Four days in Gunma: paint a daruma or visit three baths?
Add Shorinzan daruma painting to a Takasaki cultural trip. About 200 steps lead to the workshop, so consider whether the climb and descent suit you. For an onsen focus, visit Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath on separate days in Kusatsu. The cultural itinerary returns by Tokyo-bound train after the modern art museum; the onsen itinerary returns by direct Shinjuku bus after the final bath.
Choose an itinerary for 4 days / 3 nights
Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art
Add a daruma painting experience at Shorinzan between Byakue Dai-Kannon and the history and modern art museums. Stay in Takasaki for a mix of sightseeing and a hands-on activity.
Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art →4 days / 3 nights BVisit Kusatsu's three baths on separate days
Enjoy the yumomi performance, Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath on separate days. Spend time bathing and resting at one facility each day.
Visit Kusatsu's three baths on separate days →Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art
Add a daruma painting experience at Shorinzan between Byakue Dai-Kannon and the history and modern art museums. Stay in Takasaki for a mix of sightseeing and a hands-on activity.
Day 1: visit Byakue Dai-Kannon on Kannonyama
Arrive in Takasaki and visit the Kannon statue and surrounding grounds.
- Tokyo Station and Takasaki Station → Byakui Kannon-mae
Take an ordinary JR Takasaki Line service from Tokyo Station to Takasaki. From west-exit bus stop 8, take Gururin Kannonyama route 14 via Kataoka and get off at Byakui Kannon-mae. Use official searches to choose a direct train and buses for both directions on your travel date.
JR East station and line timetables for your visit dateCurrent outbound Kannonyama route 14 timetable
- Byakui Kannon-mae → Byakue Dai-Kannon
From the stop, follow the path beside the Daishido Hall uphill towards the statue. Choose a walk around the grounds if climbing the stairs inside the statue is difficult. Interior visits are available 9 am–5 pm from March to October and 9 am–4.30 pm from November to February.
Kannonyama walking mapByakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hours
- Byakue Dai-Kannon → Takasaki Station
Retrace your route downhill and take Gururin route 13 from Byakui Kannon-mae to Takasaki Station's west exit. The outbound service is route 14 and the return is route 13. Finish the day with dinner near the station.
Current return Kannonyama route 13 timetableCurrent outbound Kannonyama route 14 timetable
Day 2: paint a daruma at Shorinzan
Visit the Daruma Hall, then paint a daruma you have chosen.
- Takasaki Station west-exit bus stop 4 → Shorinzan workshop
Take Gururin Shorinzan route 1 on the Notsuke–Shorinzan course to Shorinzan-iriguchi. The temple is about five minutes from the stop; beyond the Somon Gate, about 200 more steps lead to the upper workshop. If stairs are difficult, ask the facility about possible transport assistance before booking.
Revised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4Official Gunma tourism: west-side stop 4 and walking directionsShorinzan Somon Gate, stairs and workshop layoutDaruma painting registration, prices and reservations
- Daruma Hall and painting workshop → Temple grounds and daruma painting
See daruma of different shapes in the Daruma Hall, then paint one at the workshop. Painting takes about 30 minutes, excluding any wait. One person can join without a reservation, but book ahead if you want a specific start time. The Daruma Hall is open 9 am–5 pm.
Daruma painting registration, prices and reservationsOfficial Gunma tourism: standard worship visits to ShorinzanShorinzan Somon Gate, stairs and workshop layout
- Upper workshop and Shorinzan-iriguchi → Takasaki Station
Collect your daruma and descend through the Somon Gate to the stop. Return on Gururin Shorinzan route 2 to Takasaki Station's west exit, then have a meal. Allow time to descend the stairs before your chosen return bus.
Current return Shorinzan route 2 timetableRevised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4Shorinzan Somon Gate, stairs and workshop layout
Day 3: explore local history at the museum
Focus on the history exhibits at one of the two facilities in Gunma-no-Mori park.
- Takasaki Station east exit → Gunma-no-Mori and Gunma Prefectural Museum of History
Take Gururin Gunma-no-Mori route 9 via Gendai and Motoshimana to Gunma-no-Mori. Stay on the same bus when the route name changes at Watanukimachi; no transfer is needed. Follow park-map signs to Gunma Prefectural Museum of History, about five minutes from the stop.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableRevised 2025 Gunma-no-Mori timetableModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directionsHistory museum's 2026 special exhibition and pricesHistory museum access and facilities
- Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Exhibitions on your visit date
Choose a history exhibition running on your date and check what the ticket covers. Special and permanent exhibitions may have different prices and ticket conditions. The museum opens from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. It is normally closed on Mondays; check the calendar for your date.
History museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditionsHistory museum access and facilitiesHistory museum's 2026 opening calendar
- Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Takasaki Station
After the museum, rest in the park, then return to Gunma-no-Mori stop and take route 9 to Takasaki Station's east exit. Check outbound and return journeys separately in the official timetable. Eat and relax near the station.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableRevised 2025 Gunma-no-Mori timetableModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directions
Day 4: see the modern art collection
Visit the other facility in Gunma-no-Mori park for modern Japanese and Western art.
- Takasaki Station east exit → Gunma-no-Mori and the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma
Take Gururin Gunma-no-Mori route 9 via Gendai and Motoshimana to Gunma-no-Mori. Stay on the same bus when the route name changes at Watanukimachi; no transfer is needed. Follow park-map signs to the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableRevised 2025 Gunma-no-Mori timetableModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directionsModern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and prices
- Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Exhibitions on your visit date
Check which collection exhibition and galleries are open on your date, then view the works. Compare special exhibition prices and ticket coverage separately. The museum opens from 9.30 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm. Check the official calendar for Monday and public holiday arrangements.
Modern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditionsModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directions
- Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Takasaki Station and Tokyo Station
After the museum, rest in the park, then return to Gunma-no-Mori stop and take route 9 to Takasaki Station's east exit. Check both directions separately in the official timetable. Return on an ordinary JR Takasaki Line service towards Tokyo, checking that it runs directly to Tokyo and where it terminates.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableRevised 2025 Gunma-no-Mori timetableModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directionsJR East station and line timetables for your visit dateJR 2026 revised fare information
Costs included in the calculation: Ordinary JR return fare JPY 4,180 + Kannonyama bus and statue interior JPY 700 + Shorinzan bus and 12 cm daruma painting JPY 1,900 + history museum bus and special exhibition JPY 1,400 + modern art museum bus and collection JPY 700.
Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, travel to the departure station, luggage storage and extra visits or activities cost extra. Shinkansen, limited express and Green Car travel are excluded.
Prices were checked on 8 October 2026. Exhibition budgets use the history museum's 18 September–23 November special exhibition and modern art museum's 19 September–8 November collection exhibition. Check admission prices again for other exhibition periods.
JR 2026 revised fare informationByakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hoursHistory museum's 2026 special exhibition and pricesModern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and pricesModern art museum access and bus timetables for both directionsDaruma painting registration, prices and reservationsRevised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4Gururin standard and JPY 100 section fares
Visit Kusatsu's three baths on separate days
Enjoy the yumomi performance, Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath on separate days. Spend time bathing and resting at one facility each day.
Day 1: arrive in Kusatsu and see a yumomi performance
Start with Yubatake in the centre of the onsen town and a performance.
- Busta Shinjuku, Level 4 → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
Take your booked Joshu Yumeguri direct bus. Reserve both journeys for your dates and check the day's departure board for the boarding point. Allow for road delays and avoid planning a performance too soon after arrival.
Shinjuku Level 4 guideJR Bus operator's route hub and linked current timetableOctober 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendar
- Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal → Yubatake and Netsunoyu
Walk from the terminal to Yubatake for a meal and a look around town. Choose a Netsunoyu performance from the official calendar for your date, then arrive for on-site ticket sales 30 minutes before it starts. Advance reservations are not accepted; if sold out, choose a later session or another day.
- Netsunoyu → Performance and Yubatake area
After the yumomi and dance performance, have dinner and relax around Yubatake. Watching the performance and trying yumomi yourself are separate activities, so choose accordingly.
Performance and ticket sales conditionsYubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and breakfast FAQ
Day 2: relax at Gozanoyu's indoor baths
Take your time with the indoor baths and lounge beside Yubatake.
- Yubatake → Gozanoyu
Follow Gozanoyu signs southwest of Yubatake to the entrance. Choose this facility if you want indoor baths with washing facilities.
Gozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ
- Gozanoyu entrance → Indoor baths and large lounge
Rest in the large lounge after bathing. From April to November, Gozanoyu opens from 7 am to 9 pm, with last admission at 8.30 pm. The large lounge is available 9 am–8 pm; paid private rooms cost extra.
Gozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ
- Gozanoyu → Yubatake area
There is no restaurant inside the bath facility, so head out for a meal around Yubatake. This day leaves time for bathing and resting rather than rushing between baths.
Day 3: choose from Otakinoyu's baths
Use the large indoor or open-air baths that suit you, then relax.
