2025 Takasaki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

🚗💨 Pilgrimage to Mount Haruna (Tyumen) 🏞️ Want to explore the charm of Mount Haruna in depth? Here are some must-see attractions and exciting itineraries, especially for fans of Initial D! ✨ ### Trip Highlights: - 08:00 — Depart from Tokyo and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way! - 10:30 — Arrive at Mount Haruna, take photos at the observation deck, and recreate the classic scene from Initial D! - 11:00 — Experience the famous track, challenge and feel the thrill of Fujiwara Takumi's slow driving! - 12:30 — Taste the local Haruna Ramen, let your taste buds travel and replenish your energy for the next journey! - 14:00 — Check in at classic scenes from Initial D, relive moments from the show, and take photos with friends! - 15:30 — Visit the Haruna Shrine to pray for your adventure and good luck on the trails! - 17:00 — Take a walk or boat trip around Lake Haruna and imagine yourself driving an AE86 along the lake! - 18:00 — Enjoy the Haruna Hot Springs, relax and prepare for a wonderful evening of memories! - 20:30 — Return to Tokyo and share your photos and stories so that everyone can experience the charm of Mount Haruna! 📸 ### Must-see attractions: - Haruna Shrine: Visit the Shrine quietly, experience the local culture, and pray for your racing dream! - Lake Haruna: Rent a boat to cruise the lake, or take a walk along the lakeside to experience the leisurely time of the characters in the play. - Haruna Ranch: interact with animals, taste local dairy products, and experience the joy of nature! - Haruna Plateau: A great place for hiking and biking, challenge yourself like you would on a trail! Invite your friends and drive to the charm of Mount Haruna together! #InitialD #Haruna #Self-driving #Adventure #Tokyo Free Travel #JapanGunma 👉 Let us sail towards our dreams and passion together! ✨ #TokyoItinerary #100WaysToTravel #trip

Japan🇯🇵 has many natural scenery and makes it needless to say😂 Every place has its own characteristics!! ️So I can’t go no matter how many times I go And before we went to Takazuto Gorge in the eastern part of Gunma Prefecture💕 Compared to other places it is not a big attraction but it is good mountains and water 😍 Japan🇯🇵 also called its Kanto Yema Creek canyon 👍🏻 during the autumn leaves 🍁 can see the trees on both sides of the Tora Se River 🌲🤔 so every year in October starts a lot of people 🤭 not only tourists are even Japanese more 😌 In addition, the equipment around its surrounding trails is quite complete 💕 Visitors can enjoy the view of nature while taking a leisurely walk🤪 And because of its location, the weather is quite cool🤣 It is very comfortable and relaxing to walk and is very popular with the public👏🏻 In addition, the white triangular Yoshiaki Bridge is one of the checkpoints🤭 It spans Takazudo Pass☺️ You can cross this bridge and overlook the beautiful scenery of the canyon. Of course, there is no shortage of Takatsudo Bridge, which may enjoy the panoramic view of Takatsudo Gorge during the cherry blossoms🌸 and autumn leaves🍁☺️ It is also one of the must-see😉 It's actually worth seeing quite a lot😝 If you really have a period then you can walk on the trail walking route 😍 feel 😀 The transportation is more troublesome 😀 because it is always a natural place Self-driving must be the most convenient If not, you can sit at Tora Se Creek Valley Railway Omama Station!! ️ 6 minutes walk to get there👏🏻 Address: Takazudo, Omama-cho, Green City, Gunma Prefecture #Japanese and Korean city attractions #parent-child activities #photography #weekend trip #overseas travel #Japan travel #japan attractions #japan travel guide #parent-child travel guide #parent-child blog #family activities #

It only takes an hour from Tokyo station to Takasaki station through the bullet train and an approximately 15 mins bus ride to Kannon sancho bus terminal. You can definitely feel the serenity and tranquility once you step out of the bus. The air is also fresh and the people there are nice. The small unique shops along the shopping street. I was even offered tea even though I was just doing window shopping. The best season to go is during Sakura season where the byakue Kannon will be surrounded with Sakura trees. You can also pay 300 yen to go up the byakue kannon to overlook the city view. Also, if you’re early enough, you can catch the monks praying and chanting. All in all, this is one of the best places I’ve visited! #gunma #japan

Mount Haruna, home to Lake Chaldea in the north of Gunma Prefecture, is in the midst of autumn foliage season. Unfortunately, we weren't blessed with good weather, but the autumn foliage along the lakeside was magnificent. The road to the lakeside was like a shower of autumn leaves. #LakeHaruna #MountHaruna #AutumnFoliage

Address: 849 Harunasanmachi, Takasaki Cost: Free Parking: Free Opening hours: 07:00-17:00 Friends who like the movie Initial D must visit Haruna Shrine  The main deities of Haruna Shrine are the Japanese gods of fire and earth. Therefore, Haruna Shrine has been a place of worship for praying for good luck, a good harvest, and prosperous business since ancient times.

