Be satisfied with both great tastes and high volume! The exceptional gourmet tour to enjoy unique foods in Takasaki

Visit the giant ancient tombs and take a trip back in time to ancient Gunma!

Gunma Prefecture, which once prospered as a major base in the eastern part of Japan, is dotted with giant tumuli (ancient burial mounds). Located about 20 minutes by car from JR Takasaki Station, the Hotoda Kofun Cluster consists of three large keyhole-shaped tumuli: “Futagoyama Kofun”, “Hachimanzuka Kofun”, and “Yakushizuka Kofun”. The area is maintained as “Kamitsukeno Haniwa no Sato Park”.

First of all, we went to Hachimanzuka Kofun: a re-creation of a tumulus 1,500 years ago. In one area, replica haniwa (terracotta clay figures) are lined up to reproduce the arrangement in the ancient tomb.

A mystery circle found in Hachimanzuka Kofun!?

You can spot four islands in the inner moat of Hachimanzuka Kofun. These are called "Nakajima" (islands in the middle) and it is a mystery what they were used for. In Nakajima, there is a place where unearthed articles used for rituals were found, and there is a theory that it was used as a stage for ceremonies.

Hachimanzuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped tumulus with a total length of 96 m constructed in the latter half of the 5th century. The present tumulus was restored, covered with fukiishi (roofing stones) and surrounded by about 6,000 cylindrical haniwa. Go along the path to see the exhibition room located at the top, where you can view the stone coffin in which the Gozoku (local powerful person) was laid.

Explore the ancient glory and mysteries at the museum!

“Kamitsuke no Sato Museum of Archeology” adjacent to Hachimanzuka Kofun is a facility that introduces the kofun (ancient tomb) culture developed around Mt. Haruna. There are nine areas in the museum, and relics such as haniwa and earthenware excavated from ruins and restored models are displayed.

In the area of "Unknown Stories about Haniwa," a video is shown about stories of Haniwa, with a focus on haniwa unearthed from Hotoda Kofun Cluster. Take a closer look to find a Haniwa hunting dog and a Haniwa wild boar. According to some theories, this alignment depicts an ancient funeral or a celebration of royal succession.

In addition to the monthly history lecture, an ancient crafting experience, such as making magatama stones (comma-shaped beads) or Haniwa are irregularly offered at Kamitsuke no Sato Museum of Archeology (reservation required). It is a spot where you can experience the culture of the Kofun period and feel the spirit of ancient times.

Let's go around the west area of Takasaki Station by convenient Taka-chari.

"Taka-chari" is recommended for sightseeing in Takasaki City. Sixteen bicycle ports are installed in designated areas to the west of Takasaki Station, and 150 bicycles are for rent there free of charge. A bicycle can be rent out and returned at any port. You can use it easily even for a short distance when you get tired of walking.

Before use, insert a 100-yen coin to unlock the key box. When you return it, put the bicycle in the rack and insert the chain key into the key box, and the 100 yen will be returned. It is nice to go around by bicycle on a sunny day to enjoy Takasaki pasta or look for a fancy cafe.

“Taka-chari” is convenient and also often used by local people. Be kind to people and the city, and use the service with good manners.

A famous pasta restaurant loved by local people

Gunma Prefecture is known as one of the leading wheat production areas in Japan. Foods made with wheat flour "Konamono" have been commonly consumed from a long time ago in Takasaki, which is now featured in the media as a "pasta town." Every year, Italian restaurants in the city participate in "King of Pasta," a competition in terms of taste and excellence of pasta dishes.

Pasta dishes made by Restaurant Cafe CARO have won a prize five times in this King of Pasta competition, and in three of them they won the top prize. With a focus on local production for local consumption, it serves original pasta dishes by using Joshu beef (Joshu is an ancient name for Gunma), Joshu pork fed with wheat, and vegetables from Takasaki.

The main restaurant has a style inspired by a cozy apartment in the West. It opened the second restaurant in Takasaki Takashimaya Department Store in 2021.

The winner of best prize in King of Pasta offers two different flavors in one dish

This pasta with "carbonara with lemon cream and Gunma pork" won the best prize in King of Pasta 2014 and costs 1,298 yen. This pasta with refreshing cream sauce topped with shaved lemon peel changes its flavor when you break the egg, to a rich flavor of carbonara. It uses fresh pasta, with a pleasant chewy texture.

Pasta amatriciana with prosciutto and arugula (1,000 yen) has an exquisite balance of intense tomato sauce and moderately salty prosciutto (ham). It also serves a great-value lunch, as pasta dishes are served with salad, bread, and a drink!

Tables, chairs, and sofas are arranged to create a cozy space, and you may forget the passage of time in comfort. For dinner, there are many appetizers such as mussels steamed in white wine and shrimp ajillo (cooked in garlic). It is also a good idea to throw a girls' party here with wine and craft beer at dinner time.

