2025 Minakami Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#Hot spring #100 ways to travel 🌳 Still in Gunma Prefecture, in the Tohoku region, there are many famous hot springs here. One of them cannot be missed... "Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku" is only 100 kilometers from Tokyo. It feels like traveling to Pattaya. 😀 🍂 There are many reviews because it is beautiful, the atmosphere is good, the hot springs naturally emerge, and are flanked by waterfalls in the middle of the forest. Imagine soaking in an onsen in the middle of the forest and hearing the sound of waterfalls flowing all the time. Especially during the fall foliage season, this place should be a destination that everyone must travel to relax and watch the leaves change color in the middle of the forest and relax in this natural hot spring. 🧊 In addition, the hot springs here are outstanding in terms of healing and healing illnesses.

#AutumnTravel #100TravelTips 🍁 If you want to see the changing leaves in autumn, there are actually many places, but I would like to recommend "Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku". 🍂 "Takaragawa onsen" is very famous in the Gunma area. The highlight and impression started before traveling to the famous ryokan, which required taking a hotel van through the forest and natural trees. We will see that every mountain surrounding us has natural colors, from yellow, light green, orange, red, in many forms. When we arrived at the resort, we found a large outdoor onsen pool, located alongside a natural stream. While soaking, we will be surrounded by leaves of various colors, falling into the water slowly and slowly. 🍂 I have traveled to Japan many times, but this is the place that comes to mind for a complete autumn season.

Introducing the very popular "San'udo Minakami", a traditional Japanese restaurant that is sure to sell out!! "San'udo Obanzai Zen" is full of seasonal vegetable side dishes 𓌉𓇋 🤍 ̖́- They're all so delicious you won't know which one to start with·͜·ᰔᩚ"Momiji Masu Pickled Rice The handmade soba set was also delicious 😋 The signboard cat "Natsu-chan" is elusive 🐈 If you're lucky, he'll roll around at your seat 🤎 -----------------------------➸Tips︎︎︎︎︎︎☑︎There's a line before the store opens, so if there's a menu you're looking for, go early ︎︎︎︎︎︎☑︎Pork rice is the soul food of Gunma Prefecture ︎︎︎︎︎︎☑︎The sweets pudding and fried manju are excellent and can be taken out ︎︎︎︎︎︎☑︎The owner makes them all by himself, so make sure you have plenty of time ︎︎︎︎︎︎︎☑︎You can drive about 30 minutes to Gunma's famous hot spring "Minakami Onsen" -----------------------------➸Recommended spots📍Yamamedo Minakami ✤Address: 781-2 Sugawara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture✤Access: There is a free town-run cafe diagonally in front of the shop in Takumi no Sato✤Cost: Up to 2,000 yen✤Recommended points: Cat lovers, gather here! Natsu-chan will soothe you in front of the stove♡⚠Caution: As it is run by a married couple, no groups are allowed-----------------------------#Food diary #trip #solo trip #Gunma #Gunma trip #Gunma sightseeing #Japanese food #Kanto sightseeing #trip with me

Aratashi Minakami is a hot spring inn that opened in November 2022. All rooms have a balcony with a river view and an open-air hot spring bath, making it extremely comfortable. Dinner is a slightly course-style meal that is visually beautiful and can be enjoyed in a casual manner. For breakfast, you can choose between Japanese and Western food, and both are very filling. The large bath has a sauna where you can enjoy auto-loyly in the women's bath. It was a simple and clean inn with delicious food, and I was very satisfied. [Aratashi Minakami] Address: 740-3 Yubara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture Telephone number: 0278-25-9100 #Domestic travel #Hot spring #Hot spring trip #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing #Minakami town #Minakami hot spring

tas + minakami glamping park ando cafe A cafe located in front of Doai Station that opened in December 2022. It is attached to a glamping site. The dried flowers on the interior are irresistibly cute! The menu is so voluminous that even men will be satisfied! Recommended for girls' trips, couples, families, and all kinds of people. The terrace seats were also great, as you could relax while watching the sound and scenery of the flowing river. [tas + minakami glamping park ando cafe] Address: 218-20 Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture Phone number: 080-2659-9189 #Domestic travel #Gunma #Gunma sightseeing #Gunma trip #Minakami town #Minakami hot springs #cafe

In a hidden area of ​​Gunma, the "hot spring kingdom," we found an inn where you can enjoy great hot springs, spectacular views, and delicious food at a good price! The inn is called "Mikagami Sanso" in Tanigawa Onsen, a hot spring resort in Minakami. ✅All rooms have a spectacular view of Mt. Tanigawa ✅The view from the open-air bath is also spectacular ✅Delicious meals that let you enjoy the bounty of Gunma ✅From 10,000 yen per person! #Open-air bath in guest room #Hot spring inn #Resort hotel #Cost-effective hotel #Luxury hotel

#Snowscape This is Norn Ski Resort in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture. It's a small ski resort with about three courses, but it was crowded. I think this is a ski resort suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers to practice. There is also Minakami Onsen nearby, so it's a good place to warm up and soothe your fatigue after skiing and snowboarding. The beautiful snowscape from the summit is recommended.

Nice place to spend winter vacation.thers a open hot spring ang lots of winter activities.good place for skiing

Address: Atmosphere/Facilities: - A hidden hot spring deep in the mountains - You can feel the atmosphere of the Meiji era Recommended points: ✔ A quaint building that has been around since the Meiji era... A historic building that is also registered as a nationally designated tangible cultural property. It is made of fine wood and each pillar is very impressive. Many literary figures have stayed here, including the room where Masaoka Shiki stayed. ✔ Pleasant water that is not too hot... There are three baths at Hoshi Onsen, which is said to have been discovered by Kobo Daishi. The most famous of these, Hoshi no Yu, is 43 degrees, which is not too hot and is pleasant to drink. ✔ Luxurious meals... Dinner was a hot pot made with Joshu beef. There was a wide variety of dishes, and it was delicious with local rice that can only be eaten here. Average price: Around 15,000 yen Rating: ★★★★☆ #wintertrip #hotspring #gourmetfood #societytoprotecthiddenhotsprings #hiddenhotsprings

Minakami Onsen♨️⛰ Keisetsu no Yado Shobun 🚄Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station, approx. 50 minutes 🚃JR Joetsu Line Takasaki Station to Minakami Station, approx. 1 hour 10 minutes 🚌Free shuttle bus, approx. 15 minutes ※Reservation required by the day before! or Kanetsu Kotsu Minakami Station to Keizuka, approx. 10 minutes I've been wanting to go for ages and finally got to go!! !!! !!! I regret not taking more photos😂 Anyway, everything was so good I'll definitely go back!! ! ! ----- ✔️Recommended points ⚫︎The atmosphere of the rooms and the building is Japanese modern and stylish! ⚫︎Free unlimited use of private baths♨️ ⚫︎The food is delicious! It seems good for your health too! ⚫︎Free drinks and alcohol are available at the rest area! 　※Time limit applies ✔️Points to note ⚫︎There is no large public bath, only private baths. 　※There are rooms with open-air baths, and the private baths have washing areas, so it's not a problem at all! ⚫︎Many transfers make it difficult to access. 　※There are times when you can't go directly from Takasaki to Minakami Station and need to transfer. ⚫︎Because it's rich in nature, there are a lot of insects. 　※You can see a lot of rare insects, such as leaf-like insects 🐛 ⚫︎Prices are a little high. Prices start from about 25,000 yen per person per night, and on weekends they can easily exceed 30,000 yen... ------ The corn rice, herbal hotpot, and salt-grilled sweetfish were delicious!!!! Everything was so delicious that I was full, but I didn't feel any stomach discomfort at all 👀 They gave me rice balls 🍙 for dinner, and even the rice balls were delicious. (Sorry for my poor vocabulary) #hotspring #hotspringtrip #Minakamionsen #Gunma #deliciousfood #accommodationreport

Gunma Minakami Onsen Mizukamikan ♨️ ⁡ Dinner was served at the venue, and probably as a plan perk, alcohol and soft drinks were all-you-can-drink🍷 Except for local sake and beer, whiskey, sours, wine, and soft drinks were all-you-can-drink, and I made and drank a ginger highball!!! ⁡ The miso-grilled beef, sashimi🐟, beef stew, and freshly cooked rice were very delicious😇 ⁡ For around 10,000 yen per person, there are many buffet meals, but I was very satisfied to be able to eat a dish that was prepared from the beginning and came later as a kaiseki meal?!!! ⁡ There was a wide variety of dishes, and I could eat until I was full... I thought it was the best value for money!!! #EastJapan #HotSpring #HotSpringTrip #Gunma #GunmaTourism #MinakamiOnsen

JR Joetsu Line Doai Station is located on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures. Although it is an unmanned station with an average of less than 20 users per day, it is a popular spot among railway enthusiasts as "Japan's No. 1 mole station." It is an underground platform for outbound trains that evokes an extraordinary experience. Please come and visit! ! #Amazing views #Free spots #Japan Genki Project 2021 #Historic sites with a sense of history Amazing views #Travel with children #Travel inspiration

Minakami is a small town not far from Tokyo, and you can use the JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass. This town is famous in winter because it is a ski resort near Tokyo. It is also a small onsen town where you can find public footbaths when you walk there. It is suitable for when you travel during cold weather and want to rest your feet from the fatigue of traveling. The time we went was in mid-October, the end of the rainy season, the beginning of winter. We were very lucky that it did not rain on the day we went. It could be said that it was the only day on the trip that we did not encounter any rain. After we went up to walk and take pictures at Tanigawa-dake Ropeway, we walked down to walk in the town. If it were not the tourist season, the town would be very quiet. Most of the people you would see would be children and the elderly. #skiresorts #abroad #waiting for the day to travel #missing nature #missing the forest and mountains #nature therapy #heart goes to the mountains #Japan

