Takasaki Byakue Daikannon

Gazing serenely over Takasaki city from atop Kannonzan hill, this 42-meter white concrete Kannon statue has blessed visitors since its completion in 1936. Climb inside the hollow statue through nine levels to reach the shoulders, where windows offer panoramic views across the Kanto plain to distant mountains. The surrounding park blazes with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors in fall, while the approach is lined with thousands of daruma dolls - Takasaki produces 80% of Japan's lucky tumbling figures.