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Three nights in Gunma: paint a daruma or enjoy three baths?

Add a hands-on activity to Takasaki cultural visits by painting a daruma at Shorinzan. About 200 steps lead to the workshop; consider whether you can comfortably ascend and descend them first. For a hot-spring focus, enjoy Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath on separate days in Kusatsu. The cultural course returns by Tokyo-bound train after the modern art museum; the bath course returns by direct Shinjuku bus after the final bath.

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Choose a 4 days / 3 nights itinerary

4 days / 3 nights A

Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art

Add Shorinzan daruma painting between Takasaki Byakue Daikannon and the history and modern art museums. Stay in Takasaki for a mix of cultural visits and making your own daruma.

Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art →4 days / 3 nights B

Enjoy Kusatsu’s three baths on separate days

Watch yumomi and visit Gozanoyu, Otakinoyu and Sainokawara Open-Air Bath on separate days. Spend time bathing and resting at one facility each day.

Enjoy Kusatsu’s three baths on separate days →
4 days / 3 nights A

Kannonyama, daruma painting, history and modern art

Add Shorinzan daruma painting between Takasaki Byakue Daikannon and the history and modern art museums. Stay in Takasaki for a mix of cultural visits and making your own daruma.

Day 1: Takasaki Byakue Daikannon on Kannonyama

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

  1. Tokyo Station and Takasaki Station → Byakue-Kannon-mae

    From Tokyo Station, take an ordinary Takasaki-bound JR service via the Takasaki Line. At Takasaki Station west exit, board Gururin Kannonyama Line route 14 via Kataoka from stand 8 and alight at Byakue-Kannon-mae. Use official searches to choose a direct train and outward and return buses for your visit date.

    JR East station and line timetables for your dateKannonyama Line route 14: current outward timetable

  2. Byakue-Kannon-mae → Takasaki Byakue Daikannon

    From the stop, follow the path beside Daishido up to the Kannon statue. If the stairs inside the statue are difficult, choose a walk through the grounds instead. Interior visiting hours are 09:00–17:00 March–October and 09:00–16:30 November–February.

    Kannonyama walking mapTakasaki Byakue Daikannon: interior fees and seasonal hours

  3. Takasaki Byakue Daikannon → Takasaki Station

    Walk back down the same route and board Gururin route 13 towards Takasaki Station west exit at Byakue-Kannon-mae. Use route 14 outward and route 13 back. Finish the day with dinner near the station.

    Kannonyama Line route 13: current return timetableKannonyama Line route 14: current outward timetable

Day 2: paint a daruma at Shorinzan

Visit the daruma hall, then paint a daruma you choose yourself.

  1. Takasaki Station west exit, stand 4 → Shorinzan workshop

    Take Gururin Shorinzan Line route 1 via Notsuke and Shorinzan to Shorinzan-iriguchi. The temple is about five minutes from the stop; after the main gate, climb about 200 more steps to the upper workshop. If stairs are difficult, ask the facility about possible transport assistance before booking.

    Shorinzan timetable revised 2025 and west-exit stand 4Official Gunma tourism: west-exit stand 4 and walkShorinzan main gate, stairs and workshop layoutDaruma workshop reception, prices and reservations

  2. Daruma hall and painting workshop → Temple grounds and daruma painting

    See daruma of different shapes in the hall, then paint one in the workshop. Painting takes about 30 minutes, excluding waits. Individuals can participate without a reservation, but book ahead if you want a particular start time. The daruma hall is open 09:00–17:00.

    Daruma workshop reception, prices and reservationsOfficial Gunma tourism: ordinary Shorinzan worshipShorinzan main gate, stairs and workshop layout

  3. Upper workshop and Shorinzan-iriguchi → Takasaki Station

    Take your painted daruma and descend through the main gate to the stop. Return on Gururin Shorinzan Line route 2 towards Takasaki Station west exit, then have a meal. Allow time to descend the steps when choosing your return bus.

    Shorinzan route 2: current return timetableShorinzan timetable revised 2025 and west-exit stand 4Shorinzan main gate, stairs and workshop layout

Day 3: local history exhibitions

Focus on history 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 Line route 9 via Gendai and Motoshimana to Gunma no Mori. Stay on the same bus when the named route changes at Watanuki-machi; no transfer is needed. Follow Gunma Prefectural Museum of History signs on the park map. The museum is about five minutes from the stop.