Mt. Tanigawa is popular for its many hiking trails that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced climbers, and for being able to do it as a day trip from the Tokyo metropolitan area. From Mt. Tanigawa, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from both the peaks of Tomano-mimi and Okino-mimi. It is a steep mountain that is counted as one of the three most rocky areas in Japan, so please be careful when climbing. #breathtaking views #autumn leaves #free spots #Japan Genki Project 2021 #amazing nature #breathtaking views #trip with children

Japan has many hot springs scattered throughout the country. Water, heat, trees, natural rocks, and minerals are all excellent elements of healing. Takaragawa Onsen is a high-grade hot spring in Gunma Prefecture. It is located a short distance from Tokyo and takes about 3 hours by car. The hot springs have an old ryokan, Osenkaku, with a view worth millions. Especially during the "autumn leaves" season around November every year, it is full of tourists. The highlight of this hot spring is its true nature. It is the largest outdoor premium hot spring. It is a mixed-gender bath that emphasizes simplicity and nature in every way. It is open-air along the river. You can sit in the hot spring and enjoy the view of the river for as long as you want. In the fall, maple leaves will fall into the hot spring and the river, which is beautiful. But in the winter, there will be pure white snow instead of leaves. It is a view and atmosphere that you will never forget. 😉 It was worth coming here! 👍 Location: Minakami District, Gunma Prefecture #NatureTherapy

[Gunma: Toge] You can use glamping at an unmanned station You can also use Toge Station for day trips There is a cafe inside the station☕️ There are many cafes inside stations But this is probably the only cafe in Japan that was renovated from a former station office🗾 After getting off at Toge Station, also known as Mole Station, and climbing up the 462 steps, you will find a station cafe just before the ticket gate🚉 The ticket counter has been turned into a counter, and there are magazines from 1985 on display, so the interior has been preserved as it was before the station became unmanned😊 #Gunma #unmannedstation #cafe #secretsummerresort #summertrip

[Gunma: Toge] A glamping site using an unmanned station that won first place in Nikkei Trendy 2021 Hit Predictions 🏕 Even before the glamping site was built, the unmanned station was known as the very famous "mole station" and the station is located at the bottom of nearly 500 steps 🚉 There are various plans, but the recommended one is the all-inclusive plan where you can come empty-handed 🍛 In addition to the all-you-can-drink plan, you can enjoy dishes made with delicious local ingredients 🍚 #camping #forestbathing #Gunma #glamping #summertrip

[Minakami, Gunma Prefecture] Octo One Blue Ink is a shop in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, where you can purchase craft beer. You can choose from bottles or taps, and enjoy beer made with carefully selected water and ingredients. Nearby is the foot bath spot Minakami Onsen, where you can also enjoy a beer while soaking your feet in the bath 🍻 #Gunma #Minakami Town #Craft Beer #Hot Springs #A Trip to Enjoy Spring

Yubiso no Yu 147 Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture From JR Joetsu Line Minakami Station, take the Kan'etsu Kotsu Bus bound for Tanigawadake Ropeway for 10 minutes, get off at Yubiso Onsen Town, and walk 628m (8 minutes) from Yubiso Station. The name of the spring is "Yubiso Onsen Tosho no Yu."

Shimagamikyo Bridge There is a suspension bridge at the back of the cemetery, heading towards the Tone River from the Okutone Yukemuri Highway. It is in the Kochi area of ​​Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture, and is not registered on Google Maps. It seems to be under the jurisdiction of the Komatsu Power Plant, and there was a notice posted with the specifications. The bridge is described as a simple span unstiffened suspension bridge, and it was clean and not very old.

The Fourth Minakami Crossing is sandwiched between the bridges between Minakami Station and Yubiso Station. This is a spot where you can get a close-up look at the JR Joetsu Line trains, the Tone River, bridges, and tunnels. The Joetsu Line timetable varies depending on the season, weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so if you're looking to catch a train, it's best to check in advance. The crossing is about 15 minutes from Minakami Station.

1. Doai Station Address: Yubiso-Doai Station, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728 Japan's No. 1 mole station! It takes about 10 minutes to get to the underground platform! Going through the tunnel, you will see a fantastic view...! 2. Doai Sabo Dam Address: Yubiso-Doai Sabo Dam, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728 Just a few minutes walk from Doai Station! It's like a waterfall and very beautiful! 3. Gotoku-san Mizusawa Kannon Address: 214 Mizusawa, Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa-shi, Gunma 377-0103 A temple in Ikaho full of nature! It's very beautiful, with historical buildings and nature blending together!

