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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Takasaki sharing quite a few of those!
Takasaki is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, where the vibrant streets are infused with culture and a sense of adventure.
From temples steeped in history to bustling markets selling local delights, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in this charming city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Takasaki:
1. Gunma Safari Park
Gunma Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in Takasaki, Japan, which is home to over 2000 animals from 80 species.
What to see or do: Visitors can drive their car through the park, observe wildlife from close quarters, and even feed some of the animals.
The park also has a large walk-through area where visitors can observe and interact with animals such as kangaroos, meerkats, and birds.
Don’t miss: The lion safari is the highlight of the park, which allows visitors to enter a lion’s den and observe them up close from inside the safety of their own car.
Other popular attractions include the elephant show, penguin feeding, and a dolphin show.
Insider travel tips: – It is best to visit the park early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds and have a peaceful experience.
2. Takasaki City Park
Takasaki City Park is a picturesque park located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the park’s vast grounds and enjoy its beautiful greenery, including various species of trees, flowers, and shrubs.
There are several walking paths that lead to different areas of the park, including a Japanese garden, a cherry blossom grove, and a pond filled with colorful koi fish.
Don’t miss: One highlight of the park is the Takasaki Tower, a 100-meter-tall observation tower that offers stunning views of the surrounding city and mountains.
There are also several playgrounds for children, picnic areas, and a small zoo with animals from around the world.
Insider travel tips: – The park is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in early April.
3. Daruma Temple
The Daruma Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Takasaki, Japan, known for its connection to the Daruma doll, a traditional Japanese talisman of good luck and perseverance.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful grounds and architecture, including the main hall and multiple smaller shrines.
The highlight of the temple is the large Daruma doll inside the main hall, which visitors can purchase and use for their own good luck.
Don’t miss: Be sure to purchase a Daruma doll from the temple’s gift shop, and participate in the traditional Daruma Festival held every year in January.
The festival includes a variety of cultural events and activities.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs to climb around the temple.
Also, make sure to try Takasaki’s famous local dish, Takasaki-age, a type of fried chicken found in many restaurants near the temple.
4. Haruna Shrine
Haruna Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Takasaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the beautiful torii gates, stone lanterns, and traditional Japanese architecture.
The shrine is located at the top of Mount Haruna, and visitors can take a scenic cable car ride to reach it.
Don’t miss: The shrine’s annual summer festival, which features traditional dances and musical performances. Also, be sure to check out the stunning views of the surrounding mountains from the shrine grounds.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Haruna Shrine is during the autumn foliage season, when the mountains are ablaze with beautiful colors.
Bring comfortable shoes, as the shrine grounds require a fair bit of walking. And don’t forget your camera, as the photo opportunities are endless!
5. Takasaki Castle Ruins
Takasaki Castle Ruins is an ancient castle that was built during the Edo period in Takasaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle and learn about its rich history. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the stone walls and moats that surrounded the castle. The ruins of the castle tower and gatehouses are also worth seeing.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the rocky terrain and stairs.
6. Kajika Bridge
Kajika Bridge is a historical arched bridge located in Takasaki, Japan. It was built in 1834 and is an important cultural property of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a stroll on the bridge to admire its beautiful arch design while taking in the serene surroundings of the Tone River.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take photographs of the bridge and the Tone River. The area is particularly beautiful during autumn when the trees change color.
Insider travel tips: – Kajika Bridge is easily accessible by train from Tokyo, taking approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
7. Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple
Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its association with the Daruma doll, which is said to have originated here.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds and view the various buildings and statues.
One of the main attractions is the large statue of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, which is said to have miraculous healing powers.
The temple also has a museum with an extensive collection of Daruma dolls.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Daruma Hall, where you can purchase a Daruma doll and make a wish. These dolls are considered lucky charms and are a popular souvenir among visitors.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the winter months, don’t miss the Daruma-ichi festival that takes place on January 6th and 7th. The temple grounds are lit up with lanterns and vendors sell Daruma dolls and other festival goods.
Also, be sure to try the local specialty, Takasaki senbei, a type of rice cracker made with soy sauce and mirin.
8. Myogi Shrine
Myogi Shrine is an important Shinto shrine located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to the deity known as Myogin-Okami, who is the god of healing and speech.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the picturesque grounds of the shrine, which feature lush forests and inviting walking paths. There is also a large pond on the grounds, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Don’t miss: One of the main attractions of Myogi Shrine is the impressive main gate, which features intricately carved wooden decorations and a striking red color.
Visitors should also take the time to explore the many smaller shrines and monuments scattered throughout the grounds.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the grounds of Myogi Shrine are quite expansive. It is also a good idea to bring a camera, as there are many beautiful photo opportunities throughout the shrine.
Visitors should also be respectful of the religious significance of the shrine, and follow all posted rules and regulations.
9. Takasakiyama Monkey Park
A monkey park located in Oita, Japan where visitors can observe and interact with Japanese macaques.
What to see or do: Watch the monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat, feed them peanuts, and witness their playful antics.
Don’t miss: The Monkey Onsen, a hot spring where the monkeys relax and soak in the warm water.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the monkeys at their most active. Be cautious when feeding the monkeys and follow the park’s safety guidelines.
Bring warm clothes in the winter as it can get chilly at the top of the mountain.
10. Kuragano Kogen Skyline
Kuragano Kogen Skyline is a scenic drive located in Takasaki, Japan. This 14.
5-kilometer road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
What to see or do: Visitors can drive up the winding road and take in the stunning views of the Japanese Alps and the Gunma Prefecture.
There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop and admire the scenery.
Don’t miss: At the highest point of the Skyline, there is a restaurant and observation deck where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the panoramic views.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is during the autumn months when the leaves change color.
11. Ikaho Onsen
Ikaho Onsen is a charming hot springs resort located in the town of Ikaho, near Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can soak in the famous “stone steps” hot spring baths, explore the town’s traditional architecture and shops, and enjoy scenic hikes in the nearby mountains.
Don’t miss: The unique “waterfall train” that takes visitors on a scenic ride through lush valleys and past cascading waterfalls.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try the local specialty, Ikaho soba noodles, and take a stroll through the town at night when it’s illuminated with lanterns and candles.
For a quieter experience, visit during the week instead of on weekends.
12. Obata Sake Brewery
Obata Sake Brewery is a traditional sake brewery located in Takasaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery to learn about the intricate process of sake production, from milling the rice to fermenting and aging the sake.
The tour includes a tasting of their premium sake and a visit to the brewery store where visitors can purchase sake and other souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the tour is tasting their premium sake, which is made using local water and rice from the Gunma Prefecture.
It has a smooth, rich flavor and is a must-try for all sake enthusiasts.
Insider travel tips: While tours are available year-round, the best time to visit is during the winter months when the brewery is in full production.
Visitors should also try the brewery’s specialty snack, “Sakadama”, which is made from sake kasu (sake lees) and is only available at the brewery store.
13. Meiho Ski Resort
Meiho Ski Resort is a popular ski resort located in Takasaki, Japan. It is one of the most accessible ski resorts from Tokyo.
What to see or do: Meiho Ski Resort offers a range of skiing and snowboarding activities for visitors. The resort has 13 courses with varying levels of difficulty, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.
The resort also offers ski lessons, equipment rentals and a snow park area for freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to ski down the resort’s longest course, the 2.2 km long Rainbow Course.
The course is perfect for intermediate skiers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to visit Meiho Ski Resort on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
14. Minowa Castle Ruins
Minowa Castle Ruins is a historical site located in Takasaki city, Gunma prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take a walk around the site and discover the remaining walls, turrets, and moats of the ancient castle.
Don’t miss: The observation deck at the top of the castle ruins offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Gunma prefecture countryside.
Make sure to bring your camera and capture the beautiful scenery.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as there are steep stairs and hills to climb.
15. Kozuke Kannon-ji Temple
A historically important temple located in Takasaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the architecture of the temple buildings and explore the beautiful gardens. The main hall houses a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, which is a designated National Treasure of Japan.
The temple also has a small museum showcasing artifacts and treasures from its long history.
Don’t miss: The temple’s spring and autumn festivals, which feature traditional Japanese performances and activities.
Visitors can also enjoy a cup of green tea and a sweet treat at the tea house located in the gardens.
Insider travel tips: Take a stroll through the gardens during cherry blossom season for a truly breathtaking experience.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are some steep stairs and hills to navigate on the temple grounds.