    Gunma no Mori route 9: current timetableGunma no Mori timetable revised 2025Modern art museum access and return bus timetableHistory museum: 2026 special exhibition and feesHistory museum access and facilities

  2. Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Exhibitions on your visit date

    Choose a history exhibition open on your date and check what your ticket includes. Special and permanent exhibitions may have different fees and ticket conditions. Open 09:30–17:00, last admission 16:30. Mondays are normally closed; check the calendar for your date.

    History museum: current exhibition dates and admission conditionsHistory museum access and facilitiesHistory museum: 2026 opening calendar

  3. Gunma Prefectural Museum of History → Takasaki Station

    After visiting, rest in the park, then return to the Gunma no Mori stop for route 9 to Takasaki Station east exit. Check outward and return services separately in the official timetable. Eat and rest near the station.

    Gunma no Mori route 9: current timetableGunma no Mori timetable revised 2025Modern art museum access and return bus timetable

Day 4: the modern art collection

See Japanese and Western modern art at the other museum in Gunma no Mori park.

  1. Takasaki Station east exit → Gunma no Mori and the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma

    Take Gururin Gunma no Mori Line route 9 via Gendai and Motoshimana to Gunma no Mori. Stay on the same bus when the named route changes at Watanuki-machi; no transfer is needed. Follow signs for the Museum of Modern Art, Gunma on the park map.

    Gunma no Mori route 9: current timetableGunma no Mori timetable revised 2025Modern art museum access and return bus timetableModern art museum: 2026 collection exhibition and fees

  2. The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Exhibitions on your visit date

    Check the collection exhibition and galleries open on your date. If there is a special exhibition, compare its fee and ticket coverage separately. Open 09:30–17:00, last admission 16:30. Check the official calendar for Monday and public-holiday arrangements.

    Modern art museum: current exhibition dates and admission conditionsModern art museum access and return bus timetable

  3. The Museum of Modern Art, Gunma → Takasaki Station and Tokyo Station

    After visiting, rest in the park, then return to the Gunma no Mori stop for route 9 to Takasaki Station east exit. Check outward and return services separately in the official timetable. From Takasaki, take an ordinary JR service via the Takasaki Line towards Tokyo. Check its final destination and whether it runs directly to Tokyo for your date.

    Gunma no Mori route 9: current timetableGunma no Mori timetable revised 2025Modern art museum access and return bus timetableJR East station and line timetables for your dateJR 2026 fare revision information

Reference transport and admission subtotal: 8,880 yen per adult: reference transport and admission subtotal

Included items: Ordinary JR return: 4,180 yen; Kannonyama bus and statue interior: 700 yen; Shorinzan bus and 12 cm daruma painting: 1,900 yen; history museum bus and special exhibition: 1,400 yen; modern art museum bus and collection: 700 yen.

Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, access to the starting station, luggage storage and extra visits or experiences are separate. Shinkansen, limited express and Green Car travel are excluded.

Fares checked: 2026-10-08. Exhibition costs use the history museum’s September 18–November 23 special exhibition and the modern art museum’s September 19–November 8 collection exhibition. Recheck admission for other exhibition periods.

JR 2026 fare revision informationTakasaki Byakue Daikannon: interior fees and seasonal hoursHistory museum: 2026 special exhibition and feesModern art museum: 2026 collection exhibition and feesModern art museum access and return bus timetableDaruma workshop reception, prices and reservationsShorinzan timetable revised 2025 and west-exit stand 4Gururin ordinary and 100-yen section fares

4 days / 3 nights B

Enjoy Kusatsu’s three baths on separate days

Watch yumomi and visit 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 watch yumomi

Begin at Yubatake in the centre of the hot-spring town, then watch the performance.

  1. Busta Shinjuku, fourth floor → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal

    Take your reserved Joshu Yumeguri direct bus. Reserve outward and return services for your date and check the boarding location on the departure board that day. Allow for road delays and leave time between arrival and your performance.

    Shinjuku fourth-floor guidanceJR Bus operator route hub and linked current timetableOctober 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendar

  2. Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal → Yubatake and Netsunoyu

    Walk from the terminal to the Yubatake area for a meal and a look around the town. Choose a Netsunoyu performance from 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 performance or day.

    Performance and ticket-sale conditions

  3. Netsunoyu → Yumomi performance and Yubatake area

    After the yumomi and dance performance, have dinner and rest around Yubatake. Watching the performance and trying yumomi yourself are separate experiences.

