Seibu Region
Annaka, Fujioka, Kanna, Kanra, Nanmoku, Shimonita, Takasaki, Tomioka and Ueno-mura.
Fuji-no-Saku Oka
Fujioka
Fujioka is famous for its wisteria in the spring, and what better place to see them than "The hill where wisteria bloom"? Fuji-no-Saku-Oka, and the concert hall next to it, Fuji Fureaikan, are the spot of Fujioka's Fuji Matsuri. Usually lasting from mid-April through early May, the festival features the usual food stalls, as well as booths selling traditional goods and even wisteria! There are also numerous performances throughout the festival. The flowers usually reach full bloom in May, so for the full impact it is better to go later in the year. Spring is not the only time this area is beautiful, however. There are numerous walking and hiking trails, many sports fields, a gym, and a big open field for picnics and games as well.
Raran Fujioka
Fujioka
Raran Fujioka is a rest station at Fujioka Junction that is also open to the public, and features many shops, food areas, and events throughout the year. You can buy famous Fujioka goods such as Onigawara, or demon roof tiles, and the famous Gateau Festa Harada Rusk cookies. Raran features a fun water fountain to play in during the summer, a children's play area, and even a mini ferris wheel! Check the website for upcoming events as well as descriptions of shops and restaurants (Japanese only).
Gunma Museum of Modern Art (群馬県立近代美術館)
Takasaki
Address: 群馬県高崎市綿貫町992-1
Phone: 027-346-5560
Hours: 9:30~5. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Admission: 300 yen for general collection, charge for featured exhibits vary.
Accessible by car: take route 17 to route 13. Turn when you see the sign for Gunma no Mori.
Bus from Takasaki east exit, route 9, get off at Gunma no Mori station (35minutes).
This contemporary museum is modern architecture in the middle of beautifully manicured forest featuring collections from famous Gunma artists, as well as classic and modern Chinese, Japanese and Western art. Take a walk through the scenic Gunma no Mori or head over to the Gunma Prefectural Museum of History right next door.
Gunma Prefectural Museum of History (群馬県立歴史博物館)
Takasaki
Address: 群馬県高崎市綿貫町992-1
Phone: 027-346-5522
Hours: 9:30~5. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Also located inside the immaculate, green Gunma no Mori. This roomy museum has separate rooms featuring Gunma’s history in primitive, ancient, medieval, early modern, and finally modern Japan. Get ready for an in-depth historical view of Gunma.
Takasaki City Gallery (高碕シティギャラリー)
Takasaki
Address: 高崎市高松町35番地１
Phone: 027-328-5050
Hours: 9~7. Closed on public holidays.
10 minutes walk from Takasaki station, west exit. Adjacent to City Hall.
This gallery is where many artistic and cultural events take place. There is also a recital hall where various classical performers have shows. Tickets for events are sold at the city gallery itself. Scheduled events are always changing, so have a look at the website for more details on what’s happening.
Takasaki Museum of Art (高碕美術館)
Takasaki
Address: 群馬県高崎市八島町110-27
Phone: 027-324-6125
Hours: Open 10-6, Fri 10-8. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Charge: Varies depending on the exhibition (but usually 500~1000 yen).
3 minute walk from Takasaki west exit.
Pay parking is available at Southpark parking center right outside the museum, or at LABI (Yamada Denki). The museum will give you a parking voucher valid for 1 hour.
Takasaki Tower of Fine Art (高碕市タワー美術館)
Takasaki
Address: 群馬県高崎市栄町3-23 高崎タワー21
Phone: 027-330-3773
Hours: Open 10-6, Fri 10-8. Closed Mondays and holidays.
Charge: General collection 200 yen, charge for featured exhibits vary (usually 500~1000 yen).
2 minute walk from Takasaki east exit.
Has its own collection on offer. Often, special exhibits from the Takasaki Museum of Art will spill over into this museum, splitting the exhibition into two buildings. You will only be charged one admission fee for both buildings, just make sure to keep your ticket with you.
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.
Ichiban Karaoke
Takasaki
Great place to enjoy a spot of karaoke with friends. Conveniently close to the station; nomihoudai- what more could you want?! 3rd floor.
Media Mega
Takasaki
An entertainment complex with arcade games, karaoke, cinema, yoga studio and beauty salon.
Bangkok Stamina-en NANA
Takasaki
A tiny little Thai restaurant that serves up a tasty selection of popular dishes and uses pretty authentic ingredients. Small portions, but located conveniently near the station. Open 11:30-14:30/17:00-23:30 Mon.-Thurs., 11:30-14:30/17:00-3:00(a.m.) Fri. & Sat., closed Sundays.
