Four days in Gunma: paint a daruma or visit three baths on separate days?
For an activity alongside Takasaki's culture itinerary, paint a daruma at Shorinzan. Around 200 stairs lead to the venue, so first consider whether you are comfortable climbing and descending them. For hot springs, visit Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-air Bath on different days in Kusatsu. The culture option returns by train towards Tokyo after the modern art museum; the bath option returns by direct Shinjuku bus after the last bath.
Choose a 4 days, 3 nights itinerary
Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art
Add daruma painting at Shorinzan between the Byakue Dai-Kannon and the history and modern art museums. Use Takasaki as your base for both exhibits and a hands-on activity.
Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art →4 days, 3 nights BSeparate days for Kusatsu's three baths
Enjoy a yumomi performance, Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-air Bath on different days. Give each facility time for bathing and rest.
Separate days for Kusatsu's three baths →Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art
Add daruma painting at Shorinzan between the Byakue Dai-Kannon and the history and modern art museums. Use Takasaki as your base for both exhibits and a hands-on activity.
Day 1 · Visit the Byakue Dai-Kannon on Kannonyama
Arrive in Takasaki and visit the Kannon statue and surrounding grounds.
- Tokyo Station and Takasaki Station → Byakui Kannon-mae
From Tokyo Station, take an ordinary train for Takasaki on a JR Takasaki Line service. At Takasaki Station's west exit bay 8, take Gururin Kannonyama route 14 via Kataoka to Byakui Kannon-mae. Use official searches to choose a direct train and buses in both directions for your date.
JR East station and line timetables for your dateCurrent Kannonyama route 14 outward timetable
- Byakui Kannon-mae → Byakue Dai-Kannon
Follow the path beside the Daishido from the stop up to the statue. If the stairs inside the statue are difficult for you, choose a walk through the grounds. Interior visits are available 09:00–17:00 in March–October and 09:00–16:30 in November–February.
Kannonyama walking mapByakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hours
- Byakue Dai-Kannon → Takasaki Station
Walk back down the same route and take Gururin route 13 towards Takasaki Station west exit from Byakui Kannon-mae. Distinguish outward route 14 from return route 13. Finish your first day with dinner near the station.
Current Kannonyama route 13 return timetableCurrent Kannonyama route 14 outward timetable
Day 2 · Paint a daruma at Shorinzan
Explore the Daruma Hall, then paint a daruma you have chosen.
- Takasaki Station west exit, bay 4 → Shorinzan activity venue
Take Gururin Shorinzan route 1 via Notsuke–Shorinzan to Shorinzan-iriguchi. The temple is about five minutes from the stop, followed by around 200 stairs beyond the main gate to the upper activity venue. If stairs are difficult, ask the facility about possible transport assistance before booking.
Shorinzan timetable revised in 2025 and west exit bay 4Gunma official tourism: west exit bay 4 and walking accessShorinzan main gate, stairs and activity venue layoutDaruma painting registration, prices and reservations
- Daruma Hall and painting venue → Temple grounds and daruma painting
See different daruma designs at the hall, then paint one at the activity venue. Painting takes about 30 minutes, plus waiting time. One person or more can participate without a reservation, but book ahead if you want a particular start time. The Daruma Hall opens 09:00–17:00.
Daruma painting registration, prices and reservationsGunma official tourism: regular Shorinzan temple visitsShorinzan main gate, stairs and activity venue layout
- Upper activity venue and Shorinzan-iriguchi → Takasaki Station
Collect your finished daruma and walk down through the main gate to the stop. Return on Gururin Shorinzan route 2 towards Takasaki Station west exit, then have a meal. Allow time to descend the stairs when choosing your return bus.
Current Shorinzan route 2 return timetableShorinzan timetable revised in 2025 and west exit bay 4Shorinzan main gate, stairs and activity venue layout
Day 3 · Explore local exhibits at the history museum
Focus on history 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 towards Gendai–Motoshimana to Gunma-no-Mori. Stay on the same bus when the route name changes at Watanukimachi; no transfer is needed. Follow Gunma Prefectural Museum of History signs on the park map. It is about five minutes from the stop to the history museum.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableGunma-no-Mori timetable revised in 2025Modern art museum access and bus timetables in both directionsHistory museum 2026 special exhibition and admissionHistory museum access and facilities
- Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Exhibitions on your date
Choose a history exhibition running on your date and check what its ticket covers. Special and permanent exhibitions may have different prices and ticket conditions. Hours are 09:30–17:00, with last entry at 16:30. Monday is the usual closing day; check the calendar for your date.
History museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditionsHistory museum access and facilitiesHistory museum 2026 opening calendar
- Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Takasaki Station
After the exhibits, rest in the park, then return to the Gunma-no-Mori stop for route 9 towards Takasaki Station east exit. Check outward and return buses separately in the official timetable. Eat and rest near the station.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableGunma-no-Mori timetable revised in 2025Modern art museum access and bus timetables in both directions
Day 4 · Explore the modern art museum's collection
Focus on modern Japanese and Western art at the other facility in Gunma-no-Mori Park.
- Takasaki Station east exit → Gunma-no-Mori and the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma
Take Gururin Gunma-no-Mori route 9 towards Gendai–Motoshimana to Gunma-no-Mori. Stay on the same bus when the route name changes at Watanukimachi; no transfer is needed. Follow Museum of Modern Art, Gunma signs on the park map.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableGunma-no-Mori timetable revised in 2025Modern art museum access and bus timetables in both directionsModern art museum 2026 collection exhibition and admission
- Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Exhibitions on your date
Check the collection exhibition and galleries open on your date. If a special exhibition is running, compare its admission and ticket coverage separately. Hours are 09:30–17:00, with last entry at 16:30. Check Monday and public holiday operations in the official calendar.
Modern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditionsModern art museum access and bus timetables in both directions
- Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Takasaki Station and Tokyo Station
After the exhibits, rest in the park, then return to Gunma-no-Mori for route 9 towards Takasaki Station east exit. Check outward and return buses separately in the official timetable. From Takasaki Station, return on an ordinary JR Takasaki Line service towards Tokyo. Check whether the service runs directly to Tokyo and its final destination for your date.
Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetableGunma-no-Mori timetable revised in 2025Modern art museum access and bus timetables in both directionsJR East station and line timetables for your dateJR 2026 revised fare guidance
Included: Ordinary JR trains return 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 exhibition JPY 700.
Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, travel to your starting station, luggage storage and extra visits or activities cost extra. Shinkansen, limited express and Green Car travel are excluded.
Fares checked: 8 October 2026. Exhibition budgets use the history museum's 18 September–23 November special exhibition and the modern art museum's 19 September–8 November collection exhibition. Recheck admission for other exhibition periods.
JR 2026 revised fare guidanceByakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hoursHistory museum 2026 special exhibition and admissionModern art museum 2026 collection exhibition and admissionModern art museum access and bus timetables in both directionsDaruma painting registration, prices and reservationsShorinzan timetable revised in 2025 and west exit bay 4Gururin basic fare and JPY 100 sections
Separate days for Kusatsu's three baths
Enjoy a yumomi performance, Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-air Bath on different days. Give each facility time for bathing and rest.
Day 1 · Arrive in Kusatsu and see a yumomi performance
Explore Yubatake, the centre of the hot spring town, and begin with a performance.
- Busta Shinjuku, fourth floor → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal
Take your reserved Joshu Yumeguri direct bus. Book both journeys for your date and check the boarding location on the departure board that day. Leave time for road delays instead of scheduling a performance immediately after arrival.
Shinjuku fourth-floor guideJR Bus operator 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 in the official calendar for your date, and arrive for on-site ticket sales 30 minutes before it starts. Advance reservations are not accepted; if sold out, choose another session or day.
- Netsunoyu → Performance and Yubatake area
After the yumomi and dance performance, have dinner around Yubatake and rest. Choose separately between watching the performance and paying for a hands-on yumomi experience.
Performance admission and ticket conditionsYubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and morning FAQ
Day 2 · Relax at Gozanoyu's indoor bath
Enjoy the indoor bath beside Yubatake and its rest area at a slower pace.
- Yubatake → Gozanoyu
Follow Gozanoyu signs southwest of Yubatake to the entrance. Choose it if you want an indoor bath with washing facilities.
Gozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ
- Gozanoyu entrance → Indoor bath and large lounge
Rest in the large shared room after bathing. April–November hours are 07:00–21:00, with last entry at 20:30; the large lounge is available 09:00–20:00. 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 go out for a meal around Yubatake. Today gives you time for bathing and rest rather than rushing to another bath.
Day 3 · Choose from Otakinoyu's baths
Use the large indoor bath or outdoor bath according to your comfort, and rest.
- Yubatake → Otakinoyu
Follow facility signs to Otakinoyu. The official walk from Yubatake takes about seven to eight minutes; leave time for reception.
