaizawa Stela

山上碑

多胡碑

金井沢碑

The Yamanoue Stela, erected in 681, is

The Tago Stela is one of three ancient

The Kanaizawa Stela was erected in 726.

the oldest still-standing stone monument

stone monuments in Japan recognized for

The stela is dedicated to the memory

in Japan. Priest Chori erected the stela

its fine calligraphy. The Tago Stela records

of family ancestors, demonstrating thein honor of his mother, Kurometoji, rightthe establishment of the new county of

influence of newly-arrived Buddhist

next to her burial mound. The existence

Tago in 711. The inscription uses a mix ofideology on Japanese culture at the time.

of the burial mound along with its epitaph

Japanese and Chinese character readings

The content of the inscription indicates thatfrom the seventh century makes it a very

and grammar. The quality of the calligraphyorders of the imperial court were strictly

precious historic site. From the stela’son the stela is highly regarded for its bold,adhered to in the provinces, and notably

inscription it is apparent that Chori’s

cursive shape in the rikucho style fromfour of the nine people listed on the stela

mother although having married Ogo-no-

China. In the inscription is mention of

are women, suggesting their high social

Omi, had remained at her family home in“Hitsuji”, thought to be a person’s name,standing in ancient times. The Kanaizawa

Sano, providing an insight to the marriage

and to this day there remains local tales

Stela is also the oldest written document

customs of the time.

about this legendary person who wasin Gunma Prefecture that uses the namereferred to on the Tago Stela.

“Gunma” to refer to the region.

Takasaki, a City of Ancient Eastern Culture
The Three Stelae of Kozuke Province, the Yamanoue, Tago and Kanaizawa Stelae, so called becauseof the ancient name for Gunma is Kozuke-no-Kuni, were erected between the 7th and 8th century andare among the oldest remaining stone monuments in Japan. There are only eighteen ancient stelae still
standing, and the fact that these three exist within a 5 kilometer radius in the south west of Takasaki,
proves the rich culture that has existed here.
In honor of their outstanding international value and to increase awareness worldwide of the existenceof this historical culture, the Three Stelae of Kozuke Province have been nominated for inscription on
the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
16 T A K A S A K I

17Takasaki, a City of Tempting Tastes
Blessed with a plentiful water supply and many sunlight hours, the natural environment of Takasaki isperfect for producing high quality vegetables, fruit and livestock, as well as growing wheat, and flour-

Traditionally the people of Takasaki have enjoyed eating regional

based foods have been a regular part of the daily life of residents for a very long time.

specialties prepared from locally-produced flour like udon noodles,

Takasaki boasts one of the highest numbers of Italian restaurants per capita in Japan and has gained

the sticky sweet flour bun grilled on a stick is particularly popular,

attention as a city of pasta, and a city of many tempting tastes.

The largest meat processing plant in the Kanto region is in Takasaki,

Japanese sweet buns, and suiton（dumplings in soup）. Yakimanju,
with tourists from all around flocking to local shops to taste it.
producing pork intestines called horumon, that are a favorite servedin local eateries.
The Daruma Bento（boxed lunch）, Takasaki Ham, and the rusks
of Gateau Festa Harada are other popular Takasaki-brand foodproducts making up the many tastes of Takasaki.

18 T A K A S A K I

1. Daruma Bento

1

2

3

4

3. Pasta dish at Takasaki restaurant “Shango”

5

6

5. Yakimanju

2. Takasaki Ham

4. Takasaki Horumon

6. Rusks of Gateau Festa Harada

19

To Nakanojo, Kusatsu Hot Spring, Shima Hot Spring

To Numata, Minakami

To Ikaho Hot Spring

Higashiagatsuma Town

4

Shibukawa City

Haruna Auto Camping Ground4

ShibukawaIC

Nidoage Pass

Gonda

Shinto Village

Tozen-ji Temple

Yumeji Poetry Stone

Mt. Tsuno-ochi

Seseragi ParkThe Oguri Monument
Klein Garten
Aimagawa Hot Spring Kurabuchi Post OfficeMisato Shibazakura Park
Kashiwagizawa
Tsutsuji-no-Sato
Higashi-Akiya

Karuizawa Town

Misato Branch Office

Haruna Branch Office
MurodaShimo-Satomi
Ha
run
aF
ru

Nagaoka JCT
Nagaoka

Agatsuma Line
Jomo-Kogen
Shibukawa-Ikaho IC

AccessJoetsu Line

ShimMaebashi Maebashi

obe

Is
To

Ryomo Line

Maebashi IC

2
Kotoku-ji Temple
Takahama Kyoshi Poetry Stone

Takasaki City
General Culture
CenterKanazawa

Chosho-ji Temple

ToyamaNaganoKaruizawa

Ota-Kiryu IC

Takasaki

Annakaharuna
Takasaki IC

StreetLabor andManagement
HalllSaya MalTEPCONTTGeneral
Kijo Poetry Stone
Health Center Motenashi Square
Daishin-ji Temple
SuzuranCentral Library
Tadanaga's Grave
Department
Store
Jiko Street
Takashimaya
City Gallery Gunma Music Center
Sky Building
Department Store

