What other travelers are saying about Shorinzan Darumaji Temple
So pleased i stopped in takasaki for a few hours to see this to see this - original home of Daruma. Quiet not busy.
Took the bus from the train station (good luggage storage at train station) that stops right outside. There are eye painting classes in lower area for a cost - but i feel better quality daruma at temple shop - which are certified as blessed by a monk.
Very peaceful and pretty with great history.
【達磨の丘、沈黙のまなざし】
There’s a quiet satisfaction in arriving at Shōrinzan Daruma-ji (少林山達磨寺) — as if stepping into the birthplace of perseverance itself.
Founded in the late 17th century in Takasaki, this temple is believed to be where the now-famous Daruma dolls were first crafted. The dolls, modeled after Bodhidharma, the meditating monk who lost the use of his limbs in pursuit of enlightenment, embody persistence through misfortune. Around the temple, red faces peek from unexpected corners — a stone ledge here, a garden nook there — silent witnesses to countless wishes made and forgotten.
The grounds feel both festive and faintly melancholic, especially knowing how commercial the Daruma has become beyond these slopes. There’s a small museum by the main hall, but sometimes the best way to meet a legend is outdoors, in the wind that rustles through pines and prayer flags.
Leaving, the rows of painted eyes seemed to follow — half-awake, half-dreaming — as if reminding me that effort, once begun, should always be completed.
【Features】
🚶♂️ Access: 15 mins from Takasaki Station by bus
📍 Visibility: Well-marked but feels secluded
📜 Signage: Mostly Japanese, some English
📷 Photo spot: Scattered Darumas make fun finds
🌳 Ambience: Quietly spiritual with playful details
🎐 Soundscape: Crows, temple bells, murmuring visitors
🕰️ Age: Established 1697
📖 History plaque: Yes, bilingual
🐾 Local life: Families, students, curious travelers
🧭 Off the beaten path? ➖Somewhat
💰 Admission: Free
🔙 Would I visit again? 🟰 Perhaps — once is enough to understand its charm
What a gorgeous and spiritually significant place. Make sure to read up on Daruma before coming and you’ll have even more appreciation. FYI sometimes the lower lots are blocked off by chains so you may need to drive further up the mountain for parking.
Good to get your wishes with the original Daruma. Nice view from this place. You can walk around there with good weather (very cold ^_^) but it’s clear. :-)
Visited Shorinzan Darumaji Temple today and it was such a meaningful experience. I had the chance to paint my own Daruma doll — the staff explained how to do it very clearly, which made it easy and fun. There’s also a small museum where you can see many Daruma dolls and learn about their history. What made the visit extra special was seeing the monks pray for everyone’s wishes — it felt very peaceful and heartwarming. A perfect place for reflection and a unique cultural experience. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Daruma Ichi festival on January 6-7 is the major annual event, drawing large crowds for ceremonial burning of old daruma and purchasing new ones. Weekdays during spring or autumn offer fewer visitors and opportunities to observe artisans working.
Artisans demonstrate the hand-painting process on-site. Visitors can observe the application of red color and facial features. Some workshops offer hands-on painting experiences, though availability varies.
Small daruma cost 500 to 1,500 yen. Medium sizes range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen. Large ceremonial versions start at 10,000 yen and increase based on size.
English signage is limited. The daruma-making process and temple rituals are visually clear and can be understood through observation. Basic transactions at the temple shop are manageable without Japanese language skills.
