Takasaki Shorinzan Daruma Temple: Birthplace of Japan's Daruma Dolls

Takasaki: Sacred Land of Daruma

Takasaki City is the production hub for about 80% of Japan's daruma dolls. The Shorinzan Daruma Temple's abbot Tenkai is said to have first created them for farmers in the mid-Edo period, after which Gunma daruma spread nationwide.

Shorinzan Daruma Temple Market

The "Daruma Market" held on January 6-7 at Shorinzan Daruma Temple is the Kanto region's largest lucky charm market, attracting about 200,000 visitors. The sight of red daruma dolls stacked high at numerous stalls is spectacular.

Daruma Workshop Tours

Many daruma workshops in Takasaki City offer tours and painting experiences. Watching craftsmen carefully handcraft each daruma doll one by one is impressive.