Takasaki city, Gumma ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan.

Takasaki is situated northwest of Tokyo along the Karasu River, a tributary of the Tone River. A typical
castle town, Takasaki became increasingly important as a commercial and transport centre with the
expansion of the railway network after the Meiji era. Various traditional industries such as silk-reeling,
woodworking, and brewing were supplemented after World War II by new ones, including the production of
machines, metals, synthetic textiles, and chemicals. The statue of Kannon the Japanese version of the
bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, 138 feet (42 m) high, stands atop Mount Kannon to the southwest.

Pop. (1990) 236,463.

Takasaki is 100 kilometers and 46 minutes by bullet train from the capital Tokyo.It is also about 2 hours by
train from New Tokyo International Airport. It lies in the North Western area of the Kanto Plain and is
surrounded by the three Jomo mountains of Akagi, Haruna, and Myogi. It is known as the gateway to the
world famous Karuizawa, Oze and Mount Tanigawa.

It has a population of 240,000 and covers an area of 110 square kilometers. It was established as a hub of
transportation between Tokyo and the Kanto Region and Niigata and Nagano. Two bullet train lines, 3
expressways and 7 regular train lines run through Takasaki.

The city was founded in the year 1900 and in the year 2000 will be the only city in Japan to celebrate its 100
year anniversary. In the Edo era Takasaki prospered as a trading town and was the first town in Japan to
create a wholesale district. Nowadays there are also many high tech, electrical appliance, drink, and chemical
factories in Takasaki.

Takasaki is known as the home of the first regional symphony orchestra- Gunma Symphony Orchestra. In
1995 they played in Vienna and Prague as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

The life of its citizens is further enriched by the spring film music festival, the summer Takasaki Festival , the
fall Takasaki music festival and Japanese Noh play performances. The people of Takasaki can also enjoy
visiting the white-robed kannon, botanical garden, wild bird sanctuary, and the Karasu river.

Takasaki is working towards creating a new urban culture, while at the same time preserving its traditions
and the natural environment. It is building a vibrant industrial center with people, art, and culture with the
cooperation of its sister cities.