Delicious foods from Takasaki served here

“Takasaki Jiman” on the first floor of Takasaki Opa is a specialty shop that has numerous delicious foods from Takasaki, including vegetables, sake, and cakes. At the cafe on the 7th floor, there is a special menu using vegetables and fruits of Takasaki Jiman. (The "Yakimanju Paradise" in the picture (780 yen) is Takasaki's famous Yakimanju (bun with a bean‐jam filling), topped with seasonal fruits, gelato and fresh cream)

The best part is that you can enjoy not only the standard ways of eating Takasaki's nostalgic foods such as “Yakimanju” but also a variety of different methods. It delivers new flavors of Takasaki.

One healthy plate made with Takasaki vegetables

"Jiman plate" (880 yen) is a set of salad and soup made with plenty of Takasaki vegetables, in addition to a small drink. You can choose from five kinds of soup such as minestrone and seasonal soup. In addition, it comes with a plain yakimanju "Yakimaru" to create a well-balanced dish.

It has a lineup of drinks such as local Yamatoya Premium Blend Coffee, Fully Ripe Plum Juice from Nagai Farm, Kojiya’s Amazake, etc. How about enjoying foods filled with passion for Takasaki during your trip around the area?

A base for Takasaki sightseeing celebrating a 40th anniversary

Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki celebrated its 40th anniversary in April 2022. Directly connected to JR Takasaki Station, it has been used by many guests since its opening as a base for business and leisure. An elegant space with modern facilities is combined with hospitality cultivated over 40 years of history. Enjoy a high-quality, comfortable stay.

You will arrive at our hotel lobby and front desk very shortly from the Shinkansen ticketing gate and the JR Takasaki Station ticketing gate, by walking along the concourse and taking the central elevator of Takasaki Montres. You can check in without getting wet even on rainy days.

This time we stayed in the concept room inspired by Gunma’s steam locomotive "D51 498." The "steam locomotive card key" is issued exclusively for guests who made a reservation with the dedicated plan. This is fun.

Enjoy D51 with your five senses in this concept room located at the top floor

JR Takasaki Station is the departure and arrival station for “SL Gunma Minakami” and “SL Gunma Yokokawa” (special rapid steam locomotives). Manufactured in 1940 and retired temporarily, the steam locomotive “D51 498” came back to service in 1988. With the nickname "Degoichi," (from the Japanese pronunciation of D51) it attracts many fans of steam locomotives. The concept of this guest room located on the top floor is to experience Gunma’s steam locomotives with the five senses.

The walls are covered with black paper and a drawing of the “D51 498” body in its original size, and it feels as if you are on the steam locomotive. An original video is available on the large-screen TV, showing valuable footage such as maintenance of “D51 498”.

細部にまでこだわったSL仕様に注目です

You can see the license plate and manufacturing nameplates just like real “D51 498”, on the wall of this room. The decor is realistic and appealing to fans of steam locomotives. On the day the steam locomotive runs, you can view it from the window before departure, and you can make your dream come true and take it immediately afterwards, by making a reservation in advance.

The steam locomotive photo is also on the bathroom wall! You can think about going on a trip on it, while relaxing in the bathtub and looking at it on the wall. The closet in the room is labeled "luggage room," and the cupboard has the notice "attention overhead wires." The details have been designed to inspire fans of steam locomotives.

Enjoy Gunma’s specialties at a breakfast buffet

A Japanese and Western breakfast buffet is offered at Brasserie Laurier. It is registered as a restaurant promoting consumption of local produce of Gunma Prefecture, and you can enjoy the menu made with many ingredients from Gunma Prefecture. The salad bar offers fresh vegetables as well as sashimi konjac (sliced konjac gel).

What is the hotel's specialty curry with konjac?

There are plenty of choices from freshly baked croissants to sausages and scrambled eggs. “Beef tendon curry with konjac and mushrooms”, which is full of ingredients produced in Gunma Prefecture, is also popular. Please enjoy a texture different from meat.

Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki is holding its 40th anniversary promotion from April to December 2022. The hotel staff are planning to offer a series of plans, from banquettes to dining and a staying experience to thank all of its customers.

Visit the prominent pastry maker in Gunma

Founded in 1901, Gateau Festa Harada manufactures and sells a variety of products, including “Gouter de Roix”. Gateau Rusk, which has pleasant fragrance of butter and a crispy texture, is famous all over Japan. Its headquarters and factory are located in Takasaki City, and you can observe the process of producing Gateau Rusk there. (Photo: Gouter de Roix Gunma Version 12 pieces (2 pieces × 6 bags), 864 yen. This product available only in Gunma is made from wheat grown in Gunma Prefecture.)