    Performance and ticket-sale conditionsYubatake Souan: check-in, luggage storage and breakfast FAQ

Day 2: relax at Gozanoyu indoor baths

Spend a leisurely day using 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 a washing area.

    Gozanoyu: current fees and loungeGozanoyu: lockers, towels and facilities FAQ

  2. Gozanoyu entrance → Indoor baths and large lounge

    Rest in the large lounge after bathing. April–November hours are 07:00–21:00, last admission 20:30; the large lounge is available 09:00–20:00. Paid private rooms are separate.

    Gozanoyu: current fees and loungeGozanoyu: lockers, towels and facilities FAQ

  3. Gozanoyu → Yubatake area

    There is no restaurant inside the bath facility, so go out for a meal around Yubatake. Today focuses on bathing and rest rather than rushing between baths.

    Gozanoyu: lockers, towels and facilities FAQ

Day 3: choose your baths at Otakinoyu

Choose the large indoor bath or open-air bath to suit you, then rest.

  1. Yubatake → Otakinoyu

    Follow facility signs to Otakinoyu. Official guidance gives about seven to eight minutes on foot from Yubatake; allow extra time for reception.

    Otakinoyu walking access and lockersOtakinoyu access

  2. Otakinoyu entrance → Bathe and relax

    Choose the large indoor bath or open-air bath. You do not need to enter the hot awaseyu baths if they are uncomfortable. Open 09:00–21:00, last admission 20:00. Afterwards, relax in the free shared rest area.

    Otakinoyu fees and operationOtakinoyu walking access and lockersOtakinoyu official English name

  3. Otakinoyu → Yubatake area

    Walk back to Yubatake the same way, about seven to eight minutes, for a meal. Paid private rooms and private baths are optional extras.

    Otakinoyu walking access and lockersOtakinoyu access

Day 4: morning open-air bath, then return to Shinjuku

Relax in the spacious open-air bath before leaving town. Choose morning bathing to fit the departure arrangements at your accommodation.

  1. Yubatake → Sainokawara Open-Air Bath

    Walk through Sainokawara Street and the park to the open-air bath. The walk from Yubatake takes about 12 minutes; allow extra time for slopes and reception.

    Open-air bath fees and hoursOpen-air bath: walking, lockers and facilities FAQWalking reference within the park

  2. Open-air bath entrance → Bathe and relax

    April–November hours are 07:00–20:00, last admission 19:30. The open-air bath has no washing area, hairdryers or towel hire, so bring your own towel. If the winter opening time of 09:00 is too late for your departure, bathe the day before instead.

    Open-air bath fees and hoursOpen-air bath: walking, lockers and facilities FAQWalking reference within the park

  3. Sainokawara Open-Air Bath → Kusatsu Onsen Bus Terminal and Busta Shinjuku

    Return to town the same way, prepare for departure and go to the terminal. Take your reserved Shinjuku-bound Joshu Yumeguri bus. Allow for road delays when planning any other booking after your Shinjuku arrival.

    JR Bus operator route hub and linked current timetableOctober 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarYubatake Souan: walk from the terminalYubatake Souan: check-in, luggage storage and breakfast FAQ

Reference transport and admission subtotal: 11,300 yen per adult: reference transport and admission subtotal

Included items: Shinjuku direct return bus: 7,400 yen; yumomi performance: 700 yen; open-air bath: 800 yen; Gozanoyu: 900 yen; Otakinoyu: 1,200 yen; paid lockers: 300 yen. The bus fare is an example of October 2026 category C ordinary fares; recalculate using fares for your date.

Extra costs and conditions: Accommodation, meals, access to the starting station, luggage storage and extra visits or experiences are separate. Towels, private rooms and private baths are excluded; three-bath ticket discounts are not applied.

Fares checked: 2026-10-08. Bathing facilities use individual tickets.

October 2026 Joshu Yumeguri fare calendarPerformance and ticket-sale conditionsOpen-air bath fees and hoursOpen-air bath: walking, lockers and facilities FAQGozanoyu: current fees and loungeGozanoyu: lockers, towels and facilities FAQOtakinoyu fees and operationOtakinoyu walking access and lockers

Exhibition dates and course budgets

These two temporary exhibitions are running as of October 9, 2026. Their dates and fees apply only to the stated periods. For a different visit date, check new exhibitions, closures and tickets, then recalculate costs.

