Five days in Gunma: the historic residence or tropical dome?

For a longer Takasaki stay, visit the statue, daruma painting, history and modern art exhibitions, then the city art museum and Former Inoue Residence on the final day. The residence interior opens from 10 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm, so choose a Tokyo-bound train you can catch afterwards. The Kusatsu option adds animal observation at Nettaiken between the performance and three baths, returning to Shinjuku on the final day.

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Choose an itinerary for 5 days / 4 nights

5 days / 4 nights A

Daruma painting and three exhibitions with a Takasaki base

Stay four nights in Takasaki to paint a daruma, see history and art exhibits and visit a historic residence. Give Kannonyama, daruma painting, the history museum and modern art museum a day each, then visit the city art museum and Former Inoue Residence on the final day.

Day 1: visit Byakue Dai-Kannon on Kannonyama

Arrive in Takasaki and visit the Kannon statue and surrounding grounds.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → 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 5: visit the city art museum and Former Inoue Residence

See the exhibition and residence interiors, then return to the station on your final day.

  1. Takasaki Station west exit → Takasaki City Museum of Art

    Walk about three minutes from the station to the city art museum and see the exhibition after it opens at 10 am. This is separate from the prefectural modern art museum. Standard hours are 10 am–6 pm, with last admission at 5.30 pm. Fridays extend to 8 pm, with last admission at 7.30 pm.

    Takasaki City Museum of Art access and hoursTakasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and prices

  2. City art museum → Former Inoue Residence

    Follow the museum's directions to the residence entrance and explore the interior and garden. The interior opens from 10 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm. For a visit after lunch, arrive during the afternoon session and check the garden's seasonal hours.

    Takasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and pricesTakasaki City Museum of Art access and hours

  3. Former Inoue Residence → Takasaki Station and Tokyo Station

    After visiting, return to Takasaki Station for an ordinary JR train towards Tokyo. Choose a service you can catch after the residence's afternoon visit and check whether it runs directly to Tokyo.

    JR East station and line timetables for your visit dateJR 2026 revised fare informationTakasaki City Museum of Art access and hours

Transport and admission costs: JPY 9,180 per adult: reference transport and admission total

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 + city art museum ticket including the residence JPY 300.

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 prices again for other exhibition periods. The city art museum ticket including the residence uses the 10 October–13 December 2026 exhibition.

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 4Takasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and pricesGururin standard and JPY 100 section fares

5 days / 4 nights B

A day each for Kusatsu's three baths and tropical dome

Add a day at Kusatsu Nettaiken between the performance and three bathing facilities. Alternate bathing and animal observation for a longer stay in the onsen town.

Day 1: arrive in Kusatsu and see a yumomi performance

Start with Yubatake in the centre of the onsen town and a performance.

  1. 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

  2. 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.

    Performance and ticket sales conditions

  3. 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.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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.

    Gozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ

Day 3: watch the animals at Kusatsu Nettaiken

Between bathing days, visit the dome heated by onsen water to observe animals.

  1. Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal → Kusatsu Nettaiken

    Follow the tourism association's walking directions, which give about 12 minutes to Kusatsu Nettaiken. Use the official map and signs on site.

    Tourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directions

  2. Kusatsu Nettaiken entrance → Dome and standard visitor areas

    Explore the dome heated by onsen water and the standard visitor areas. Listed hours are 8.30 am–5 pm with no regular closure day. Feeding and animal-contact activities are separate choices; check whether they are offered that day.

    Tourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directions

  3. Kusatsu Nettaiken → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and town

    Follow the access map back towards the terminal, about 12 minutes on foot. Finish the day's visit with lunch and a rest in town.

    Tourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directions

Day 4: choose from Otakinoyu's baths

Use the large indoor or open-air baths that suit you, then relax.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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 5: 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.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

Transport and admission costs: JPY 12,600 per adult: reference transport and admission total

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 + Kusatsu Nettaiken JPY 1,300. 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 lockersTourism association's Kusatsu Nettaiken prices, hours and walking directions

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.

