Minakami

Looking for relaxation, adrenaline-pumping sports, and natural beauty? Minakami has it all! Minakami is a town situated in northern Gunma that is home to ski resorts, onsens, mountainous terrain, forests, and rivers, all of which contribute to its adventurous atmosphere. Mount Tanigawa, on the border of Gunma, has the highest peak in the Tanigawa mountain range and offers spectacular views from its summit in all seasons. Enjoy a casual hike in the lush environment, or if you are a more seasoned hiker, tackle the slopes with mountain climbing. A relaxing and scenic way to ascend to Mount Tanigawa’s summit is via the Tanigawadake Ropeway, which provides aerial views of the surrounding wilderness during its 15-minute ride.

During winter, Mount Tanigawa becomes blanketed in deep, powdery snow and boasts one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, which sometimes lasts from mid-November to May. Apart from Mount Tanigawa, numerous snow resorts open up throughout Minakami. For a thrilling wintertime adventure, try skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing at one of these renowned resorts.

As winter gives way to spring, Mount Tanigawa’s melting snow feeds into the Tone River, creating perfect conditions for water sports. Simultaneously cool off from the summer sun and break a sweat by whitewater rafting, canyoning, and kayaking in the rushing waters. For additional thrills, try bungee jumping off of Suwakyo Bridge, which is a fall of about 42 meters over the Tone River! Another fun way to explore Minakami’s countryside is mountain biking. Minakami offers activities for all skill levels, so everyone can create personalized adventures at their own pace.

Apart from its outdoor activities, Minakami also offers leisurely and culturally immersive experiences. Visit the quaint arts and crafts village, Takumi no Sato, to shop for traditional Japanese crafts and try your hand at creating your own! Try soba making, bamboo weaving, painting, and more against the pleasant scenery of rice fields and apple orchards. For historic exploration, step into the past at the Tobe House, which is a restored farmhouse and important cultural property of Minakami, to learn about residents’ daily lives during the Edo Period. Then, visit the nearby Minakami History Museum to observe clothes, farming tools, and other artifacts from the prefecture’s past.

After a day of adventuring, be sure to unwind at one of the Minakami’s renowned onsens. The prefecture is home to dozens of diverse hot spring spots including large hotel complexes and rustic ryokans. Relax at centrally located Minakami Onsen for a hotel-styled experience with modern day comforts, or visit Takaragawa Onsen or Hoshi Onsen for a more secluded stay surrounded by serene mountains. Although Minakami is a popular daycation for Toyoites, why not stay overnight for a true hot spring experience?

Getting to Minakami

Tokyo to Minakami

Minakami is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway!

Travel by shinkansen: Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Jomo Kogen Station (70 minutes), which is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Then transfer to a bus to reach Minakami Station (25 minutes).

Travel by local train: Take the JR Takasaki Line from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station (2 hours), and then transfer to the JR Joetsu Line to reach Minakami Station (1 hour).