We arrived at Gateau Festa Harada! Let's observe the process of making rusks in a factory like a castle in Takasaki.

First, you can get a brochure, special stickers, and a Gateau Rusk for tasting at the reception on the first floor.

See how pieces of Gateau Rusk are made one after another at the manufacturing area

With the pleasant and sweet fragrance filling the factory, visitors can observe the production line along the route. In one area in the visitor’s route on the fourth floor, you can try “Gouter de Roix Brulee”, made of sliced French bread soaked in butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and caramelized with a burner.

The moist bread and burnt sugar are flavorful. You will be impressed by the great taste that can be enjoyed by visitors only.

The route then goes down to the third floor to visit inside the factory. The processes that cannot be seen through the windows are explained on information boards and in videos, and product samples are also displayed.

You can look for souvenirs at the in-factory store. You may be interested in Gunma-limited items.

After the tour, you can enjoy shopping at the store directly operated by the manufacturer: “Chateau du Bonheur”. “Gouter de Reine Caramel Chocolat” (540 yen for 3 pieces) is fine-sliced cocoa-flavored gateau rusks filled with chocolate cream and caramel flakes. The rich cream is accentuated by the crunchy texture.

*Reservations required from 3 months to 3 days in advance for a group of 20 or more or a group coming by bus

Enjoy very popular fruit picking and pastries packed with fruits

On 2.7 hectares of land surrounded by rich nature, there is an orchard of blueberries, grapes, figs, grapefruits, etc. You can enjoy different fruits in each season. The cafe in the park offers ice pops and fresh juices made with fresh fruits.

You can experience picking blueberries from early June to early September. The park has 2,600 blueberry trees of 60 varieties, so you can eat and compare blueberries of different types.

Please enjoy the sweet and juicy blueberries.

The blueberries on the tips of the branches are ripe, very sweet and sour. You can eat as much as you like for 500 yen only, and you won't be able to stop picking them.

You can take the blueberries home (starting from 140 yen per 100 g). Blueberries are carefully cultivated using natural fertilizers such as bamboo powder, oil cake and tea leaves without using any chemical fertilizers. Each fruit is sparkling.

Fruit ice pops packed with deliciousness

After the fruit picking, you can relax at the cafe and shop in the park. At the cafe, you can enjoy an ice pop or fruit juice made from fruits harvested from the farm, and it also sells dried fruits and jam.

The famous fruit ice pops are 300 yen each. It is awesome to see an array of more than 10 kinds of pops, such as blueberry yogurt, strawberry marble, mango yogurt. Freshly picked fruits are processed to make them without additives such as preservatives and sweeteners, so you will feel the natural sweetness and sourness of fruits.

At the farm, different fruits are harvested in different seasons, such as grapes from late July to early October and figs from late August to late October. You can enjoy the hand-made delights of each season. There is also a sister store “Ichigo-chan-chi” that specializes in strawberry cakes, nearby, so please check it out.

A Chinese restaurant listed as a "Zetsumeshi" restaurant

The "Zetsumeshi List" is a website introducing local gourmet spots that have been loved in Takasaki City for many years and are too precious to be killed off. Listed on the "Zetsumeshi List," Youkiken is a Chinese restaurant that has been in business for 60 years, now run by the second-generation owner and famous for its reasonable and delicious dishes.

This Chinese restaurant is located in a residential area about 20 minutes by car from JR Takasaki Station. This restaurant has table seats, counter seats, and tatami seats, where you can have a meal easily with your children.
This is their popular ramen with Chinese-style barbecued pork (850 yen). Slightly thick, flat noodles rest in the rich soy-sauce-based soup, topped with thick slices of barbecued pork, making it very hearty.

Miso ramen with Chinese-style barbecued pork (900 yen) is full of vegetables such as bean sprouts and cabbage. When I saw the hefty amount of toppings at first, I did not expect to finish it. But the miso soup was surprisingly light and I ate it up.

The famous large dumplings are finally served!

The specialty is large dumplings (500 yen for 5 pieces) and a must-order when you visit Youkiken. The fragrant fried dumplings are filled with meat and vegetables such as cabbage, Chinese chives and garlic. You can also take them away.

Look how big one piece is! The size of the large dumpling is awesome. One piece is almost the size of a smartphone. You will also be definitely satisfied with just dumplings and rice.

As the owner says "I want guests to be satisfied with delicious food at a reasonable price," every dish is full of ingredients and rich in flavor, and guests feel happy after a meal here. During your trip, try Takasaki's famous "zetsumeshi."

Visiting the birthplace of the lucky daruma doll

A “Takasaki Daruma” doll has a bright red body with bold beards and eyebrows. It is also called a "lucky Daruma" because the face has Japanese lucky omen motifs: cranes as eyebrows and turtles as beards. This time we visited Syorinzan Darumaji Temple, which is said to be the birthplace of the lucky daruma doll.

