Takasaki(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, Takasaki Station Front Metropolitan Hotel is ideal—located steps from Takasaki Station, it offers modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to major attractions like Takasaki Castle Ruins Park. For a more authentic experience, try Wafu Koji, a boutique guesthouse near the Gunma Prefectural Museum, blending traditional Japanese design with contemporary comfort. Sun Hotel Takasaki is another top pick, offering views of the castle grounds and evening light displays. All three are centrally located, ensuring seamless exploration of shopping, dining, and cultural sites.

The Takasaki Station area is the most convenient neighborhood for lodging. It’s well-connected by Tobu Railway and Jōshin Electric Railway, linking directly to Tokyo (1 hour), Karuizawa (40 minutes), and Nagano. The area features numerous chain hotels, business lodges, and local inns such as Hotel Metro and Ito Yokado-affiliated accommodations. With shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife nearby, it’s perfect for both day-trippers and overnight stays. Plus, Takasaki Castle Ruins Park is just a 10-minute walk away—ideal for history lovers seeking a peaceful evening stroll.

Don’t miss the Takasaki Festival (Takasaki Matsuri) held annually in August—one of Kanto’s three great festivals. Enjoy vibrant float parades (Yamagatsu), energetic taiko drum performances, and dazzling nighttime illuminations. Visit the Takasaki Castle Ruins Park and its Gunma Prefectural Historical Museum to explore Edo-period artifacts and city history. For a serene experience, join a tea ceremony workshop at a traditional tea house near the museum, where you’ll learn the art of matcha preparation and appreciate Japan’s spiritual aesthetics.

Try Takasaki Kotsu Udon, a richly flavored udon dish with handmade noodles, tofu, chicken, and vegetables—best enjoyed at century-old shops along Shinjuku Street. Savor Aki-gyo beef (Akigyo), a premium local wagyu, grilled to perfection at Akigyo House near the station. Don’t forget Hachioji Mochi, a sweet, crispy rice cake available at souvenir counters throughout the city. For an immersive meal, book a kaiseki dinner hosted by a local inn, featuring seasonal ingredients prepared in traditional style.

Visit the Takasaki Children’s Science Museum, featuring hands-on experiments, a planetarium, and robot exhibits—perfect for kids aged 3–12. Nearby, Takasaki Citizens’ Park offers open lawns, playgrounds, and a lake for paddle boating. Animal lovers can explore Gunma Prefectural Zoo, home to giant pandas, giraffes, and kangaroos, just 15 minutes by car. At Takasaki Castle Ruins Park, families can join guided tours, dress in samurai costumes, and participate in historical reenactments—making learning fun and memorable.

Yes, Takasaki City is exceptionally well-connected. Takasaki Station serves as a hub for Tobu Railway and Jōshin Electric Railway, offering direct trains to Tokyo (1 hour), Karuizawa (40 minutes), and Nagano. The city has an extensive bus network covering key sites like Takasaki Castle Ruins, Gunma Prefectural Museum, and Shinjuku Street. For drivers, the Kanetsu Expressway provides quick access to Kusatsu Onsen and Fujimi Highland. A multilingual Tourist Information Center at the station offers maps, transit passes, and real-time assistance.

Capture the iconic Takasaki Castle Ruins Park, especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season—the reconstructed donjon and moat create stunning reflections. The "Takasaki no Hikari" sculpture near the station glows beautifully at night, resembling a spiral galaxy—perfect for night photography. Shinjuku Street’s neon-lit alleys offer urban vibrancy, while the Japanese garden at Gunma Prefectural Museum blends minimalist rock arrangements with modern architecture. For panoramic views, visit the Matsubara Overlook at Mount Asama’s foothills, where sunrise over the city is breathtaking.

While Takasaki itself lacks natural hot springs, Karuizawa Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen are just 30–40 minutes away. Kusatsu Onsen is famed for its "God’s Bath" (Kami-no-yu), with sulfur-rich waters known for healing skin and relieving fatigue. Stay at historic inns like Daisho-ya or Shirakawa-ya, which offer private baths, kaiseki meals, and yukata rentals. For a shorter stay, Takasaki Health Spa features indoor pools and steam rooms. Many hotels also offer onsen-themed packages, combining relaxation with local cuisine.

Absolutely—Takasaki City is excellent for winter trips. While snowfall is light, the nearby Fujimi Highland Ski Resort offers well-maintained slopes for beginners and experts alike. Takasaki Castle Ruins Park transforms into a snowy wonderland, with illuminated pathways creating a magical atmosphere. During December–January, the Winter Light Festival lights up Shinjuku Street and the station plaza with colorful displays. Warm up with steaming miso ramen and roasted sweet potatoes. Some hotels even offer snow-viewing rooms with heated floors and fireplaces, enhancing your winter getaway.

Head to Shinjuku Street near the station—home to Ito Yokado, Muji, and local boutiques selling clothing, cosmetics, and home goods. Takasaki Central Department Store features luxury brands and gift shops specializing in Gunma specialties: Aki-gyo beef boxes, Hachioji Mochi, and Togoshi silk textiles. For handmade crafts, visit the Artisan Market near the Gunma Prefectural Museum, where local potters, weavers, and woodworkers display their work. The underground passage at Takasaki Station includes 24-hour convenience stores and pharmacies, while weekend flea markets at Citizens’ Park offer vintage finds and collectibles.