- Yubatake → Otakinoyu
Follow facility signs to Otakinoyu. The official walk from Yubatake is about seven to eight minutes; allow time at reception.
Otakinoyu walking directions and lockersGetting to Otakinoyu
- Otakinoyu entrance → Bathe and relax
Choose the large indoor or open-air baths. You do not need to push yourself to enter the hotter awaseyu baths. Otakinoyu opens from 9 am to 9 pm, with last admission at 8 pm. Rest afterwards in the free shared relaxation area.
Otakinoyu prices and hoursOtakinoyu walking directions and lockersOtakinoyu official English name
- Otakinoyu → Yubatake area
Retrace the seven- to eight-minute walk to Yubatake for a meal. Paid private rooms and private baths are separate options.
Otakinoyu walking directions and lockersGetting to Otakinoyu
Day 4: enjoy a morning open-air bath and return to Shinjuku
Relax in the spacious open-air bath before leaving town. Choose a morning visit that fits your accommodation's departure arrangements.
- Yubatake → Sainokawara Open-Air Bath
Walk through Sainokawara Street and the park to the bath, about 12 minutes from Yubatake. Allow for slopes and time at reception.
Open-air bath prices and hoursOpen-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQPark walking reference
- Open-air bath entrance → Bathe and relax
Sainokawara opens from 7 am to 8 pm from April to November, with last admission at 7.30 pm. There are no washing facilities, hairdryers or towel hire, so bring your own towel. If the winter opening time of 9 am does not fit your hotel departure, visit the previous day instead.
Open-air bath prices and hoursOpen-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQPark walking reference
- Sainokawara Open-Air Bath → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and Busta Shinjuku
Retrace your route into town, finish preparing to leave, then head to the terminal. Take your reserved Joshu Yumeguri bus to Shinjuku. Allow for road delays and avoid another booking immediately after arrival in Shinjuku.
JR Bus operator's route hub and linked current timetableOctober 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarWalk from the terminal to Yubatake SouanYubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and breakfast FAQ
Costs included in the calculation: Return direct Shinjuku bus JPY 7,400 + yumomi performance JPY 700 + open-air bath JPY 800 + Gozanoyu JPY 900 + Otakinoyu JPY 1,200 + paid lockers JPY 300. The bus price is an October 2026 category C ordinary-fare example; recalculate for your travel date.
Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, travel to the departure station, luggage storage and extra visits or activities cost extra. Towels, private rooms and private baths are excluded; no three-bath ticket discount is applied.
Prices were checked on 8 October 2026. Baths use individual admission tickets.
October 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarPerformance and ticket sales conditionsOpen-air bath prices and hoursOpen-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQGozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQOtakinoyu prices and hoursOtakinoyu walking directions and lockers
Separate exhibition dates from itinerary budgets
These two limited-period exhibitions were running as of 9 October 2026. The same exhibitions and prices do not apply outside those dates. For a different visit date, check new exhibitions, closure days and tickets before recalculating costs.
History museum: Noh costume special exhibition
The 115th special exhibition, on Noh costumes brought to life today, runs from 18 September to 23 November 2026. The JPY 1,000 adult ticket includes permanent displays. This itinerary's history museum budget uses that exhibition's conditions, separately from the JPY 300 permanent-only admission when no special exhibition is running.
History museum's 2026 special exhibition and pricesHistory museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions
Modern art museum: Modern Art in Japan and the West I
This collection exhibition runs from 19 September to 8 November 2026 in galleries 2 and 6 on Level 2. Standard adult admission of JPY 300 applies to this exhibition. Check prices and ticket coverage again if exhibitions change or you choose another special exhibition.
Modern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and pricesModern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions
Stay in Takasaki and visit Tomioka for a day?
For industrial heritage, compare replacing one exhibition day in the Takasaki cultural itinerary with Tomioka Silk Mill. This swaps a day's destination rather than adding every sight to the existing itinerary.
Return by Joshin Railway and walk to the silk mill
From Takasaki Station's west side, take a Joshin Railway local train towards Shimonita and get off at Joshu-Tomioka. Walk about 15 minutes to the mill, then return to the same station after your visit and lunch for a Takasaki-bound train. The mill opens from 9 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4.30 pm, and closes from 29 to 31 December. Choose outbound and return services together for your date.
Ordinary tickets versus the JR TOKYO Wide Pass
The ordinary adult return Joshin Railway fare of JPY 1,620 plus mill admission of JPY 1,000 totals JPY 2,620, excluding meals and the separate JPY 200 guide. The JR TOKYO Wide Pass covers Joshin Railway, but mill admission costs extra. The JPY 16,000 adult pass for three consecutive days costs more than ordinary tickets for this return journey alone. If replacing an exhibition day, update the removed exhibition and bus costs rather than keeping the original total.
Joshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor guideJR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive days
Getting to the silk millJoshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint a daruma at Shorinzan without booking?
One person can join without booking, in arrival order, but groups of 10 or more must reserve. Registration is 10 am–3.30 pm; reserved start times are 10 am–3 pm. A 12 cm daruma costs JPY 1,500 and a 15 cm one JPY 2,000; this itinerary budgets for 12 cm. Your booked time is your arrival at the workshop, not the car park. Allow time to climb about 200 steps beyond the Somon Gate and to catch your return bus.
Daruma painting registration, prices and reservationsShorinzan Somon Gate, stairs and workshop layoutRevised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4
Can I use a combined ticket for Kusatsu's baths on different days?
The official three-bath ticket covers one visit each to Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath, with no expiry date. The adult price is JPY 2,100, JPY 800 less than the JPY 2,900 total for individual ordinary tickets. Compare it if visiting all three. This page's JPY 11,300 total includes individual bath tickets, return direct Shinjuku buses, the yumomi performance and JPY 300 in paid lockers. With the combined ticket, replace JPY 2,900 in bath admission with JPY 2,100; do not add buses, performance or lockers again. Accommodation, meals and towels cost extra.
Kusatsu three-bath ticket: price, one visit each, validity and on-site salesGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQOtakinoyu walking directions and lockersOpen-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQ
Should I fit all three baths into a Kusatsu day trip from Tokyo?
For a return day trip by JR train and bus, choose your return bus and train times first. Start with a Yubatake walk and one bath that fit your time in town; compare a performance or another bath if time allows. This page's four-day Kusatsu stay spreads the three baths over separate days. Check your chosen facility's hours. JR bus fares and bath admission cost extra beyond a rail pass.
Official JR TOKYO Wide Pass coverage mapJR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive daysJR Bus route guideTourist informationJR TOKYO Wide Pass transport conditions: JR bus exclusion and reserved seatsJR East: access via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, the bus terminal and Yubatake
Can I use the JR TOKYO Wide Pass between Takasaki and Tomioka?
Joshin Railway between Takasaki and Joshu-Tomioka is included. Silk mill admission, guides and meals cost extra. Check your return dates within the pass's three consecutive days. If only making this journey, compare the ordinary adult return fare of JPY 1,620.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive daysJoshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor guide
Official sources and check dates
- Current outbound Kannonyama route 14 timetable ·
- Current return Kannonyama route 13 timetable ·
- Gururin standard and JPY 100 section fares ·
- Kannonyama walking map ·
- Byakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hours ·
- Getting to the silk mill ·
- JR 2026 revised fare information ·
- Joshu-Tomioka fares ·
- Walk from the terminal to Yubatake Souan ·
- Yubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and breakfast FAQ ·
- JR Bus operator's route hub and linked current timetable ·
- October 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendar ·
- Shinjuku Level 4 guide ·
- Performance and ticket sales conditions ·
- Open-air bath prices and hours ·
- Open-air bath walking directions, lockers and facilities FAQ ·
- Park walking reference ·
- Gozanoyu current prices and lounge ·
- Gozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ ·
- Official visitor guide ·
- Tourist information ·
- JR Bus route guide ·
- Otakinoyu prices and hours ·
- Otakinoyu walking directions and lockers ·
- Otakinoyu official English name ·
- Getting to Otakinoyu ·
- Revised 2025 Shorinzan timetable and west-side stop 4 ·
- Revised 2025 Gunma-no-Mori timetable ·
- Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetable ·
- Current return Shorinzan route 2 timetable ·
- History museum's 2026 special exhibition and prices ·
- History museum access and facilities ·
- Modern art museum's 2026 collection exhibition and prices ·
- Modern art museum access and bus timetables for both directions ·
- Daruma painting registration, prices and reservations ·
- Shorinzan Somon Gate, stairs and workshop layout ·
- History museum's 2026 opening calendar ·
- Official Gunma tourism: standard worship visits to Shorinzan ·
- Official Gunma tourism: west-side stop 4 and walking directions ·
- JR East station and line timetables for your visit date ·
- Kusatsu three-bath ticket: price, one visit each, validity and on-site sales ·
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive days ·
- Official JR TOKYO Wide Pass coverage map ·
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass transport conditions: JR bus exclusion and reserved seats ·
- JR East: access via Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, the bus terminal and Yubatake ·
- History museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions ·
- Modern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions ·