Gunma Gateway

Takasaki, Tomioka, and Maebashi are three cities in southern Gunma within easy reach of Tokyo. These cultural hubs are great bases for exploring the prefecture, providing connections to its most remote reaches.

Takasaki is the home of the Daruma doll, a Buddhist good-luck charm on which people traditionally make wishes for the new year. It is also the home of the towering Byakue Dai-Kannon statue, a symbol of the city. Tomioka is synonymous with Japan’s silk industry. You can tour the silk mill that is credited with being the blueprint for Japan’s industrial revolution. Maebashi is the prefecture capital and includes Mt. Akagi, a popular hiking spot.

See & Do

History & Culture

Tomioka Silk Mill

Tour this well-preserved factory that placed Gunma at the forefront of the silk industry. It was built in 1872, during the Meiji era (1868–1912) when Japan underwent rapid modernization, and it introduced cutting-edge technology and silk quality. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History & Culture

Shorinzan Darumaji Temple

Daruma dolls are good luck charms that are thought to have originated at Shonrinzan Darumaji Temple, established in 1697. People make a wish on these bearded dolls by filling in one of the eyes, then filling in the other when the wish comes true. Don’t miss seeing hundreds of Daruma of various shapes and sizes piled up at the temple.

Nature & Outdoors

Mt. Myogi

Mt. Myogi (1,104 m) is one of Gunma’s most beautiful mountains and considered among Japan's top three locations of rugged beauty. Its craggy, jutting rocks create natural sculptures and challenging slopes to hike. The mountain has several trails that vary in difficulty. Pick beginner trails for a gentler walk or more advanced, adventurous routes with chained sections.

History & Culture

Byakue Dai-Kannon

This 41.8 meter-high statue of Kannon, a bodhisattva, looks out over the city of Takasaki. Walk the 146 steps inside the statue to reach the city's best views and to pray at the Buddha statues enshrined on every level.

History & Culture

Rinkokaku

Walk around the Japanese garden outside Rinkokaku for the best views of this fine example of Japanese architecture. This elegant wooden building sits on the banks of the Tone River, next to Maebashi Park.

When to Visit

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

March-May
Cherry blossom season starts around mid-April when around 3,000 trees bloom around Byakue Dai-Kannon, the towering symbol of Takasaki. Around the same time, 5,000 cherry trees bloom at Sakura no Sato, located at the foot of Mt. Myogi. Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura Cherry Blossom Festival draws flower lovers to see over 1,000 cherry trees in spring. Walking through a tunnel of pink blossoms is a highlight of the festival.

Getting Around

Tomioka is less than 40 minutes from Takasaki Station on the Joshin Dentetsu, and Maebashi is about 15 minutes from Takasaki on the JR Ryomo Line. Central areas of Takasaki, Maebashi and Tomioka are easily walkable, but if you venture further out, you’ll need to use local buses. Alternatively, rent a car for more independence.

Renting a Car

It is usually faster and easier to get to Takasaki from Tokyo by train than by car. If you plan to explore Gunma’s more remote reaches and plan to drive, you can rent a car at one of several facilities in Takasaki.

*You will need a valid driving license for Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or legal translation of your license, depending on which country issued your license.

Travel Tips

Takasaki, Tomioka, and Maebashi have a temperate climate all year round. August is the warmest month, and temperatures regularly climb into the mid-30s Celsius. January is the coldest month, but it rarely snows. The temperatures generally stay around 10 degrees in the cities, though strong northerly winds may make it feel cooler.

Takasaki, Tomioka, and Maebashi's main areas have plenty of ATMs, and most venues accept credit cards. However, if you venture further out of the towns, it is a good idea to withdraw cash first.

Takasaki Information Center inside Takasaki Station is a convenient place to find information about the surrounding area and plan your itinerary.

Information about Tomioka Silk Mill and its surroundings is available at Machinaka Tourism Product Center, Otomi-chan House.

Takasaki, Joshu-Tomioka and Maebashi stations all have coin lockers to store your luggage while you explore the area.

Most of the area’s accommodation and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi. There are free Wi-Fi hotspots around Takasaki and Maebashi, too. To be sure you can stay connected, buy a pre-paid SIM card or organize a pocket Wi-Fi rental on arrival in Japan.