Cinematheque Takasaki

Symphony Hall
Symp
Radio Takasaki
hony
Road
Takasaki Tourism
Association
Takasaki Joshi Park

West
Gate

TAGO STUDIO
Takasaki City
Museum of Art

Takasaki Park
Ryuko-ji Temple
Yorimasa Shrine

Joshin-etsu Expressway

3

Takasaki Arena

City Center

Iwazaki
Ueno

Kabura River

Niigata

Kinzanso

Doukutsu Kannon

Ta
k

as

Ka

ra

su

Jigen-ji Temple

Tamamura

Takasaki-Tamamura Town
IC
Kannonyama Tumulus

ak
Kuragano-machi
iL
ine
Watanukimachi
Kuragano Station

Gunma-no-Mori Park
Kuragano Old Merchant House The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma
Omotenashi-kan
Gunma Prefectural Museum of History

Ri

ve

r
JR
Joe
Negoya-machi
tsu
Takasaki-Shoka- Yamana Hachimangu Shinkan
Daigakumae Station Shrinesen
Yamana Station
Yamanoue Stela
Yamana-machi
Nishi-Yamana Station

Tago Stelah

Maniwa Station

Jos

e

in
in L

Ishibumi-no-michi（Promenade ofStone Monuments）

Yoshii Station
Yoshii Branch Maniwa Station Ent.
OfficeYoshii Station Ent. Kawauchi

Ogushi Katakuri-no-Sato

YoshiiIC

Joshin-etsu Expressway

Shinmachi Branch Office
Japan GroundSelf-Defense
Force Camp Shinmachi
To H
onjo
To T
oky
o

Fujioka
JCT Shinmachi
StationFujiokaIC

Kamisato SA
Gumma-Fujioka
Station

To
To
k

yo

Kamisato Town

Ushibuse Dream Center

Kanra Town

Byakue Dai-Kannon

Seisui-ji Temple

JR

Nishi-Yoshii Station

TakasakiKanazawa

Takasaki City
Dye Plant
Botanical
GardenTo Tomioka

Joshu-Niiya
Station

To Nagano（The White-Robed
Goddess of Mercy Statue）

Shimonojo-machi

Kanaizawa Stela
Yoshii Product Center
Fureai-no-Sato

GokokuShrineTakasaki
StationTakasaki East Fire Bureau

Sakura-no-Yu Hot Spring

Negoya Station

Utsunomiya

Kan-etsu Expressway

iryu ICTo Ota-K

Takasaki City Museum Takasaki
of History and Folklore JCT

3

To Tomioka Silk Mill

Yamada Kamachi
Museum of Art

East
Gate

Wada-bashi Bridge

Kannonyama Family ParkTo Isesaki

Maebashi SouthIC

Egi-machi

Central Fire Station Takasaki Station
Hijiriishi-bashi Bridge

Tomioka City

JR Tohoku Shinkansen

Area Map - Hodota Tumuli
Tone River

Maebashi City

Sanonowatashi Station

Omiya

Fujioka IC
Hachiko Line

2

Takasaki
Police Station

Minami-Takasaki Station

Nerima IC

Hibiki-bashi
Bridge高崎アリーナer
Shorinzan
Daruma Temple

Hitachinaka IC

Tokyo

TakasakiTower
Museumof Arti RivHanadaka
Flower Hill
Lookout

Ide

Takasaki North Fire Bureau

Usu

a
aw

Shinmachi
JR Joetsu Shinkansen
Kumagaya

MaebashiIC

Tenjin-no-Yu
Hot Spring

JR Hachiko Line

TamachiUsui-Karuizawa IC

Annaka Station

Ashikaga IC
Takasaki Line

Tomioka Yoshii Takasaki JCT
Takasaki-Tamamura IC
Joshin Line
Fujioka JCT
Nagano IC
Yoshii IC

Takasaki Denkikan

20 T A K A S A K I

Yokokawa

To

ine

Shim-Maebashi
StationHamagawa Athletic Park

k
ko

Yo

Futago- Kamitsuke-no-Satoyama
Museum of Archaeology
Tumulus

omo L

JR Ry

Mitsudera

Ide

Oki-machi East

Kita-Kanto Expressway

Shimonita

Takasaki Shrine

Takasaki
City Hall

Shin-etsu Line

Hokuriku Shinkansen

H

The Ruins of Kozuke Kokubun-ji Temple

Ino Station
Karasu
River
it R
oad
Midori-cho
Shimo-Oshima- Shimo-Kobana-machi
machi
The Great
Shimo-Kotori-machi
Japanese Black Pine
Takasaki City Namie-machi
Kaizawa-machi
Takasaki Kannonzuka Museum University ofof Hagiwara
Takasakitonyamachi Station Takasaki
of Archaeological Documents Economics
Kami-Namie-machi
IC
Gumma-Yawata Station
Hagiwara-machiysswa
Kita-Takasaki
Yutori Natural Hot Spring
Expre
JR Shin-etsu Line
Kimigayo-bashi
anto
StationKita-K
Kami-Toyooka-machi
Bridge West

ring

p
ot S

Gunma Prefectural
Museum of Literature in
Commemoration of
Bunmei-Tsuchiya

Hachimanzuka
Tumulus

Mitsudera Park
Munadaka EastnToriisawa

To Karuizawa

1

HarunaShirakawaRiver Hamagawa-machi

Shinkanse

Annakaharuna Station

HarunaCutural Hall
Ecole

Niigata

Introducing Takasaki, a city with many wonderful sites to see.

