Takasaki Daruma Market 2025: Essential Highlights and Access Tips

Takasaki Daruma Market: An Unforgettable New Year Event near Tokyo

The Takasaki Daruma dolls are said to "create connections and bring good fortune."

The annual Takasaki Daruma Market features the sale of these daruma dolls, along with offerings of local Takasaki cuisine and stage events. In 2025, the market will be held from January 1 to 2, making it the earliest daruma market in the country.

In addition to the classic red daruma, a variety of daruma in different colors and shapes based on the zodiac will also be available for purchase. This event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique encounter with daruma dolls.

Highlights of the Takasaki Daruma Market

The Takasaki Daruma Market has a lot to offer. Here, we will introduce three main highlights: "Sale of Takasaki Daruma," "Kaiun Takasaki Dining," and "Stage Events."

Explore these highlights to find your own enjoyable points during the event.

1. Sale of Takasaki Daruma

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The Takasaki Daruma Market is the earliest daruma market in the country.

At this market, you can find the perfect daruma that suits you from a wide variety of options. From traditional red daruma dolls to those modeled after the zodiac, as well as rare colors like navy and pink, there is an impressive selection. The diverse designs allow you to choose one that complements the atmosphere of your home.

Additionally, at the 2025 Takasaki Daruma Market, you can purchase daruma dolls using a drive-through method. This means you can buy your daruma without getting out of your car, making it a convenient option for those who want to quickly grab a daruma!

2. Kaiun Takasaki Dining

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The "Kaiun Takasaki Dining" features a variety of food stalls showcasing the local delicacies of Takasaki.

Perfect for the cold season, options include rich motsu-nabe (beef or pork offal stew) and tonjiru (pork-based miso soup), as well as classic festival foods like baby castella (tiny sponge cakes) and yakisoba (fried noodles).

One highlight is the local specialty, yaki-manju (roasted sweet bun). These delicious buns are glazed with a thick, sweet-savory miso sauce and grilled to perfection, providing a delightful combination of rich flavors and the savory aroma of crispy edges.

3. Stage Events

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神龍我峰八幡太鼓(@shinryuwagamine)がシェアした投稿

At the Takasaki Daruma Market, you can enjoy more than just daruma dolls and food. A variety of stage events are planned, including cheerleading, traditional wadaiko (Japanese drums), shamisen performances (three-stringed Japanese instruments), and band music from around 20 different groups. These performances will take place from morning until evening, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Even in the cold January weather, the warmth of the stage events will surely be felt!

Details of the Takasaki Daruma Market

Here is an overview of the Takasaki Daruma Market taking place in 2025.

Make sure to check the dates and venue if you plan to attend!

Date	January 1 (Wed, Public holiday) & 2 (Thu), 2025
Time	10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue	West Exit Street in front of Takasaki Station
Organizer	Takasaki Daruma Market Executive Committee
Official Website	http://takasaki-darumaichi.com/ (English)

Access to the Venue and Traffic Regulations on Event Days

Photo by Pixta

The event venue for the Takasaki Daruma Market is located on West Exit Street in front of Takasaki Station. To reach the venue, simply walk straight from the West Exit.

Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place near the West Exit on January 1 and 2, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Specifically, the restriction will cover the area from in front of the Takasaki Washington Hotel Plaza to around the Aramachi intersection. Full road closures will be enforced, so be cautious when coming to the venue.

Additionally, free shuttle buses will operate from the Takasaki Daruma Market venue to the hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) spots. This service will be handy not only for heading to Hatsumode but also for traveling to the Takasaki Daruma Market from nearby bus stops.