Takasaki City, located in the southern part of Gunma Prefecture, is an area where pasta culture is so deeply rooted that it is now affectionately known as the "city of pasta." The reason behind this is that Gunma Prefecture is one of the leading wheat-producing areas in the country.

Gunma has long practiced double cropping, cultivating wheat in winter alongside rice. The well-drained soil and dry winds that blow in from the north in winter help the wheat grow, resulting in high-quality wheat. This abundant wheat supports the local "flour" culture, and after the war it became known as a specialty dish in the Takasaki area, known as "Takasaki pasta."

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Takasaki pasta.

Characteristics of Takasaki pasta

The most distinctive feature of Takasaki pasta is its volume. Generally, a portion of pasta is about 100g, but Takasaki pasta often exceeds 150g to 200g, so you can enjoy a hearty meal. At lunchtime, salads and drinks are often served as a set, and the good cost performance is also one of the reasons for its popularity.

Another appeal of Takasaki pasta is that many of the original pastas are made using fresh locally harvested vegetables, seafood, pork from Joshu, etc. In addition to classic flavors such as tomato sauce and cream sauce, there are also plenty of original menus that make use of ingredients unique to the region.

The menu includes a variety of satisfying dishes, such as rich soup pasta with plenty of ingredients and pasta topped with pork cutlet. Takasaki pasta, which makes use of local ingredients, is loved by locals and tourists alike.

The History of Takasaki Pasta

The history of Takasaki pasta dates back to 1968. It was a time when pasta culture was slowly taking root in Japan and many pasta specialty restaurants were born. Among them was the Western-style restaurant "Django" which opened in Takasaki city.

Although Django's menu focused on Western food and did not have many types of pasta, the restaurant produced a succession of innovative dishes, including soup spaghetti, said to be the first of its kind in Japan, and its specialty "Django-style spaghetti (pasta topped with pork cutlet and served with meat sauce)." The particularly voluminous "Django-style spaghetti" became a representative dish of Takasaki pasta and continues to be loved by many fans.

The reason why Takasaki pasta is served in large portions is because Shoichiro Sekizaki, the founder of "Django," who experienced food shortages during and after the war, wanted people to "eat lots of delicious food." This feeling has not changed and is still passed down as the style of Takasaki pasta.

As chefs who trained at Django went on to open new pasta specialty restaurants, Takasaki's pasta culture continued to develop.

In addition, Takasaki holds an event called "King of Pasta" every November as an effort to raise awareness of Takasaki pasta. This competition, which started in 2009, attracts many visitors as a place for pasta specialty restaurants in the city to compete with their best dishes. Through this event, Takasaki's pasta culture has continued to evolve and become widely known among tourists.

Tourist spots in Gunma

Gunma, where you can enjoy Takasaki pasta, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture.

Haruna Shrine

Located in Harunayama-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Haruna Shrine is a shrine with over 1,400 years of history. It is said to have been founded during the reign of the 31st Emperor Yomei, and is said to bring various benefits, such as fire suppression, good fortune, bountiful harvests, and prosperous business. Located on the middle slope of Mount Haruna, this shrine has a unique atmosphere where the majestic architecture and natural beauty are in harmony, and the Misugata Rock that towers behind it is worshipped as the deity.

Other highlights within the temple grounds include the famous power spot "Gyojakei" and the "Yatatesugi" tree, a designated natural monument of the country. There are also temple lodgings dotted around the temple grounds, allowing you to feel the depth of history and culture.

Kannonyama

Kannonyama in Takasaki City is a famous spot whose symbol is the magnificent Takasaki Byakue Daikannon. This large Kannon statue is 41.8 meters tall and weighs 5,985 tons. The interior is nine stories tall, with 20 Buddhist statues enshrined on each floor. If you climb the 146 steps, you can get a panoramic view of Takasaki city, the three mountains of Jomo, and the Kanto Plain from the height of the Kannon statue's shoulders, and enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons.

Kannonyama is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and in early April, about 3,000 Somei-Yoshino and wild cherry trees bloom, covering the entire mountain in pink. It is a popular tourist spot where you can feel the breath of spring while strolling along the Takasaki Nature Trail.

Lake Haruna

Lake Haruna is a beautiful caldera lake located at an altitude of 1,100m, created by volcanic activity of Mount Haruna. This lake, rich in nature, is a popular outdoor spot where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

From spring to summer, you can enjoy boating, sightseeing cruises, cycling along the lake, and auto camping, and in autumn, the area around the lake is dyed a brilliant red with autumn leaves, creating a spectacular sight. In winter, the lake freezes over, and smelt fishing is a popular activity. From December, the Lake Haruna Illumination Festival is held, with approximately 500,000 light bulbs fantastically lighting up the area around the lake.

Access to Gunma Prefecture

Fukushima, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has a variety of ways to access it. It is also conveniently located near Japan's three largest cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

From Tokyo, you can get to Takasaki or Maebashi stations in about an hour by Shinkansen, and Kusatsu Onsen in about two hours by taking the Kusatsu Express.

From Osaka, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen for about 3 to 4 hours.

Similarly, from Nagoya, it takes about 2 to 3 hours by Shinkansen to Takasaki Station via Tokyo Station.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Gunma. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Gunma Prefecture

summary

Takasaki City is known as the "city of pasta." Its hearty pasta dishes made with local ingredients are a special treat that can only be enjoyed here.

If you visit Gunma, be sure to try Takasaki pasta.

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