JR Hokuriku
Shinkansen

Kami-Satomi
Haruna Plum Grove

Niigata-nishi IC

yet the chance to mingle with nature is just a short distance away.

Shiraiwa Kannon Maneki-no-Yu Hot Spring
Chokoku-ji Temple
Hodota Tumuli

Shimomura

1

Gunma Branch Office
Ashikado

JR Joetsu

To Matsuida-Myogi IC

Hokuriku Expressway

A city center bustling with people, products and information,

KanekoNishi-Akiya

OchiaiHarmony between
City and Nature

Nippon Silk Center

Minowa Castle Ruins
Misato Plum Grove
OibaraLake Narusawa

Jizo Pass

Annaka City

Yasuragi-no-Yu
Hot Springssway
u ExpreKan-ets

HarunaRiver

Area Map - Lake Haruna

su Line
JR JoetKurabuchi Branch Office
Roadside Station, Kurabuchi Oguri-no-SatoSeseragi-no-Yu Hot Spring

Mt. Hanamagari

TakasakiGeneral
MedicalCenterRopeway

Yoshioka
Town

Hamayu Sanso Villa

To Karuizawa

Takasaki
Post
Sister City Park
OfficeHaruna-Fuji

Lake Haruna

Haruna Museum of History and Folklore

Warabi-daira Forest Park Camp Site

Yusuge Motoyu
Hot Spring Inn

The Atelierof Yumeji Takehisa

Haruna Shrine

Naganohara Town

Lakeside Yusuge

The Kohan-no-Yado
Memorial Park

Yagihara
StationKurabuchi Hot Spring Inn

Mt. Asama-kakushi

To Niigata

Tokyo

Yubata Hot Spring
Mt. Ushibuse Nature Park

Fujioka City
To

Ho

nj

o

（Cave of Goddess of Mercy Statues）

Area Map - Kannonyama Hills

21

EnjoyArt

See page

4 Gunma Music Center06

28-2 Takamatsu-cho027-322-4527
10 min. walk from Takasaki Sta.

of History

Gunma Symphony Orchestra

1 Hodota Tumuli

7 Tago Studioand the Former Inoue ResidenceThis museum adjacent to the Hodota Tumuli houses a replica of the first mansion of an ancient
powerful clan to be discovered in Japan, many ancient clay figurines called “haniwa” and theoldest existing finely-ornamented shoes.

Museum of Art

His life cut short at just 17, Kamachi
showed an extraordinary talent for
painting from a very young age. His
works demonstrate sensitivity and arich sense of color.

See page09

8 Takasaki Kannonzuka Museumof Archaeological Documents

Houses artifacts designated as Important
Cultural Properties excavated from the
Kannonzuka Tumulus. One of the biggest in
the country, the inside of the stone chamber isopen for viewing.
800-144 Yawata-machi

2 Takasaki Tower Museum of Art

1514 Ide-machi
027-373-8880
9:30-17:00（last entry 16:30） ￥ Adults ¥200, university/high school students ¥100,
Tuesdays（open if
free for jr. high school students and younger and people 65 and over *Extra charge for special exhibitions
30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.
Tuesday is a national holiday, but closed the following day）, end-of-year period

Feel
Culture5 Yamada Kamachi

3-23-5 Kataoka-machi
027-321-0077
10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30） ￥ Adults ¥200,
university/high school students ¥160
Mondays（open national holidays）, end-of-year
15 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.
period027-343-2256

9:00-16:00

high school students and younger and people 65 and older
Mondays（open national holidays）, day after national
25 min. walk from Gummaholidays, end-of-year period
Yawata Sta.

9 Takasaki City Museumof History and Folklore

6 Cinematheque Takasaki
202 Ara-machi
027-325-1744 ￥ Tickets
at the door: Adults ¥1,700, students ¥1,400,
seniors/jr. high school students and younger
6 min. walk
¥1,000, discount for members
from Takasaki Sta.

Collects, preserves, researches and exhibits
Takasaki’s folk materials.
1058 Kami-Taki-machi
027-352-1261
9:00-16:00￥ FreeMondays (open national holidays), day after
30 min. by bus fromnational holidays, end-of-year period
Takasaki Sta.

