Minakami: Hidden Mountain Getaway from Tokyo

Escape the city and discover Minakami, a tranquil hot spring destination in the Kanto region with 18 hot springs, including the world-renowned Takaragawa Onsen. Relax in open-air baths, surrounded by the sounds of nature and stunning scenery. For outdoor enthusiasts, Minakami offers thrilling activities like canyoning and hot spring tours.

Minakami, nestled in the scenic mountains of Gunma Prefecture, is a haven for thrill-seekers throughout the year. In the winter, it transforms into a snowy paradise, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its renowned slopes. As the snow melts, the region becomes a hotspot for white-water rafting and canyoning, offering adrenaline-pumping adventures on the Tone River. Hikers and nature enthusiasts flock to its trails, exploring lush forests and breathtaking vistas. The autumn foliage adds a vibrant backdrop to activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Whether you're scaling peaks, navigating rapids, or simply soaking in the hot springs after a day of adventure, Minakami provides a dynamic and exhilarating playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hot Springs

Day Use Hot Springs

In Minakami, several hot spring hotels offer day use of their facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the rejuvenating waters without staying overnight. Some notable options include:

1. Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku:

   • Renowned for its large outdoor baths set along the river, this onsen is a popular choice for day-trippers seeking a scenic and relaxing soak.
   • Website: Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku

2. Tanigawa Onsen Ryokan Tanigawadake Tenjindaira:

   • Offers day-use hot spring facilities with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Tanigawadake, a renowned snow sports destination.
   • Website: Tanigawa Onsen Ryokan Tanigawadake Tenjindaira

3. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan:

   • A historical ryokan with a stunning indoor bath made of wood, perfect for a day visit.
   • Website: Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

4. Minakami Kogen Hotel 200:

   • This hotel offers a variety of hot spring baths, including outdoor options with spectacular views of the mountains.
   • Website: Minakami Kogen Hotel 200

5. Sarugakyo Hotel:

   • Known for its therapeutic waters, Sarugakyo Hotel offers day-use facilities for visitors looking to unwind.
   • Website: Sarugakyo Hotel

Notable Hot Spring Ryokan and Hotels

1. Kamimoku Onsen Fuwa no Yu
2. Tanigawadake Onsen Yubuki no Yu
3. Tsukiyono Onsen Mitsumine no Yu
4. Fureai Koryukan
5. Suzumori no Yu
6. Yuterume Tanigawa
7. Mantenboshi no Yu
8. Okudaira Onsen Yujinkan
9. Takaragawa Onsen Takaragawa Sanso
10. Private Flowing Hot Spring Yu

Activities & Sightseeing

Minakami has Something to Offer for Every Season

Spring in Minakami is a spectacle of cherry blossoms and daffodil blooms, celebrated at the Norn Minakami Flower Garden Daffodil Festival from mid-April to mid-May. The SL Gunma Minakami steam locomotives, operating from late March to early December, offer a nostalgic journey through picturesque landscapes. The town's three large dams conduct annual inspection discharges in May, creating a unique spring spectacle.

Summer brings the enchanting sight of fireflies at Tsukiyono Hotaru no Sato from mid-June to mid-July. Celebrate Tanigawadake Day on July 2nd with early morning ropeway rides and traditional festivities. The Minakami Onsen Oide Festival in early September features lively dances and parades. Enjoy the Akaya Lake Fireworks Festival in late August, where fireworks illuminate the night sky and reflect off the lake.

In autumn, Minakami transforms with vibrant foliage, best seen from Mt. Tanigawadake. The Horaku Matsuri in Takumi no Sato celebrates the harvest with a parade of the Ookarasu Tengu Mikoshi. The Straw Art Festival, from November to December, showcases local creativity amidst stunning fall colors. Experience moon-viewing at Gakurinji Temple during the Shigetsukai in mid-September.

Winter offers the Ichinokurasawa Snowshoe Tour from January to March, where guided treks reveal snow-covered forests and wildlife tracks. Minakami’s fresh air, rich cultural heritage, and year-round activities make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Outdoor Spots

• Teruyakyo Gorge
• Fujiwara Lake
• Oku-Tone Forest
• Mt. Omine
• Shiobara Tasuke Memorial Park
• Doogen Lake
• Nagurumi Castle Ruins
• Kenshin’s Reversed Sakura Tree
• Yase Ruins
• Mt. Tanigawa Ichinokurasawa
• Suwakyo Gorge
• Tanigawa Ropeway
• Urami Falls
• Oku-Tone Lake
• Aimata Dam
• Clear Stream Park
• Akaya Lake
• Oze
• Iga no Flower Field
• Mt. Mikuni
• Minakami Stone Age Dwelling Ruins
• Yagisawa Dam
• Narimata Lake
• Narimata Dam
• Fujiwara Dam
• Mt. Tanigawa
• Ogawa Castle Ruins

Sports & Outdoor Activities

• SUP: Stand-up paddleboarding on the water.
• Tree Trekking: Climbing trees with harnesses.
• Rafting: Group activity on rubber boats.
• Packrafting: Portable boat for river descent.
• Lake Canoeing/Kayaking: Exploring nature by canoe/kayak.
• Canyoning: Descending canyons and waterfalls.
• Ducky: Small inflatable boat activity.
• Hydrospeed: Bodyboarding down rivers.
• Paragliding: Flying with a parachute-like glider.
• Shower Climbing: Climbing streams and waterfalls.
• Buggy Riding: Off-road four-wheel driving.
• Cycling: Various unique bicycles.
• Mountain Biking: Riding through rugged terrain.
• Hiking/Trekking: Exploring mountains and trails.
• Camping: Outdoor life in nature.
• Treeing: Climbing trees with harnesses.
• Horse Riding (Summer): Riding horses in nature.
• Bungee Jumping: Jumping off high platforms.
• Golf: Playing golf in fresh air.
• BBQ: Outdoor barbecuing.
• Skiing/Snowboarding: Activities at eight ski resorts.
• Snowshoeing: Trekking in the snow with snowshoes.
• Backcountry Skiing: Skiing off the beaten path.
• Ski/Snowboard Lessons: Learning skiing/snowboarding.
• Nature Skiing: Cross-country skiing.
• Snowmobiling: Riding motorized snow vehicles.
• Airboarding: Sliding on inflatable boards.
• Horse Riding (Winter): Winter horse riding.
• Dog Sledding: Sledding with dogs.

Sightseeing

• Doai Station
• Sanjuin Temple
• Sanpouzan Tamizumi Temple
• Tanigawa Mountain Information Center
• Samine Shrine
• Sugawa Inn Museum
• Sarugakyo Barrier
• Norn Minakami Flower Garden
• Tenichi Art Museum
• Former Tobe House
• Yosano Akiko Monument Park
• Tanigawa Mountain Archive
• Nagai Inn Museum
• Folktale and Kamishibai House
• Tsukiyono Local History Museum
• Mozaemon Jizo Statue and Sen-nichido Hall
• Lifestyle Tools and Folk House of Joshu Fujiwara
• Oku-Tone Folk Museum
• Gakurinji Temple

Access

1. By Train:

   • Shinkansen: Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jomo-Kogen Station. This journey takes approximately 70-80 minutes.
   • Local Train: From Jomo-Kogen Station, transfer to the JR Joetsu Line and travel to Minakami Station. The local train ride takes about 20 minutes.

2. By Car:

   • Drive from Tokyo via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, heading towards Gunma Prefecture. The journey by car takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

3. By Bus:

   • Take a highway bus from Tokyo (such as the one from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) to Minakami. This option typically takes around 3 hours.

For exact schedules and ticket prices, check our web app.