History museum: Noh costume exhibition

The 115th exhibition, “Noh Costumes Revived in the Present” (translated title), runs September 18–November 23, 2026. Adult admission of 1,000 yen includes permanent displays. This course’s history museum budget uses these exhibition conditions, separate from 300-yen permanent-only admission when no special exhibition is held.

History museum: 2026 special exhibition and feesHistory museum: current exhibition dates and admission conditions

Modern art museum: Japanese and Western Modern Art I

This collection exhibition runs September 19–November 8, 2026 in second-floor galleries 2 and 6. Ordinary adult admission of 300 yen applies to this exhibition. Recheck fees and ticket coverage if the exhibition changes or you choose another special exhibition.

Modern art museum: 2026 collection exhibition and feesModern art museum: current exhibition dates and admission conditions

Visit Tomioka for a day while staying in Takasaki?

For industrial heritage, compare replacing an exhibition day in your Takasaki cultural course with Tomioka Silk Mill. This changes one day’s destination rather than adding every attraction to the original course.

Take a return Joshin trip and walk to the mill

From Takasaki Station’s west side, take a local Joshin train towards Shimonita to Joshu-Tomioka. Walk about 15 minutes to the mill, then return from the same station on a Takasaki-bound train after visiting and lunch. The mill opens 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:30, closing December 29–31. Choose both directions’ timetables for your date.

Silk mill accessOfficial visitor information

Ordinary tickets and Tokyo Wide Pass

Ordinary adult Joshin return fare of 1,620 yen plus mill admission of 1,000 yen totals 2,620 yen, excluding meals and the separate 200-yen guide. Tokyo Wide Pass includes Joshin but not mill admission. The 16,000-yen adult pass, valid for three consecutive days, costs more than ordinary rail tickets for this return alone. When replacing an exhibition day, revise the original subtotal by removing that exhibition and bus costs too.

Joshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor informationJR Tokyo Wide Pass: routes, price and three consecutive days

Silk mill accessJoshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor information

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint a Shorinzan daruma without booking?

Individuals can join without a reservation, in order of arrival; groups of ten or more must book. Reception is 10:00–15:30 and reserved start times 10:00–15:00. A 12 cm daruma costs 1,500 yen and a 15 cm one 2,000 yen; this course budgets for 12 cm. Your booked time is arrival at the workshop, not the car park. Allow time for about 200 steps beyond the main gate and for reaching your return bus.

Daruma workshop reception, prices and reservationsShorinzan main gate, stairs and workshop layoutShorinzan timetable revised 2025 and west-exit stand 4

Can I use the Kusatsu combined ticket 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 2,100 yen per adult, it costs 800 yen less than the three individual ordinary admissions totalling 2,900 yen. Compare it if using all three. This page’s 11,300-yen subtotal uses individual admissions plus Shinjuku direct return buses, yumomi and 300 yen in paid lockers. If using the combined ticket, replace the 2,900-yen bathing total with 2,100 yen; do not add buses, performance and lockers again. Accommodation, meals and towels are separate.

Kusatsu three-bath ticket: price, one visit each, validity and on-site salesGozanoyu: lockers, towels and facilities FAQOtakinoyu walking access and lockersOpen-air bath: walking, lockers and facilities FAQ

Should I include all three baths on a Kusatsu day trip from Tokyo?

For a same-day rail and bus return, choose return departures first. Start with a Yubatake walk and one bath to fit your time locally, then compare a performance or another bath if time remains. This page’s three-night Kusatsu course spreads the three baths over different days. Check hours for your chosen bath too. JR bus fares and bathing admission are separate from the rail pass.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass: official coverage mapJR Tokyo Wide Pass: routes, price and three consecutive daysJR Bus route informationTourism informationJR Tokyo Wide Pass carriage conditions: JR buses excluded and reserved seatsJR East: Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi, bus terminal and Yubatake access

Can I use Tokyo Wide Pass from Takasaki to Tomioka?

Joshin Electric Railway’s Takasaki–Joshu-Tomioka section is included. Mill admission, guides and meals are separate. The pass lasts only three consecutive days; check your return dates. For this section alone, compare with the 1,620-yen ordinary adult return fare.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass: routes, price and three consecutive daysJoshu-Tomioka faresOfficial visitor information

Official sources and check dates