09

G u nma - n o Mo r i
3 Takasaki

Denkikan

31 Yanagawa-cho
027-395-0483
10:00-22:00
15 min. walk from Takasaki
Sta.

22 T A K A S A K I

e Stelae ovince
The ThreKoof zuke Pr

3 Yamanoue Stela 4 Tago Stela
5 Kanaizawa StelaSee page【Tago Stela】
1085 Ike, Yoshii-machi
027-387-4928
9:30-17:00（last entry 16:30） ￥ Adults ¥200,
university students ¥100, free for high school students andMondays（open if Monday
younger and people 65 and overis a national holiday but closed the following day）, end-of-year
25 min. walk from Yoshii Sta.
period17

Yamanoue Stela

Great
to
contributor
n
pa
Ja
n
er
od
m

Tago Stela

Kanaizawa StelaA vast green park withan art gallery and museum.
992-1 Watanuki-machi
by bus from Takasaki Sta.

Approx. 30 min.

P a r k10 The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma
027-346-5560

11 Gunma Prefectural Museum of History
027-346-5522

8 Minowa Castle Ruins

Minowa Castle was constructed under
Nagano Narihisa about five hundred years
ago. The ruins are from the time when
Ii Naomasa ruled the castle and it was
designated a National Historic Site in 1987.
There are five walking trails nearby wherevisitors can enjoy the natural beauty of thefour seasons.
Nishi-Akiya, Misato-machi
30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta. + 20 min. walk

6 The Oguri Monument

9 Kuragano Old Merchant House

Once holding a high ranking post in the
Tokugawa Shogunate, Oguri Kozukenosuke
went into exile in Kurabuchi Village after thecollapse of the government. This monument in
his honor stands on the banks of the Mizunuma
River where he was arrested and consequently
executed in 1868.

Along the Nakasendo stands an oldmerchant house restored to its originalstate. It serves as a free rest spot for visitors
walking around the town. Refreshments onsale.

￥ Adults ¥100, university/high school students ¥80, free for jr.

Houses a permanent collection of thematicallyclassified Japanese modern and contemporary
paintings.

See page

2 Kamitsuke-no-Sato Museum of Archaeology

5-3 Ara-machi
027-3955 min. walk from
0044
Takasaki Sta.

Conveniently located near Takasaki Station,
the museum also encompasses the Former
Inoue Residence, designed in the style ofthe house that architect and designer of the
Gunma Music Center, Antonin Raymond
designed for himself.

3-23 Sakae-cho Takasaki Tower 21027-330-3773
10:00-18:00（until 20:00 on Fridays）*Last entry 30 minutes
before closing ￥ Entrance to permanent exhibit: Adults ¥200,
university/high school students ¥160, free for jr. high students
and younger and people 65 and older *Extra charge for special
Mondays（open national holidays）, day after
exhibitions
2 min. walk fromnational holidays, end-of-year period
Takasaki Sta.

Comprises the keyhole-shaped Futagoyama, Hachimanzuka and Yakushizuka Burial Mounds.
Hachimanzuka is presently being restored to its original state 1500 years ago when it was first
constructed, and visitors are able to view the original stone coffin inside (on days the Museumof Archaeology is open, 9:30-16:30).

A top-class recording
studio created to givecitizens the chance tomix with professional
and amateur musicians.
Bringing the Takasaki
Sound to the world!

1 Takasaki City Museum of Art

110-27 Yashima-cho
027-324-6125
10:00-18:00（until 20:00 on Fridays）*Last entry 30 minutes before closing￥ Entrance to permanent exhibit: Adults ¥100, university/highschool students ¥80, free for jr. high students and younger andpeople 65 and older *Extra charge for special exhibitions
Mondays（open national holidays）, day after national
3 min. walk from Takasaki Sta.
holidays, end-of-year period

The Footprints

7 Tozen-ji Temple
169 Gonda, Kurabuchi-machi
by bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-378-2230

70 min.

Omotenashi-kan

2010-6 Kuragano-machi
027-381-5311
10:00Mondays（open if
16:00
Monday is a national holiday,
but closed the following day）
10 min. walk from Kuragano
Sta.

Spiritual
Serenity
10 Haruna Shrine

11 Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple

This historic shrine has attracted worshippers
since ancient times. Its spectacular main hallappears to be joined to the massive rockunder which it sits. Specialty dish of the area ismonzen soba（buckwheat noodles）.

The birthplace of the Daruma Doll, thistemple has a hall displaying many kinds ofDaruma from all over Japan. The Daruma
Market is held on the 6th and 7th January,
and thousands of people visit to buy Daruma
Dolls.

849 Harunasan-machi
bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-374-9050

70 min. by

296 Hanadaka-machi
bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-322-8800

20 min. by

23

A Breathof Fresh Air
2 Klein Garten

4 Warabi-daira Forest Park Camp Site

Klein Garten meaning “small garden” inGerman is a place where people who livein the city can grow their own vegetables
and flowers. Basic know-how and training
programs are available.

This well-equipped camp site is perfect forenjoying camping and the outdoors or aleisurely afternoon surrounded by nature.
There are hiking courses to nearby Mt.
Tsuno-ochi, Mt. Asama-kakushi and Mt.
Hanamagari .

