Question 1

How do I get there by train and bus?

Accepted Answer

Take the Gururin Kannonyama line (via Kataoka) from the west exit of JR Takasaki Station for about 20 minutes. Get off at Kannon Sancho and walk 10 minutes, enjoying the souvenir shops along the approach, or stay on to the next stop, Byakue Kannon-mae, and walk 2 minutes.

Question 2

I heard it is good for matchmaking.

Accepted Answer

In recent years it has become known as a place to pray for a good match, and a Red Thread Prayer Festival is held at Valentine's. The 120 m Hibiki Bridge in the grounds is also a popular place to walk.

Question 3

Can children and older visitors go inside the statue?

Accepted Answer

Visitors steady on their feet can see it in about 15 minutes. As there are 146 steps to climb inside, however, people with limited mobility and young children should go only as far as is comfortable.

Question 4

Are there closed days?

Accepted Answer

You can visit and go inside every day of the year.

Question 5

What is the walk inside the statue like?

Accepted Answer

The interior has nine levels, and 146 steps take you up to shoulder height on the ninth floor. Twenty Buddhist images and statues of eminent priests are placed on the various floors, and windows along the way look out over central Takasaki, the three mountains of Jomo and the Kanto plain. Visitors steady on their feet can see it in about 15 minutes.

Question 6

Is the cherry blossom season recommended?

Accepted Answer

Yes. About 3,000 cherry trees cover the hill, and plants and flowers of every season make it a favourite spot for local people. The blossom season in spring draws especially large numbers of visitors.

Question 7

What are the hours and charges for going inside the statue?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 from March to October and 9:00-16:30 from November to February. Admission is 300 yen for high school students and above and 100 yen for junior high school age and under; for groups of 30 or more, 200 yen and 50 yen respectively. Holders of a disability certificate enter free.

Question 8

Tell me about the pilgrimage number and the sect.

Accepted Answer

It is the first temple of the Kanto 88 Temple Pilgrimage and is also number 33 of the Togoku Hana no Tera hundred temples. The Kannon statue was built in 1936 by the businessman Yasusaburo Inoue at his own expense, praying for peace and for the development of Takasaki.

Question 9

How large is the Kannon statue?

Accepted Answer

The reinforced concrete statue is 41.8 m tall and weighs about 6,000 tonnes. It was the largest in the East when built and remains a symbol of Takasaki.

Question 10

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is no parking within the temple grounds. Please use a car park nearby: the Kannon Sancho car park (free) or Tsukemono-dokoro Shunsai/Green Park (paid).

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is not available.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 20 minutes on the Gururin Kannonyama line bus from the west exit of JR Takasaki Station, alighting at Byakue Kannon-mae, then 2 minutes on foot. About 20 minutes by car from Takasaki IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

2710-1 Ishihara-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture

Question 14

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Entry inside the statue: high school students and above 300 yen (200 yen for groups of 30 or more), junior high school age and under 100 yen (50 yen for groups of 30 or more). Holders of a disability certificate enter free.

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open every day.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

March to October 9:00-17:00; November to February 9:00-16:30.

How can we help you?

Quick categories