Car Hire Takasaki Station — Gateway to Gunma’s Mountain Retreats
Takasaki is a regional hub in Gunma Prefecture, about 100 kilometres northwest of Tokyo and accessible via Shinkansen in under an hour. The city is famous for its Daruma dolls and its temple-studded hills, but the real draw for visitors with a rental car is the access it provides to Gunma’s legendary hot spring resorts, mountain passes, and scenic drives that rank among Japan’s best.
From Takasaki, you can reach the famous onsens of Kusatsu, the dramatic valleys of the Joshin-etsu region, and the historic Nakasendo post towns. This is rural Japan at its most atmospheric—volcanic landscapes, traditional ryokan inns, and roads that wind through forests and gorges.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Takasaki Station
Car rental offices are located near the station, including Toyota Rent a Car, Orix, and local providers. The station serves as a regional transportation hub, so rental options are good, but advance booking is recommended during peak seasons (onsen holidays in winter, hiking season in summer).
International visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Australia, the UK, the USA, and most European countries participate. Arrange your IDP before departure—it cannot be obtained in Japan.
Counter hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Shinkansen schedule means convenient arrival times throughout the day. Confirm evening pickup arrangements if arriving late.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car from Takasaki Station
Kusatsu Onsen (50 km) — One of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns, Kusatsu features sulphurous waters and traditional yunohana gatherings. The drive takes about 80 minutes through mountain roads with scenic forest views.
Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple (5 km) — The birthplace of the Daruma doll features thousands of the round red figures. The temple offers views over Takasaki and the surrounding countryside.
Ikaho Onsen (30 km) — This historic onsen town features a famous stone staircase lined with shops and ryokan. The waters here are iron-rich and turn brown when exposed to air.
Haruna Shrine and Lake Haruna (40 km) — The sacred shrine sits at the base of Mount Haruna, while the lake above offers boating, camping, and hiking trails. The combined trip makes a full day.
Numata and Oze National Park (70 km) — Drive north to reach the gateway to Oze’s marshlands, one of Japan’s most spectacular hiking destinations. The drive takes about 90 minutes.
Tips for Driving in Gunma
Gunma follows Japan’s left-hand traffic rules. Speed limits are 40–50 km/h on regular roads, with the Joshin-etsu Expressway allowing up to 80 km/h. Mountain roads to onsen towns are scenic but require patience—the routes to Kusatsu and Ikaho are winding and can be slow.
Winter driving (December through March) in Gunma requires proper preparation. Snow tyres are essential and included with rentals during winter months. Some mountain passes may require chains—check with your rental company. The road to Kusatsu is well-maintained but can be icy.
Fuel stations are common in Takasaki but scarcer in the mountains. Fill up before heading to onsen towns. Many rural stations close by 6:00 PM, and some may not accept credit cards, so carry cash.
Parking at major attractions is generally easy. Onsen towns like Kusatsu have public car parks (often free or around ¥500). Temple grounds usually offer parking. At ryokan inns, confirm whether parking is included.
GPS navigation works well in the region. Smartphone coverage is good on main routes but can be spotty in deep mountain valleys. Download offline maps as backup. The routes to popular onsen towns are well-signposted in both Japanese and English.
Book through our search above to compare car hire at Takasaki Station and discover Gunma’s hot spring retreats and mountain landscapes.