27 Mizunuma, Kurabuchi-machi
90 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-378-3834

27-9 Kawaura, Kurabuchi-machi
80 min. by car from Takasaki IC

027-378-3761

1 Mt. Ushibuse Nature Park

3 Ishibumi-no-michi (Promenade of Stone Monuments)

5 Smelt Fishing on Lake Narusawa

This park is 491 meters above sea level, andhas trails to the top that will please climbers.
Enjoy the beauty of seasonal flowers suchas cherry blossoms and hydrangeas along
the roadside. At the top is a replica of an old
Japanese castle that acts as an observation
tower and rest point, overlooking the city.

Enjoy nature while learning
about history by following
this historical promenadeclose to central Takasaki.
The tales of ancienthistory will unfold before
your eyes.

Lake Narusawa doesn’t
freeze over in the winterand smelt fishing from aboat or from the pier canbe enjoyed from October
to late February.

Taira, Yoshii-machi
Yoshii Sta.

Starting point: Yamana Sta.

7 min. by car or 60 min. walk from

Right near Yamana Sta.

6 Byakue Dai-

1639 Tomioka, Misato-machi
027-371-1124
2030 min. by car from Takasaki/Maebashi/Shibukawa-Ikaho IC

Kannon (White-Robed

Goddess of Mercy Statue)

2710-1 Ishihara-machi
027（Jigen-in Temple）
Mar-Oct
322-2269
9:00-17:00,Nov-Feb 9:0016:30 ￥ Entrance to insideth e s t a tu e : A d u l ts ¥ 3 0 0 ,20 min. bychildren ¥100
bus from Takasaki Sta.

See page04

Step into the cave and find yourself in a
fantastical world where 33 stone statues of
the Goddess of Mercy are housed.

Families are sure to enjoy the wide open
sky and vast stretches of green grass in thispark, perfect for a barbecue surrounded bynature, or try your hand at ceramic art in thecraft studio.
1064-30 Terao-machi
bus from Takasaki Sta.

2857 Ishihara-machi
027-323-3766
Weekdays 10:00-16:00,
Weekends/national
holidays 10:00-17:00 *Maychange depending on theseason ￥ Adults ¥800,
26thchildren ¥400
20 min. by-30th Dec
bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-328-8389

2 Jigen-ji Temple

and its Weeping Cherry Trees

Early to late March

1 Misato Plum Grove

The weeping cherry trees in the temple
grounds were planted in the 14 th century.
Other kinds of cherry trees adorn the westside of the temple.

This beautiful plumgrove covering 300
hectares sits on ahill looking out over
the Kanto Plain, withthe blossoms of its
100,000 plum trees forming a white carpet.
During the Plum Festival the area bustles
with many visitors who come to enjoy theplum blossoms.

19 Shimo-Taki-machi
Sta.

20 min. by bus from Takasaki

Early to late April

3 Cherry Blossoms on Mt. Kannonyama

As many as 3,000 cherry trees of various
species in full bloom will feast your eyes in
April.
20 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

Mid to late August

5 Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

6 Hachimanzuka Tumulus and Maze of Sunflowers

Enjoy more thanfifteen kinds of flowers
including canola
flowers and cosmos,
and a wonderful
panoramic view of themountains of the Kanto Plain throughout theyear
Hanadaka-machi

3

Late March

Canola flowers: Mid-April to early May, Cosmos flowers: Mid-September to mid-October

8 Kannonyama Family Park

7 Doukutsu Kannon（Cave of Goddess of Mercy Statues）

2

Zenji/Kanisawa, Misato-machi
20-30 min. by car fromTakasaki/Maebashi/Shibukawa-Ikaho IC

The Kannonyama Hills
Beautiful natural surroundings close to the city center

Tempted by
the Fragranceof Flowers

On the western side of
the tumulus is a fieldof sunflowers, planted
in a maze.

Hodota-machi

30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

Harunako-machi

Early to mid-June

Late September to early November

8 Ofuro-ga-Ike Pond and its Irises

9 Futagoyama Tumulus and its Cosmos

More than 2,000 irises
bloom at the start ofsummer.

35 min. by

The Futagoyama
Tumulus area is lively
in autumn with visitors
coming to see morethan 20,000 cosmos inbloom.

208 Hamagawa-machi（inside Hamagawa Athletic Park）
30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

Mt. Haruna is 1,449 meters above
sea level and Lake Haruna is locatednear the top at 1,100 meters. Theview is spectacular throughout theyear and is popular with sightseers.

9

90 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

The Kohan-no-Yado Memorial Park

This park was made in remembrance ofan old song called “Kohan-no-Yado”（ALakeside Inn）.

Feb

Hodota-machi

9:00-16:00￥ FreeOpen all year round

Smelt Fishing on Lake Haruna
Autumn: 1st September-30th November
Winter: Ice fishing is possible from late January to late
February depending on the thickness of the ice.

