Culture
Kichijouji Temple
Kawaba
This small temple in Kawaba houses an elaborate garden with streams, flowers, trees and wildlife. The views are stunning and the entire area is perfectly maintained year round. Take a walk through the main temple area and view some of the local artwork. Feed the koi fish that swim around the waterfall. There is a 500円 fee to enter the area, but the views are very much worth the small price!
Kashozan
Numata
Otherwise called Tengu Mountain, Kashozan is home to Japan’s largest Tengu mask, standing at 6.7m high, with a 2.7m nose. You can rent a tengu mask to make a wish. Different kinds of Tengu masks can be purchased at small shops along the road. Enjoy the amazing views of Numata from the top of the mountain.
Byakui Dai-kannon goddess statue and temple
Takasaki
On the Kannon-yama hills stands the statue of the Goddess of Mercy- Byakui Dai-kannon- overlooking the city. Climb up inside the statue for 300 yen; open every day 9am-5pm (4.30pm in winter). There is also a temple. 25 minute bus ride from Takasaki city centre.
Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple
Takasaki
Takasaki manufactures 80% of Japan's Daruma dolls. This temple is particularly famous for the Shorinzan Dharma-ichi market held every year on 6-7th January. Bring your old Daruma doll to be burned, pray at the temple and buy a new Daruma to wish in the new year with.
Gunma Museum of Natural History
Tomioka
The history of living things and nature in Gunma are introduced with the theme of 'Natural History' at the Gunma Museum of Natural History. For those who like science and dinosaurs, this is a great place to explore. In the same building is the かぶら文化ホール. There are various concerts, plays, performances and school events held here throughout the year.
Mt. Myogi Shrine
Tomioka
Mt. Myogi which is one of the three most beautiful places for scenic beauty in Japan. The main shrine and its two gates (kara-mon and so-mon) are designated as a National Important Cultural Treasures.
Myogi Shrine has a quiet atmosphere, that is its charm. The famous weeping cherry tree is also there. It's more than 200 years old and, beautifully blossoms at Myogi shrine every year.
Tomioka City Museum
Tomioka
If you walk across the footbridge from the Gunma Natural History Museum, you will find the Tomioka City Museum. This is a combined Art Gallery and Museum. Archaeological materials, historical materials and folklore materials in and around Tomioka City are collected and displayed here. Pieces produced by the master artist Fukuzawa Ichiro, who was born in Tomioka City are displayed as well.
The gift shop is a nice place to pick up souvenirs to remind you of Tomioka.
Whilst walking across the footbridge be sure to play with the musical box! If you want to hear the daily 6pm (5pm in Winter) song that plays across Tomioka city, you can do it there.