Syorinzan was founded in 1697 by inviting a Chinese monk called Shinetsu Zenshi. The origin of "lucky Daruma" is said to be as follows: when the Great Famine broke out, the ninth temple master Togaku sculpted a wooden model after Daruma Daishi drawn by Shinetsu Zenshi and had farmers make papier-mâché Daruma as their side business.

There are many Daruma dolls in Reifudo which is the main hall. You can also draw Daruma Mikuji (a paper fortune) at the stall selling talismans (400 yen). The little daruma doll is cute.

I tied it on the fortune string, wishing for a good relationship. At the stall selling talismans, you can also take special lucky daruma dolls and charms featuring a daruma.

Within the temple premises there are many attractions, such as Daruma-do Hall, which displays daruma dolls from all over Japan, and Senshin-do Hall, where the world-famous German architect Bruno Taut lived in the early Showa period (1926–1989).

If you go up the long stairs from the main gate, you will see “Shofuku-no kane” (a bell) hanging between Zuiunkaku and Daikodo. Further up the stairs, you will see Reifudo (main hall). Take a leisurely walk around the temple premises, looking at the surrounding trees and historic buildings.

Try painting a Takasaki Daruma doll!

A long-established store with a 200-year history. Today, Mr. and Ms., Junichi and Chihiro Nakata, fourth- and fifth-generation craftsmen, produce as many as 70,000 Daruma dolls a year. We visited their workshop after hearing that we can experience painting Daruma dolls.

They generally explained about the history of Daruma dolls, Gunma culture and customs. As craftsmen worked right next to us, we felt ourselves straightening up.

In the painting experience, we drew beards of a Daruma doll. They explained how to draw them, and first we practiced it on paper using a brush.

We drew every stroke with a heartfelt commitment.

We chose our favorite color Daruma doll from many. There were a variety of colors, from pastel, gradations, and traditional colors, and some had the latest designs. A craftsman put in a character, for example “Fuku” (good luck), “Sachi” (happiness) or “Kanau” (dream coming true).

Then we drew the beards. We moved the brush as we practiced, but it was harder to draw on a Daruma than we expected. Details of beards should be drawn carefully.

We concentrated on drawing so that they were symmetrical. They told us that it is more important to draw them with our wish than to draw them beautifully. We found ourselves moving the brush with a deep concentration.

We completed the Daruma dolls with different facial expressions.

Daruma dolls made with wishes for “Fuku” (good luck) and “Sachi” (happiness) were ready! The beard thickness varies, but it is one daruma doll in this world that we can't buy anywhere else. We looked forward to decorating them in our rooms.

We took a photo with Chihiro. Her lecture was cheerful and friendly, so we felt the experience fly by.

Seasonal Daruma dolls are also popular as gifts to wish for success or victory.

Large and small Daruma dolls fill the store. Using traditional techniques, all beards, the most important parts of Daruma dolls, are drawn by Mr. Junichi Nakata, the fourth-generation craftsman. Some Daruma dolls are modern, cute, and suitable for gifts and souvenirs.

Buy Gunma's attractive souvenirs here

This is Gunma's information hub, featuring a variety of attractive products from all over the prefecture. It is located in E’site Takasaki attached to JR Takasaki Station, so it is a short walk from Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki. It is a convenient spot to stop by while waiting for a train. (The picture shows Usaburo Kokeshi-no Gunma-chan (2,200 yen each))

It is a bright and inviting shop with a stylish display of Gunma's specialties. From practical items to perfect gifts, there are a variety of souvenirs made in Gunma.

Popular as gifts: Gunma-Chan and Daruma goods

The store displays an array of cute Gunma-chan goods as well as Daruma goods to pray for the recipient’s success in examinations. You will also find unique products such as Shimonita Negi goods.

KD DARUMA MINI made of craft cardboard is 1,100 yen. KD is an abbreviation for knockdown (easily assembled). It is a stylish lucky Daruma doll that you can assemble yourself. It won the top prize in the Charming Japanese Souvenir Contest.

Sophisticated dessert made from Gunma’s specialty konjac

Tengu no Tamatebako is 1,230 yen. These sweet konjac balls are made with mandarin oranges, blueberries, apples and strawberries harvested by farmers in Gunma. You can enjoy the melting texture, original fragrance and sweetness of the fruit.

Rice crackers made with Shimonita Negi and shrimps (864 yen for 8 pieces) have a delightful crispy texture, combined with the rich flavor of sweet Shimonita Negi (leek) and savory wild shrimps. It goes well with tea or even alcoholic beverages. The store also sells many stylish products made from Gunma's premium ingredients. Don't forget to buy a gift also for yourself.