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Japanese plum

Canola flower

Misato Plum Grove

Hanadaka
Mt. Haruna
Flower Hill Lookout

Japanese allspice
Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

Japanese plum
Haruna Plum Grove

10 The Atelier of Yumeji Takehisa

Yumeji Takehisa painted many pictures ofbeautiful women. He loved Haruna andvisited the area often. His restored atelier islocated at Lake Haruna.

24 T A K A S A K I

JanAlong the road running toward Mt. Harunafrom Ikaho Hot Spring just before the lake
is a stretch of road which produces music
when car tires drive over strategically placed
grooves in its surface. Here, motorists will
enjoy the melody of a Japanese song,“Shizuka-na-kohan”（The Tranquil Lakeside）.

Azaleasat Tsutsuji-no-Sato

Hydrangea
Seisui-ji Temple

Tsutsuji-no-SatoAug

30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.

throughout the spring

Early April to early May

4 Misato Shibazakura Park

This park was created from the image of theJapanese folktale “Princess Orihime’s Pink
Robe of Feathers”. Thousands of tiny red,pink and white moss phlox create patterns ofwaves and swirls on the side of the hill.
Matsunosawa, Misato-machi
8:00-17-00（last entry
16:30） ￥ Adults ¥300, elementary school students ¥100,
free for younger children *Entrance charged only during
20-30 min. by car from Takasaki/
Shibazakura Festival
Maebashi/Shibukawa-Ikaho IC

Mid-June to early July

7 Seisui-ji Temple and its Hydrangeas

Pretty hydrangeas
welcome you on bothsides of the stone
stairway leading to
the gate of Seisui-ji
Temple.

2401 Ishihara-machi
bus from Takasaki Sta.

027-323-3214

15 min. by

Mt. Haruna

Indigo plant

Mt. Haruna

Takasaki City
Dye Plant
Botanical Garden

Mt. Ushibuse

Iris

Takasaki City
Dye Plant
Botanical Garden

Ogushi Katakuri-no-Sato

Ofuro-ga-Ike Pond,
Hamagawa Athletic Park

Japanese silver grass
at Mt. Haruna

Gypsy rose

DaffodilHanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

This parkland besidethe highway is covered
with dogtooth violets
that can be enjoyed up
close from the wooden
pathway.

Ogushi, Yoshii-machi

20 min. walk from Maniwa Sta.

Mt. Haruna

Rhododendron

SalviaMt. Haruna

Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

The first botanical garden in Japan
dedicated to natural dyeing
11 Takasaki City Dye Plant Botanical Garden

Japanese silver grass

Day lilyHydrangea

Rhododendrons
at Mt. Haruna

Dec

Haniwa-no-Sato

Hanadaka
Flower Hill Lookout

Dogtooth violet

Hanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

Nov

Maze of Sunflowers

Sunflower

AdonisJapanese cornel

Oct
CosmosSunflower

Late March to early April

10 Ogushi Katakuri-no-Sato

Enjoying Greenery

Sep

Japanese azalea

Rhododendron
Japanese azalea

Lake Haruna Melody Line

Beautiful cherry blossoms
decorate Takasaki

30 min. by car from Takasaki IC

TAKASAKI・Seasonal Flowers
Mt. Haruna and Lake Haruna

4

Gypsy roses
at Mt. Haruna

CosmosHanadaka Flower Hill Lookout

This is the first botanicalgarden in Japan wherea wide variety of dye
plants are collected andpreserved. View the dyeplants growing wild in the subtropical zone or try
your hand at indigo dyeing or other plant-based
natural dyeing techniques. Please inquire forworkshop schedules. Booking required.
2302-11 Terao-machi
027-328-6808
9:00-16:30（lastentry 16:00）, weekends/national holidays during Apr-Aug 9:0018:00（last entry 17:30） ￥ Entrance to gardens: Free, entrance
to museum: Adults ¥100, university/high school students ¥80, free
for jr. high school students and younger and people 65 and older
Mondays*Extra charge for entrance to special exhibitions, day after national holidays, end-of-year（open national holidays）
30 min. by bus from Takasaki Sta.
period25

◆Takasaki Plums

The Tastesof Takasaki◆Daruma Bento（boxed lunch）
The unforgettable face of theDaruma has made Takasaki famousto the point where most people arereminded of Takasaki when they see
the Daruma Bento boxed lunch orother souvenirs featuring the Daruma
design.

iakasakEnjoy T !
Pasta

◆Takasaki Udon Noodles

These noodles are made from Takasaki-grown
wheat “Kinu-no-Nami”. Takasaki Udon is slightly
chewy but very tasty.

Takasaki people really love their pasta,
and there are so many restaurants serving
pasta made with top-quality Takasaki
Wheat that it is called the City of Pasta.
There is even a pasta map that guides
visitors to the best of Takasaki’s pasta
restaurants as chosen by our citizens.

Take
a
Break

Hot Springs
andRelaxation◆Takasaki Soy Sauce

Hot spring Stay Daytrip

Hot spring Stay Daytrip

4 Takasaki Kannonyama Hot Spring Inn,

8 Yubata Hot Spring

Kinzanso027-322-2916

After refreshing in the inn’s natural hot spring
bath, enjoy the popular noodle dish Okkirikomi.