Gateau Festa Harada Original Store
Takasaki
Located in Takasaki's Shinmachi district, this areas claim to fameis being the original home of the famous Gateau Festa Harada Rusk. What is rusk, you may ask? It is a delicious dessert of french bread slathered with butter and sugar, then baked into a cookie. They are famous throughout Japan as gifts, especially in Tokyo, and most times you can see a line out the door at their store in Fujioka. The original Harada's is a humble place, but further down the road is their giant factory, an elegant building also worth seeing. For your Rusk from the source (and to make Tokyo people jealous!) be sure to stop by.
Kiwi Cafe
Takasaki
Just as it sounds - a place for us kiwis to get some meals we are missing from home. Lamb chops, fish and chips & hokey pokey ice cream are all on the menu. They are most well known for their delicious pizza! (Reasonably priced and Western sized!)
Maharaja
Takasaki
Indian cuisine. Part of the group which also owns Mumtaz and New Delhi in Maebashi.
Mets #2
Takasaki
Following the popular success of Isesaki's Mets Club, the owner decided to expand with Mets #2 in Takasaki. Same nomi-houdai deals; same food. Enjoy!
Pizza La
Takasaki
Yummy overpriced pizza to satisfy your wester-style pizza craving.
Skyturk Kebab House
Takasaki
An excellent kebab place with take-out and delivery available. They serve chicken or beef pita sandwiches, wraps, and Turkish desserts like baklava. Open 15:00-23:00 weekdays, 12:00-23:00 weekends, closed Wednesdays. (Saturday is usually beef kebab day.)
Starbucks
Takasaki
This starbucks is relaxing and quiet despite it's location on the busy Takasaki Loop Route (Kanjo-sen). Parking is Free!
There are two other Starbucks locations in Takasaki, both inside Takasaki Station at the east and west entrances.
The Red Lion
Takasaki
Irish and missing Guinness? From the UK and have a hankering for some fish\'n\'chips? Or are you just a regular Joe from anywhere in the English speaking world and looking for something that may remind you of home? Well, here\'s the answer! The Red Lion is an Irish style pub in the heart of Takasaki. A little expensive but with Happy Hour every night from 5-7pm, home is closer than you think. Sometimes there is just nothing better than a Happy Hour drink with some friends after school.
Immigration Office
Takasaki
Want to go on holiday abroad whilst in Japan? Then, you will need a re-entry permit in your passport from the immigration office. A multiple re-entry permit is your best bet. 6,000 yen for 3 years and you can come and go from Japan as often as you like. Be sure to buy the 6,000 yen stamp from the tobacco boutique across the road first (there is a sign in English you can point to) so as to make the process quicker. It is open 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm weekdays.
Takasaki City Hall
Takasaki
This is where you will go to sign up for an Alien Registration Card (open from around 8.30 until 5). But, more useful is the International Relations office on the second floor. Questions/ problems/ queries? Need help with Japanese translation? Looking for a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu club? (yes, it is a real spor), these guys will help! Open hours are generally 8.30-5.15. Check out their website and sign up for their monthly newsletter.
Takasaki Football pitches
Takasaki
Come and practice your footy skills in preparation for the East Japan ALT Soccer Tournament held every June and October in Nagano prefecture.
Takasaki Park
Takasaki
A small park near the city hall. Perfect for celebrating Hanami during Cherry Blossom season.
Aeon Mall
Takasaki
shopping mall with lots of shops, restaurants and a cinema. There is a bus that runs between Takasaki and Maebashi, calling at Aeon Mall. About 25 minutes from Takasaki city centre.
Cainz Home
Takasaki
Cainz Home is a do-it-youself home and hardware store. They sell housewares and furnishings and some bikes, toys and outdoorsy things but they they have all your tools and home improvement needs. They have a garden store and there is also a pet shop too.
Takashimaya Department Store
Takasaki
A high-end department store. A little expensive but full of life's necessary luxuries. Also the home of the roof top beer garden often used for GAJET events.
Unicus Shopping Center
Takasaki
A convenient shopping center in north Takasaki.
Yaoko Super Market
Bookmans Academy
Sugi Pharmacy
Gunma Bank branch
Shoe La Ruou
Daiso (￥100 shop)
ABC Mart
Itagaki Glasses
Kajitsu (Crocs shoes shop)
Honeys Fashion
Outlet-J casual clothes
Tully's Coffee
Loteria (fast food)
Basking and Robbin Ice Cream
Vivre Department Store
Takasaki
A Japanese department store with querky Japanese fashion shops. The food court in the basement is worth checking out.
