For a nature-filled trip a short distance from Tokyo, Minakami in Gunma is the perfect place. When visiting Minakami, you are sure to fall in love with the snow-covered mountains, the amazing scenery and warm-hearted residents. The range of activities in Minakami is quite extensive and the following are a few of the things you could expect to do when visiting this beautiful area of Gunma.
Abe Apples
For lunch, I highly recommend going to Abe Apples where you can try delicious selections including apple curry, apple soup and apple pie. Making curry with apples is surprisingly a great idea and I will definitely be doing that from now on. I found the salty and sweet taste addicting. If you visit during the autumn you can buy fresh apples and stroll through the beautiful orchards while you eat.
Dole Land
After your first round of apples you can visit Dole Land, Dole’s fruit-centered amusement center. There, you can pick fruits, cook them and eat them afterwards! In addition to apples, I got to make blueberry jam and a few other fruit centered creations with the staff. I tried the fruit gelatos and Gunma’s own yellow apple, Gunma Megetsu. The fruits and foods here taste simply amazing and have a distinctly different flaor from any other varieties I’ve eaten.
Konnyaku Creation
At the end of the day, I tried my hand at creating konnyaku, a healthy food made from the roots of the plant of the same name. This activity can be found at Takumi no Sato, a small village in Minakami. During the Edo era, Takumi no Sato was part of the Edo-Tokyo road so all the buildings are distinctly Edo style and a pleasure to view. You can also try many Japanese crafts and cooking in the area.
I got the change to work with a very nice and energetic woman who taught me how to make the Konnyaku. We had a great time making different shapes and forms with the konnyaku. If you want to experience making traditional Japanese food this is an excellent experience. Of course after creating there is the chance to eat! Konnyaku is very healthy and so tasty, especially when freshly cooked.
General Information
Minakami is around an hour from Tokyo on the MAX Taniwa 311 Shinkansen. There are a few stations in the area including Minakami and Jomokogen station. I recommend renting a bicycle there because it is a great area for fresh air and there are many hidden places to experience.