Stay Daytrip

Hot spring Daytrip

5 Ushibuse Dream Center9 Takasaki City Kurabuchi Welfare Center,027-387-9111

Accommodation surrounded by nature at thefoot of Mt. Ushibuse. Come relax in the hotbath. Daytrippers welcome.

Located in the welfare center, this is the perfectplace to refresh and relax after a day spent at
the nearby park. Non-citizens only able to enter
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

1 Aimagawa Hot Spring Inn,

6 Kurabuchi Kawaura Hot Spring,

10 Gunma Hot Spring, Yasuragi-no-Yu

Hot spring Stay Daytrip

Hamayu Sanso Villa

027-378-2333

Surrounded by natural beauty, the villaoffers a full range of accommodation andis a perfect starting point for hiking in the
nearby mountains. The dining hall serves their
specialty, Yokosuka Navy Curry.

2 Lake Haruna Hot Spring Inn,

Yusuge-Motoyu

027-374-9211

3 Lakeside Yusuge
027-374-9131

Both located on the shore of Lake Haruna, they
feature natural hot spring baths. The water ismilky and rich, gentle to the skin and said tohave many health benefits.

26 T A K A S A K I

027-372-4126

Features baths with a plentiful supply of natural
hot water, a dining hall serving delicious meals
and a souvenir shop.

7 Kurabuchi Hot Spring Inn
027-378-2311

Jan

Referred to as the bath of longevity, this hot
spring has been around since the 18th century.
Indoor and open air baths have different watertypes enabling guests to enjoy two different
bathing experiences.

14 Takasaki Hot Spring,

Iyashi-no-Sato Sakura-no-Yu

027-386-4321

Fleshy, sweet and tender, thesecabbages are readily available from
November to March. The perfectingredient in a hot pot, they are also
delicious pickled.

Sep

New Year visit to shrines at Haruna Shrine（Harunasan-machi）and others in the city

Mar

Second Sunday of March Haruna Plum Marathon near Haruna Culture Hall（Kami-Satomi-machi）

Early October Takasaki Kannon Daruma March starting from Takasaki Joshi Park（Takamatsu-cho）Takasaki Raibu Dance Festival at Motenashi Square（Takamatsu-cho）First Sunday of October Minowa-no-Sato Kitsune-no-Yomeiri near Misato Branch Office（Nishi-Akiya, Misato-

Oct

Third Saturday of October Haruna Furusato Festival at Haruna Branch Office（Shimo-Muroda-machi）

Late March Dogtooth Violet Festival at Ogushi Katakuri-no-Sato（Ogushi, Yoshii-machi）

Last Sunday of October Minowa Castle Festival at the Minowa Castle Ruins（Higashi-Akiya, Misato-machi）

and Branch Office areas

Early April Takasaki Haru Matsuri（spring festival）at Motenashi Square, Kannonyama & central

Second weekend of November Yoshii Autumn Festival at Yoshii Culture Hall（Yoshii, Yoshii-machi）

city area

Early November Shinmachi Street Performer Festival along Ichonamiki Street（Shinmachi）

Shinmachi Cherry Blossom Festival at SDF Camp Shinmachi（Shinmachi）

16th November Shinmachi Furusato Festival along Ichonamiki Street（Shinmachi）

Early April to early May Misato Shibazakura（moss phlox）Festival at Misato Shibazakura Park

（Matsunosawa, Misato-machi）

29th April Takasaki Spring Festival near City Hall and Gunma Music Center

Nov

Third Saturday of May Mt. Haruna Hill Climb in Takasaki starting from Haruna Gymnasium（Kami-Satomi-Maymachi）

Early June Yoshii Mud Festival

Early to mid-November Kamitsuke-no-Sato Haniwa Festival at Kamitsuke-no-Sato Museum of Archaeology（Ide-machi）

Mid-November King of Pasta at Motenashi Square（Takamatsu-cho）Late November Takasaki Ebisu-ko Market in the central city area

Late May Oguri Festival at Tozen-ji Temple（Gonda, Kurabuchi-machi）

Miho-Okuni Shrine Festival at Takasaki Shrine（Akasaka-machi）

Classical music concert at Haruna Shrine（Harunasan-machi）

Jun

machi）

Sports Day National Holiday Samurai Parade in central city area
Mid- to late October Takasaki Marching Festival at Jonan Ball Park（Shimo-Wada-machi）

Third Sunday of March Haruna Plum Festival at Haruna Culture Hall（Kami-Satomi-machi）

Late March to early April Takasaki Film Festival at Takasaki Culture Hall（Suehiro-cho）and other city cinemas

Apr

Mid-September to mid-October Takasaki Music Festival in the central city area
1st October to end of February Smelt fishing season at Lake Narusawa（Tomioka, Misato-machi）

