Last updated: April 24, 2024
This temple in Takasaki was built in 1697 and is thought to be the place where Japanese daruma originated. These popular bearded figures are good luck charms. You will see a large number of daruma around the temple grounds. Shorinzan Darumaji Temple is easily accessible from Tokyo.
Reach Shorinzan Darumaji Temple from Tokyo in less than 2 hours by train and bus via Takasaki Station. The temple is a short stroll from Shorinzan Iriguchi Bus Stop.
You can board Hokuriku and Joetsu shinkansen services at Tokyo Station.
Actual design may differ from the image shown.
Shinkansen trains from Tokyo Station reach Takasaki Station in under 1 hour. The train fare is covered by various Japan Rail Passes.
Takasaki is a stop on the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines, and the gateway to Gunma: express trains and local trains from Tokyo stop at Takasaki Station. You can transfer to local trains and buses for destinations across Gunma.
Actual design may differ from the image shown.
Take a Shorinzan Line (Gunma Bus) bus service from Bus Stop 4, outside the west exit of Takasaki Station. You can pay the fare in cash or with a transportation IC card as you exit the bus.The bus takes around 20 minutes to reach Shorinzan Iriguchi Bus Stop.
The stop is easy to miss, so let the driver know that you want to go to Shorinzan Iriguchi. Signs with daruma motifs indicate the route to the temple.
It takes around 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop to Shorinzan Darumaji Temple. The temple is particularly busy in early January, as people bring their daruma back for ritual burning after a year. There is also a market on January 6 and 7 where visitors can buy a daruma to set their goals and wishes for the new year.
You can use the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, JR East Pass, and other JR passes for trains on this route. However, bus fares must be paid separately. There are many passes and travel combinations to discover, so use the links below to find your ideal travel plan.
・JR East Pass
・JR Tokyo Wide Pass
・Japan Rail Pass
・JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Save time and purchase train tickets and passes, and reserve seats online, before you travel.
Takasaki is a large city and hub for travel in Gunma, with a range of accommodation options ranging from modern luxury hotels to traditional ryokan inns. Many hotels are located within walking distance of Takasaki Station.