#celebratewithtrip The blue color of the water of Shima Gawa River is beautiful. They call it “Shima Blue.”There are many Onsen resorts along with the river , same as Shima Onsen. They believe that Shima Blue of Shima River is the treasure, which they are proud of in the world. #japan #friendstrip

Haruna Shrine is famous as one of the Kanto region's leading power spots. It is said to bring good luck and prosperity in business. From the entrance to the main shrine is about 700m, and it takes about 15 minutes on foot, but you can enjoy a trekking-like walk in a mystical atmosphere while watching the autumn leaves, the fresh greenery in summer, the giant rocks and the clear stream! The main shrine is a rare building that is embedded in the rock. It is said that the main shrine was shaped like this because the deity is inside the rock✨ On the way back from the approach to the shrine, there are plenty of things to see, such as the nationally designated natural monument "Yatatesugi" and the matchmaking spot Suikinkutsu! After your walk, you can enjoy local gourmet food such as grilled manju and miso oden♪ #Autumn trip #Power spot #Breathtaking view #Gourmet

It's already last year, but I went to Lake Haruna to see the illuminations. This year, due to the effects of COVID-19, the event was scaled down a bit, but I was able to enjoy the fantastic illuminations in a mysterious space. Once things have settled down, I'd like to enjoy the lively illuminations again, as the performances are one of the things I look forward to every year. #illuminations

This photogenic spot is located in Gunma Prefecture. There are lots of Daruma dolls! And they're colorful and cute😍 This place is called Shorinji Daruma Temple. It's close to the city center and easy to access, so it's recommended for a quick photo stop♡ #FreeSpot

I went to the Gunma-chan Shop at Takasaki Station in Gunma! You can meet a lot of Gunma-chans at Takasaki Station. Apparently there are some rare items that can only be found here...❗️ Please come and visit us sometime~ #Gunma#Souvenirs #Summer Trip

As the title suggests, I went to one of the Kanto region's most powerful spots❗️ Gunma Prefecture's "Haruna Shrine"⛩ and Lake Haruna It's said to be a shrine where gods gather and wishes come true I visit it once every few years☺️ This time, I visited at the end of the autumn foliage season The leaves🍁 were beautiful along the way It's a long walk, but it's along a mountain stream so there's a nice breeze There are plenty of negative ions on the premises👏🏻🤍 It's a historic shrine with many places to worship within the grounds, so it's best to take your time Access📝 🚗) Kanetsu Expressway Get off at Komayori Smart and take Prefectural Route 153 and Route 28 to Haruna Shrine (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes) Once you reach Lake Haruna, you'll head to Haruna Shrine via a mountain road, so you can enjoy the lakeside at the same time 😚💓 #Historic site #Haruna Shrine #Lake Haruna #Gunma Prefecture #Cool travel experience #Summer resort you want to keep secret #Amazing view

#cherryblossom25 Minowa Castle Ruins are a hidden treasure tucked into the hills of Gunma — perfect if you’re craving a quiet, historical sakura experience. The site isn’t heavily restored, which gives it this haunting, ancient vibe. You’ll wander through grassy ridges, old stone paths, and wooden gates framed by cherry trees that bloom like whispers from the past. I got there just as a fog was lifting and the petals were still wet with dew. There were maybe three other people the entire time I was there — mostly locals with cameras and patience. I climbed to a lookout point and caught a panoramic shot of soft pink against the backdrop of Mount Haruna. It’s not the place for festivals or food stalls — it’s for stillness, and that made it incredibly powerful. My #cherryblossom25 caption for this one: “Silence speaks in petals.”

#cherryblossom25 Lake Haruna might just be one of my favorite sakura spots so far — it’s not just beautiful, it’s epic. The lake itself sits in a crater, ringed by mountains and forests. Cherry trees bloom all around the edge, and the reflection of the blossoms in the still lake is pure serenity. I rented a swan boat (because why not?), and gently paddled under light rain as the blossoms drifted onto the water. Talk about a #cherryblossom25 core memory. There’s also a ropeway nearby that takes you up Mount Haruna, where you can see the entire lake and its cherry fringe from above. I stayed in a nearby onsen town, and that made it a perfect 2-day retreat — soak, wander, blossom-watch, repeat. If you’re looking for romance, peace, or photo magic, this one is a quiet star.