Sunrise from the top of Mt. Ushibuse from the observation tower（Taira, Yoshii-machi）

Around the 9th Tago Stela open to the public at Tago Stela Memorial Museum（Ike, Yoshii-machi）

Late November to early December Takasaki Pageant of Starlight in the central city area

Dec

Mid- to late December Lake Haruna Illumination Festa at Lake Haruna（Harunako-machi）

First Sunday of July Misato Firefly Festival at Keihoen near Minowa Elementary School（Nishi-Akiya,Jul

Misato-machi）

Last Sunday of July Misato Summer Festival at Fureai Park（Nishi-Akiya, Misato-machi）
Late July Yoshii Gion Festival near Yoshii Culture Hall（Yoshii, Yoshii-machi）
First Friday of August Haruna Festival & Fireworks Display at Lake Haruna（Harunako-machi）
First weekend of August Takasaki Festival at Motenashi Square（Takamatsu-cho）and the central city area
Early August Gunma Haniwa-no-Sato Summer Festival at Haniwa-no-Sato Park（Ide-machi）

Takasaki Festival
Takasaki Festival brings the city to life with its portable shrines, floats,cheerful festival music and performances. The festival fireworks display isthe biggest in the northern Kanto area, always impressing the crowds.

Shinmachi Float/Portable Shrine Festival near Shinmachi Station *alternating eachyear

12 Tenjin-no-Yu Hot Spring027-340-4126◆Kokufu Chinese Cabbages

A specialty served in unique styles at
20 restaurants around Lake Haruna
using the finest Haruna Chicken raisedin the rich natural environment in thefoothills of Mt. Haruna. It’s tender anddelicious so be sure to try it!

Early to late March Misato Plum Festival at Misato Plum Grove（Misato-machi Zenji & Kanisawa）

027-350-8811

13 Misato Hot Spring, Maneki-no-Yu

Shinmachi’s popular katsudon is a bowlof rice topped with crisply deep-fried pork
cultlets on shredded cabbage and drizzled
with a rich, oriental barbecue sauce. It’s sure
to tempt your taste buds!

6th & 7th January Shorinzan Daruma Market at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple（Hanadaka-machi）

More Hot Springs
for Daytrippers

027-362-1726◆Shinmachi Sauce Katsudon

1st January Takasaki New Year Concert at Gunma Music Center（Takamatsu-cho）

11 Yutori Natural Hot Spring
Hot spring Stay Daytrip

More than 100 roadside fruit stalls selling pears and peaches line theHaruna Fruit Road（Route 406）
, a popular place for tourists to buy a tasty
treat to take home.

Takasaki Calendar of Events

Seseragi-no-Yu

Hot spring Daytrip

027-378-3834

OKEKKOh!
HARUNA K
odle-Good
Cock-a-do

027-378-3440

Hot spring Stay Daytrip

This popular copper-colored hot spring witha temperature of 62˚C is said to have many
health benefits. The facility is a single floor
wooden inn with a dining hall.

This special brand of sake is brewed
at one exclusive brewery in Takasaki
using the pure water of Mt. Haruna. First
released in 2006 in commemorationof the municipal mergers of the city of
Takasaki, this top grade sake is enjoyedfor its full-bodied flavor.

027-384-8602

This inn at the base of Mt. Ushibuse has a hotbath using water from a natural mineral spring.
It’s a secluded spot where visitors will also
enjoy viewing fireflies.

Road◆Takasaki Brand Sake

Takasaki Soy Sauce is wholesome and flavorful,made the traditional way from locally-grownsoybeans and wheat, and aged in cedar barrels
for a whole year.

Hot spring Stay Daytrip

Fureai-kan

Japanese plums（ume）grown in Takasaki
are used to make pickled plums, plum wine,
and plum juice and the extract is a popular
health tonic. One of the largest plum grovesin eastern Japan is in Takasaki, and it’s apopular tourist destination in March when the
air is filled with the delicate fragrance of theplum blossoms.

Haruna Fruit

15th August Haruna Furusato Festival & Fireworks Display at Karasugawa Park（Shimo-Muroda-Augmachi）

16th August Shinmachi Furusato Festival with fireworks, lantern launch & Bon-odori dancing at

Karasugawa Sogo Ground（Shinmachi）

Mid-August Kurabuchi Summer Festival near Kurabuchi Branch Office（Sannokura, Kurabuchi-

machi）

Late August Mandoe Candle Festival at Jigen-in Temple（Ishihara-machi）
Fourth Saturday of August Haruna Nashi-Pear Festival at Kohan-no-Yado Memorial Park and Haruna Lodge at

Lake Haruna（Harunako-machi）

27

More Information

Takasaki Tourism Association
2nd Floor Iwasaki Bldg. 32-2 Yashima-cho, Takasaki, Gunma 370-0849
TEL: 027-330-5333 FAX: 027-330-5334
http: //www.takasaki-kankoukyoukai.or.jp/ Email: kankoukyoukai@city.takasaki.gunma.jp

Cover picture : View of Takasaki Arena from Ohara Gakuen