Well after much to-ing and fro-ing and asking various people, i think i have figured out a relatively efficient method of getting there.
There is a shinkansen line which stops in Gunma-ken, however it is getting to the various workshops that is the hard part.
Anyhow, i'll probably attempt the trip later on in the month.
Currently in Yamagata staying with a whole bunch of NOVA, JET teachers etc...
Beautiful place, went mountain biking this morning and was rewarded with some internal organ damage.
Bars everywhere, and I havent checked it out yet, but i am positive there should be some car action around here as well. A lot of modified cars roaring past my window at night.
*not to mention the blokes in hydraulic cadillacs listening to NWA ...