- Otakinoyu entrance → Bathing and rest
Choose the large indoor bath or outdoor bath. You do not need to push yourself to enter the hot awase-yu baths. Hours are 09:00–21:00, with last entry at 20:00. Rest in the free shared space after bathing.
Otakinoyu prices and hoursOtakinoyu walking access and lockersOtakinoyu official English name
- Otakinoyu → Yubatake area
Walk back to Yubatake along the same route, about seven to eight minutes, for a meal. Choose paid private rooms or privately reserved baths separately if you want them.
Day 4 · Enjoy a morning outdoor bath and return to Shinjuku
Relax in a spacious outdoor bath before leaving town. Fit morning bathing around your accommodation departure arrangements.
- Yubatake → Sainokawara Open-air Bath
Walk through Sainokawara Street and the park to the outdoor bath. The walk from Yubatake takes about 12 minutes; allow for uphill and downhill sections and reception time.
Outdoor bath prices and hoursOutdoor bath walking access, lockers and facilities FAQWalking within the park
- Outdoor bath entrance → Bathing and rest
April–November hours are 07:00–20:00, with last entry at 19:30. The outdoor bath has no washing area, hair dryers or towel rental, so bring your own towel. If the winter 09:00 opening does not fit your departure from your accommodation, bathe the previous day instead.
Outdoor bath prices and hoursOutdoor bath walking access, lockers and facilities FAQWalking within the park
- Sainokawara Open-air Bath → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and Busta Shinjuku
Walk back to town, finish preparing to leave, then go to the terminal. Take your reserved Joshu Yumeguri service to Shinjuku. Allow for road delays when planning other reservations after arrival in Shinjuku.
JR Bus operator route hub and linked current timetableOctober 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarYubatake Souan walking access from the terminalYubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and morning FAQ
Included: Direct Shinjuku bus return JPY 7,400 + yumomi performance JPY 700 + outdoor bath JPY 800 + Gozanoyu JPY 900 + Otakinoyu JPY 1,200 + paid lockers JPY 300. The bus amount is an October 2026 category C standard fare example; recalculate using your date's fare.
Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, travel to your starting station, luggage storage and extra visits or activities cost extra. Towels, private rooms and privately reserved baths are excluded; no three-bath ticket discount is applied.
Fares checked: 8 October 2026. Bathing facilities use individual tickets.
October 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarPerformance admission and ticket conditionsOutdoor bath prices and hoursOutdoor bath walking access, lockers and facilities FAQGozanoyu current prices and loungeGozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQOtakinoyu prices and hoursOtakinoyu walking access and lockers
Distinguish current exhibition dates from itinerary budgets
These two limited-period exhibitions were running as of 9 October 2026. The same exhibits and prices do not apply outside their dates. If your date differs, check new exhibitions, closing days and tickets before recalculating costs.
History museum: Noh costume special exhibition
The 115th special exhibition, on Noh costumes revived for the present day, runs 18 September–23 November 2026. JPY 1,000 adult admission includes permanent exhibits. This itinerary's history museum budget uses those conditions, separate from JPY 300 for permanent exhibits alone when no special exhibition is running.
History museum 2026 special exhibition and admissionHistory museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions
Modern art museum: Japanese and Western Modern Art I
This collection exhibition runs 19 September–8 November 2026 in second-floor galleries 2 and 6. JPY 300 standard adult admission applies to this exhibition. Recheck admission and ticket coverage if exhibits change or you choose another special exhibition.
Modern art museum 2026 collection exhibition and admissionModern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions
A Tomioka day trip while staying in Takasaki?
For industrial heritage, compare replacing one exhibition day in the Takasaki culture itinerary with Tomioka Silk Mill. This changes one day's destination rather than adding every attraction to the original itinerary.
Return by Joshin Railway and walk to the mill
From Takasaki Station west side, take a Joshin Railway local train towards Shimonita to Joshu-Tomioka. Walk about 15 minutes to the mill, then return to the same station for a Takasaki train after your visit and lunch. The mill opens 09:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:30, and closes 29–31 December. Choose outward and return services together for your date.
Ordinary tickets versus the JR TOKYO Wide Pass
JPY 1,620 adult return Joshin Railway tickets plus JPY 1,000 mill admission total JPY 2,620, excluding meals and the separate JPY 200 guide. The JR TOKYO Wide Pass covers Joshin Railway, but mill admission costs extra. At JPY 16,000 per adult for three consecutive days, it is not a cheaper recommendation for this round trip alone. If replacing an exhibition day, adjust the removed exhibition and bus items rather than keeping the original total.