Workmans
Takasaki
If you plan to do construction this is your place! They have equipment and apparel of all kinds.
Yamada Denki
Takasaki
Yamada Denki is an upscale Target or Wallmart. You can get household appliances of all kinds, TVs, computers, Apple products, mobile phones, internet service, electronic accessories of all kinds! They also have a bookstore, drugstore, housewares, food/drink and giftshop. The top floor also has a selection of restaurants.
Central Sports Club
Takasaki
This is the nicest gym or sports club in Takasaki, but the price tag matches. There are different prices depending on how much you want to use the club and it's closed every Wednesday. You pay by the month, with no contract so it's easy to start or stop whenevery you like. To have access any day, any time (within opperating hours) it costs just over ￥9000 per month. There is a nice lap pool, aerobics pool and sauna, a cardio area, weight area, spin area and a couple studios for the classes. It's conveniently located right next to Takasaki station and offers free parking with validation up to 3 hours.
Hamagawa (浜川）Pool
Takasaki
Hamagawa pool is an aquatic dream come true! There is an 50m olympic size outdoor pool, 25m outdoor lap pool, dive tank (maybe?) indoor 25m lap pool, and a kids' water park complete with a lazy river.
Himaraya Sports
Takasaki
Himaraya Sports or ヒマラヤ スポーツ carries a large variety of porting equipment, apparel and supplements. They have a great seasonal selection so come snow or camping season this is a great place to peruse.
Joy Fit Sports Club
Takasaki
Joy Fit Sport Club is a small sports club that offers a cardio area with tredmills, elipticals, bikes, weights, streching mats, two large exercise studios, massage chairs, and onsen.
You an sign up for a 1-year membership for ￥５８００ per month. Or, you can sign up for a 6-month membership for ￥６３００ per month.
Sport Depot
Takasaki
Sport Depot is a large sporting goods store that caters to a wide selection of sports. They have everything from equipment, to apparel to nutritional suplements and rehab devices.
They also have a small seasonal section that carries basic/entry-level snow sport equipment and camping implemens.
Takasaki Outdoor Pool
Takasaki
This is a seasonal outdoor pool located south of Takasaki Station.
Driving Course
Takasaki
Learn to drive on this test course. There is a fee.
Takasaki Post Office
Takasaki
Many Post Offices in Japan have opening hours which are unsavory to JET working hours. The main PO in Takasaki however is more convenient if you find you have an urgent letter to post after you've finished work, rather than taking paid holiday. The main PO counter for sending mail is open 9am-7pm during the week and 9am-3pm on Saturdays. Closed Sundays. If you have a PO account, the ATM is operational 7am-11pm weekdays, 9am-9pm Saturdays and 9am-7pm Sundays. The insurance and money counters are open 9am-4pm weekdays and closed weekends.
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.
Tomioka Silk Mill
Tomioka
The Tomioka Silk Mill was established in 1872 after the Meiji Restoration by the Japanese government to be the foundation for developing a modern country. When it was established, it was one of the greatest silk mills in the world. Its buildings have been maintained to preserve its original structure. Of all the factories established by Meiji Government, only the Tomioka Silk Mill remains completely preserved. Even now, after more than a hundred years, it attracts visitors with its spectacular appearance. It was put on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage in 2007.
Opened daily from 9.00am - 5.00pm (last admission at 4.30pm)
Admission prices:
Adult 500yen
High School/University Student 250yen
Elementary School student/Junior High School Student 150yen
群馬サファリパーク Gunma Safari Park
Tomioka
You can see lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, giraffes and many other animals at the Gunma Safari Park. These animals are allowed to roam free through the grounds. There are places where you can touch and feed the animals and a small amusement park next to the safari grounds. You can choose to tour the safari park in a range of different vehicles.
Admission prices(safari park only) :
Adult 2600yen
Children 1300yen
(Additonal costs for tours.)
Opening hours:
March - October 9.30am - 4pm
November - February 9.30am - 3.30pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Please check the website for more details.
貫前神社 Nukisaki Shrine
Tomioka
During Hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine during the new year, Nukisaki shrine is the most popular shrine for the people of Gunma. The layout of this shrine is unique as the shrines are located lower than the path approaching the shrine. The different structures of the shrine are designated as National Important Cultural Treasures.
From the top shrine gate you can get a good view of Tomioka city.