Getting to the silk millOfficial visitor guide

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

Want to move from Takasaki to Kusatsu for one night?

For culture and onsen, compare replacing one day of your Takasaki stay with an overnight Kusatsu trip. This changes the existing five-day itinerary rather than adding onsen to it. Update the removed exhibition day, transport and accommodation costs together.

Separate the journey to the onsen from the return to Takasaki

Choose a JR Agatsuma Line train from Takasaki towards Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, then change there to a JR bus for Kusatsu Onsen. On the travel day, walk from the terminal to Yubatake and explore the onsen town rather than adding an exhibition. The next day, take a bus from the terminal to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and return to Takasaki by JR. Check operating dates and connections in both directions. JR buses cannot be reserved and may be full, so avoid relying only on the last bus.

Official Gunma tourism: access to Takasaki, Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and KusatsuJR Bus Kusatsu–Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi services in both directions, operating dates and boarding conditionsOfficial Gunma tourism: Kusatsu access from Takasaki, station names and Wide Pass bus exclusions

Separate rail, bus and accommodation costs, then choose your baths

No total trip cost has been set for this option. Add return JR tickets, return JR buses, one night's Kusatsu accommodation, meals and your chosen performances and baths separately. Distinguish covered JR rail journeys within the Wide Pass's three consecutive days from JR buses, which are excluded. If visiting all three baths, compare the JPY 2,100 combined ticket with the JPY 2,900 individual total. For one bath, choose individual admission first and budget separately for performances, towels and lockers. Remove the exhibition and bus items for the replaced Takasaki day. Do not reuse the five-day Kusatsu itinerary's direct Shinjuku bus cost for this journey.

Kusatsu three-bath ticket: price, one visit each, validity and on-site salesJR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive daysJR TOKYO Wide Pass transport conditions: JR bus exclusion and reserved seats

Official Gunma tourism: access to Takasaki, Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi and KusatsuJR Bus Kusatsu–Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi services in both directions, operating dates and boarding conditionsOfficial Gunma tourism: Kusatsu access from Takasaki, station names and Wide Pass bus exclusions

Frequently asked questions

Is the Former Inoue Residence interior open whenever the art museum is open?

Interior visits run 10 am–11 am and 2 pm–4 pm, separately from Takasaki City Museum of Art's exhibition hours. Choose one of these sessions to see inside. Five-day A visits the residence in the afternoon, then returns to Takasaki Station for the train. The Human Figure exhibition from 10 October to 13 December 2026 costs JPY 300 for standard admission including the residence; check prices and closures again for other exhibition periods.

Takasaki City Museum of Art: Human Figure exhibition and prices

Can one JR TOKYO Wide Pass cover a five-day Takasaki trip?

The pass is valid for three consecutive days from your selected start date. Starting on day one does not cover the return to Tokyo on day five. Official covered routes include JR East lines and Joshin Railway; Gururin buses, admission and daruma painting cost extra. Eligibility is for foreign nationals with a non-Japanese passport; Temporary Visitor status is not required for this pass. At JPY 16,000 for an adult, the pass costs more than this itinerary’s JPY 4,180 ordinary Tokyo–Takasaki return fare unless you add other travel. Compare again using actual routes and dates if adding Shinkansen or other travel.

JR TOKYO Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive daysJR pass purchase, eligibility, passport and Temporary Visitor exceptionJR 2026 revised fare information

When should I start a pass for one night in Kusatsu during a five-day Tokyo trip?

Choose three consecutive days that include both the trip to Kusatsu and the following day's return to Tokyo. Starting on day one and returning on day five leaves the return train outside the pass period. Compare ordinary tickets and passes against your other rail travel. JR buses, local accommodation, meals and baths cost extra with either option. Obtain your seat ticket in advance if using reserved seats.

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

Official sources and check dates