Joshu-Tomioka fareOfficial visitor informationJR TOKYO Wide Pass lines, price and three consecutive days
Silk mill accessJoshu-Tomioka fareOfficial visitor information
Frequently asked questions
Can I paint a daruma at Shorinzan without booking?
One person or more can participate in arrival order without booking, but groups of ten or more need reservations. Registration is 10:00–15:30; reserved start times are 10:00–15:00. A 12 cm daruma costs JPY 1,500 and a 15 cm one JPY 2,000; this itinerary uses 12 cm. Your reservation time is arrival at the activity venue, not the car park. Allow separate time for around 200 stairs beyond the main gate and your return bus.
Daruma painting registration, prices and reservationsShorinzan main gate, stairs and activity venue layoutShorinzan timetable revised in 2025 and west exit bay 4
Can I use the Kusatsu bath package on different days?
The official three-bath ticket allows one visit each to Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-air Bath, with no expiry date. At JPY 2,100 per adult, it costs JPY 800 less than their JPY 2,900 combined standard individual admission. Compare it when using all three. This page's JPY 11,300 includes individual bath tickets, return direct Shinjuku buses, the yumomi performance and JPY 300 in paid lockers. With the package, replace JPY 2,900 bathing 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 access and lockersOutdoor bath walking access, lockers and facilities FAQ
Should I fit all three baths into a Tokyo–Kusatsu day trip?
For a day trip using JR trains and buses, choose your return bus and train times first. Fit a Yubatake walk and one bath to the time available, then compare a performance or another bath if time remains. Splitting the three baths across different days is the three-night Kusatsu itinerary on this page. Check your chosen bath's hours. JR bus fare and bathing admission are separate from the rail pass.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass official coverage mapJR TOKYO Wide Pass lines, price and three consecutive daysJR bus route guideTourist informationJR TOKYO Wide Pass carriage conditions: JR buses excluded and reserved seatsJR East: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, bus terminal and Yubatake access
Can I use the JR TOKYO Wide Pass from Takasaki to Tomioka?
Joshin Railway between Takasaki and Joshu-Tomioka is covered. Mill admission, guides and meals cost extra. The pass lasts only three consecutive days, so check both travel dates. If using only this segment, compare with JPY 1,620 adult ordinary return tickets.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass lines, price and three consecutive daysJoshu-Tomioka fareOfficial visitor information
Official sources and check dates
- Current Kannonyama route 14 outward timetable ·
- Current Kannonyama route 13 return timetable ·
- Gururin basic fare and JPY 100 sections ·
- Kannonyama walking map ·
- Byakue Dai-Kannon interior admission and seasonal hours ·
- Silk mill access ·
- JR 2026 revised fare guidance ·
- Joshu-Tomioka fare ·
- Yubatake Souan walking access from the terminal ·
- Yubatake Souan check-in, luggage storage and morning FAQ ·
- JR Bus operator route hub and linked current timetable ·
- October 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendar ·
- Shinjuku fourth-floor guide ·
- Performance admission and ticket conditions ·
- Outdoor bath prices and hours ·
- Outdoor bath walking access, lockers and facilities FAQ ·
- Walking within the park ·
- Gozanoyu current prices and lounge ·
- Gozanoyu lockers, towels and facilities FAQ ·
- Official visitor information ·
- Tourist information ·
- JR bus route guide ·
- Otakinoyu prices and hours ·
- Otakinoyu walking access and lockers ·
- Otakinoyu official English name ·
- Otakinoyu access ·
- Shorinzan timetable revised in 2025 and west exit bay 4 ·
- Gunma-no-Mori timetable revised in 2025 ·
- Current Gunma-no-Mori route 9 timetable ·
- Current Shorinzan route 2 return timetable ·
- History museum 2026 special exhibition and admission ·
- History museum access and facilities ·
- Modern art museum 2026 collection exhibition and admission ·
- Modern art museum access and bus timetables in both directions ·
- Daruma painting registration, prices and reservations ·
- Shorinzan main gate, stairs and activity venue layout ·
- History museum 2026 opening calendar ·
- Gunma official tourism: regular Shorinzan temple visits ·
- Gunma official tourism: west exit bay 4 and walking access ·
- JR East station and line timetables for your date ·
- Kusatsu three-bath ticket: price, one visit each, validity and on-site sales ·
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass lines, price and three consecutive days ·
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass official coverage map ·
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass carriage conditions: JR buses excluded and reserved seats ·
- JR East: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, bus terminal and Yubatake access ·
- History museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions ·
- Modern art museum: current exhibition dates and visiting conditions ·