#cherryblossom25 Takasaki Castle Ruins Park is one of those places where the mix of history and blossoms makes you feel deeply connected to Japan. The castle itself is mostly gone, but the remaining stone walls, moat, and reconstructed yagura (turret) are set beautifully among blooming cherry trees. I walked the moat path at dusk, and the reflections of the sakura in the water were just magical. Locals were out with cameras, some in yukata, and the vibe was very nostalgic. I had a moment where I just sat on a bench, watched the petals fall, and felt completely present. For the #cherryblossom25 series, this place was a great balance of calm beauty and cultural depth. It's not flashy, but it stays with you — like an old memory that blossoms quietly in the back of your mind.

#Spring0yentrip 📍 Location: 5F Takasaki Monterey, 222 Yashima-cho, Takasaki, Gunma 🚶 Access: Directly connected to JR Takasaki Station 🍝 Gunma specialty! A famous Takasaki pasta restaurant • A popular restaurant representing the "city of pasta, Takasaki". A spaghetti specialty restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. • The fresh pasta made with wheat from Gunma has a chewy texture! • It's very filling and good value for money◎ 🔥 Recommended menu • Harappa-style carbonara: The combination of rich sauce and bacon is exquisite! • Eggplant and bacon in tomato sauce: The sourness of the tomato and the sweetness of the eggplant are a perfect match. • Peperoncino: A simple yet deep flavor that attracts many repeat customers. 🍽 Atmosphere • Directly connected to the station, it's very accessible! You can stop by while waiting for the Shinkansen or train. • Enjoy a relaxing meal in the spacious restaurant. • A casual atmosphere that is easy for both solo and group visitors. 🌟 Key points! ✅ You'll get addicted to the chewy texture of the fresh pasta! ✅ Directly connected to Takasaki Station for great access ✅ Large portions and satisfying ◎ If you're looking to eat pasta in Takasaki, this is the place to start!

#springwander There are about 2,100 works in the collection. In addition to overseas modern art such as Renoir, Monet, and Picasso, Japanese modern and contemporary art, and works by artists related to Gunma Prefecture, there is a wide range of works such as the "Tokataan Inoue Collection" focussing on Japanese and Chinese antique art. In addition to the collection exhibition, special exhibitions with themes are held 4 times a year. It is a reproduction of Picasso's masterpiece "Guernica" in almost the same size, and the tapissley (wring weaving), which is only three in the world, is a rare work that is only released once a year. Events such as lectures with lecturers invited from outside, lectures by curators, and art tours for children are also held regularly.

📍Address: Haruna Lake Town, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, 〒370-3348🏖️Environment/Facilities: Mount Haruna is the symbol of Gunma Prefecture. Whether it is mountaineering or driving, it has always been loved. Take the mountain cable car from Haruna Kogen Station to Haruna Fuji Summit Station. At the 1,391-meter-high Hama Fuji Observatory, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Haruna, Mt. Asama, Mt. Buko and other mountains. 🕰️Business hours: 09:00-17:00, December to March 09:00-16:00💰Round trip fee: Adults 950 yen Children 470 yen🗓️Transportation method: Take the bus to Hongo via Haruna Lake from JR Takasaki Station West Exit No. 2 Bus Stop and get off at the last stop and walk 20 minutes

📍Address: Japan, 〒370-3348 Gunma Prefecture Takasaki City Haruna Lake Town 🏖️Environment/Facilities: Lake Haruna is a lake formed by volcanic activity and surrounded by magnificent nature. It is like a lake in the sky floating in nature 🗓️Transportation arrangement: Take the No. 2 bus from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station to Hongo via Haruna Lake and get off at the last stop. The journey takes about 90 minutes and the fare is 1330 yen

#springwander A famous Shibazakura spot in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Against the backdrop of the famous peaks of Mt. Haruna and Mt. Akagi, a pink carpet spreads all over the flower garden of about 3 hectares. It is said that the Shibazakura in the park is ordered from Higashimokoto Village, Hokkaido, which is famous for its Shibazakura. Not only pink, but also red and white Shibazakura are in full bloom, and you can enjoy a beautiful contrast. The patterns and illustrations drawn in Shibazakura are also one of the charms, especially the Shibazakura, which is designed with the image of "the peach-coloured hagoromo that Orihime forgot to leave", is a must-see.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Shorinzan Daruma Temple] 🕰️Business hours: 0900-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 296 Hanatakacho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-0868 💰Price per person: 0~ 💞Recommended reason: You have to climb a long staircase, but there is a parking lot behind the main hall, so if you are not confident in your physical strength, we recommend going to the top by car‼︎ Many daruma dolls were donated🫣 There are also cute daruma fortune-telling slips and daruma chopsticks. You can get a goshuin by copying a sutra♪ I felt even more grateful when I was given a sutra at that time. Daruma dolls from all over the country are also displayed, and you can see rare daruma dolls.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Milk Factory Dandelion Nagasaka Farm Factory/Direct Sales Store] 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-18:00 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 1380 Hanatakacho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, 370-0868 💰Price per person: 600 and up 💞Reasons for recommendation: It was the best gelato I've ever had in my life! ︎ It had a fresh milk flavor that I've never tasted anywhere else. I was shocked😭 And the staff piled it into the cup for me. It's a little tucked away, but I'm glad I came.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Poire] 🕰️Business hours: 11:30-21:30 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 475-3 Iizuka-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-0069 💰Price per person: 1000 💞Reasons for recommendation: We visited around 12 o'clock and it was already full, with 7 groups waiting in front of us! We waited in line for about an hour to enter the restaurant! There was a form to sign your name in the restaurant, but since everyone was lined up, it might be hard to find if it was your first time visiting🫣 It was also hard to tell where the parking lot ended The pasta was reasonably priced, but it was delicious and filling. The noodles were perfectly al dente, and the saltiness of the sauce was just right. For this price, this taste and volume, I think it's worth waiting in line.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Buongiorno Main Branch] 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-21:30 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 50-1 Chikunawa-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-0074 💰Price per person: From 11:00 💞Reasons for recommendation: I went during lunchtime on a weekday and it was almost full. I ordered the safe set menu, but was surprised at how filling it was. The taste was as expected. If you're a small eater, you might not be able to handle it. Next time, I'll try the single menu.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Spaghetti Senka Harappa Main Branch] 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-21:00 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 1679-1 Kaminakai-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, 370-0851 💰Price per person: 11:00- 💞Reasons for recommendation: It was just after opening, but there were more than 10 groups lined up. There are many counter seats and the turnover rate is good, so you can enter without waiting too long. The food came out quickly. You can come alone without hesitation♡ It was very delicious, and the pasta was chewy and amazing.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Shango Toiyacho Main Branch] 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-21:30 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Location: 1-10-24 Toiyacho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-0006 💰Price per person: 1100~ 💞Reasons for recommendation: First visit. I searched for Italian food in Takasaki and found Shango. I arrived at 11:00 when it opened. There is a spacious parking lot next to the restaurant. It was a weekday, but there was already a line... The system is to write your name on a list and be guided in order. Still, I entered the store on the first round. The interior is stylish. While I was waiting, more and more customers came in. It's a popular store. The salad arrived in about 5 minutes, and the pasta bowl arrived in another 10 minutes. What? A small size? It's quite filling. The Shango-style sauce is excellent. It's rich, but slightly sweet with a bitter finish. It's so yummy. It goes perfectly with the tonkatsu that comes on top. The vongole is also tasty with a strong dashi flavor. I even bought a ready-made meal on my way home. I'd like to come and eat here again next time I'm in Takasaki.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Takasaki City Youth Science Museum] 🕰️Business hours: 0900-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ◯ 📍Address: 23-1 Suehirocho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-0065 💰Price per person: 0~ 💞Reasons for recommendation: We had the opportunity to see and experience various things on the second floor of the building. The two women at the reception were very polite and friendly! Some things were still being adjusted, but we learned a lot. The only disappointing thing was that I couldn't hear the voices explaining how to operate the equipment because of the surrounding voices and sounds, so I didn't really understand how to operate it.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Gateau Festa Harada Main Building (Chateau du Bonheur)] 🕰️Business hours: 1000-1900 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ⭕️ 📍Address: 1207 Shinmachi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture 370-1301 💰Price per person: ~1000 yen 💞Reasons why we recommend it: During the factory tour, we were able to see the process of making rusks right in front of us and sample fresh rusks. There were free drink bars everywhere, so we could drink while eating fresh rusks, and we also got familiar rusks at the reception, so we could eat them with drinks from the drink bar, and the service was great. The direct sales store also had limited-time rusks and cakes, and there was a drink bar there too, so we had a great time. It's about a 15-minute walk from the station, so you can get there even without a car.

#0yentripFebruary2025 [Gunma Museum of Modern Art] 🕰️Business hours: 09:30-17:00 🏖️Atmosphere/facilities: ⭕️ 📍Location: 992-1 Watanuki-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, 370-1293 Gunma no Mori Park 💰Price per person: ~300 yen 💞Reasons to recommend: Free parking, very large plaza, tall trees, camping and grass play, occasional events, and sometimes a lot of food trucks. There is a children's picture book corner that can be used for free throughout the museum, a nursing room, and free napkins in the women's restroom, which is very kind♪ There is also a free calligraphy exhibition this time, so it's a great place.