📝What is it like? This is a specialty drink that was introduced in the summer of 2023 at Marusu Seika, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Yubara, Minakami. It comes in two varieties, matcha milk and brown sugar milk, and is a new type of sweet that involves drinking thick warabi mochi with a straw! You can also choose the hot version on chilly days, and the cold version is perfect for the heat. It is popular with locals and travelers alike, and is also a hot topic among young people on social media. 📌Basic information • Address: 1680-4 Yubara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture  • Business hours: 8:00-18:00 (closes when sold out)  • Closed: Every Tuesday (Wednesday if a national holiday falls on a Tuesday) • Access: 5 minutes by car from Minakami IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway, 25 minutes on foot from JR Minakami Station/right next to the "Shogakkoshita" bus stop  🎯Recommended points • The thick texture of the warabimochi is addictive! • The matcha/brown sugar flavor is an elegant taste that can only be found at a Japanese sweets shop  🏷️Hashtags #Minakami #Marusu Confectionery #Drinkable warabimochi #New sensation sweets #Matcha milk #Brown sugar milk #Hot spring town sweets #Japanese sweets lover #Absolutely free trip

📝What's it like? In December 2024, the old Tanigawadake Ropeway was rebranded as "Tanigawadake Yoch by Hoshino Resorts", a popular tourist spot operated by Hoshino Resorts. Take the ropeway (total length approximately 2,400m) to Tenjin Pass, located about 1,500m above sea level on the middle slope of Tanigawadake. While taking a stroll in the air in a soft gondola, you can enjoy the mountain gourmet "Tanigawadake Bread Gratin" at the observation deck cafe, or take a casual hike on the "Rainbow Walk Road". The spectacular views of the four seasons are attractive, with alpine plants in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. 📌Basic information • Address: 〒379-1728 Gunma Prefecture, Tone-gun, Minakami-machi, Yubiso-Yubukiyama National Forest  • Business hours: • April to November: Weekdays 8:00-17:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 7:00-17:00 • December to March: All days 8:30-16:00 (Open all year round, closed for regular maintenance in April and November)  • Regular holidays: None (may be suspended due to weather or inspection)  • Fees (example): • Ropeway round trip: 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children • Lift round trip: 720 yen for adults, 720 yen for children • Set ticket (ropeway + lift): 3,500 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for children   • Parking: Available (regular cars) Approximately 700 cars, 500 yen per car), EV charging facilities available  • Access: • Approximately 25 minutes by car from Minakami IC on the Kanetsu Expressway • Conveniently take the shuttle bus from JR Joetsu Line Minakami Station and get off at "Tanigawadake Yoho" ◆ Bus tickets include free passes from Jomo Kogen to Yoho  🎯Recommended points • The double single-track automatic circulation gondola is resistant to shaking and allows you to enjoy a comfortable aerial walk. • You can walk on the "Rainbow Walk Road" in sneakers, and enjoy a variety of experiences such as hiking, bicycle rentals, and snowshoes . • You can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons, and it is a spectacular spot that is sure to make your photos look great! . 🏷️Hashtags #TanigawadakeYoho #HoshinoResorts #WalkInTheSky #RainbowWalkRoad #TanigawadakeBreadGratin #MountainGourmet #Hiking #BicycleRental #PlayingInTheSnow #GunmaTrip #Minakami #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

📝What is it like? A Ministry of the Environment and ecotourism promotion center opened in 2021 in the Toge area at the foot of Mt. Tanigawa. In the exhibition room, you can experience flora and fauna, geology, and history through panels, projection mapping, and VR, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of nature and the charm of Mt. Tanigawa. There are rest benches with wood stoves in the hall, and a multipurpose room with guided explanations and a place to learn. It is a perfect facility for gathering information before and after climbing and for a short break. 📌Basic information • Address: Yubukiyamachi, Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture, 379-1728  • Opening hours: • Summer (late May to mid-November): 9:00-16:00 • Winter (mid-November to late May): 10:00-15:00 (closed on Wednesdays)  • Closed: New Year's holidays and winter weekdays on Wednesdays • Admission fee: Free • Parking: Approximately 200 cars, free. 36 parking spaces available for center users. 24-hour access  • Access: • About 15 minutes walk from JR Doai Station (near Tanigawadake Ropeway Station) • About 25 minutes by car from Minakami IC on the Kanetsu Expressway 📝Recommended points • Fully equipped with the latest facilities for learning while having fun, such as VR and projection mapping • An interpreter (nature guide) guides you through the building, perfect for learning before climbing  • The wood stove in the hall is a great place for a relaxing moment and a rest spot for climbers • You can check out the natural scenery of the surrounding Ichinokurazawa and snowfields, and you will also be guided to the sights of the four seasons 🏷️Hashtags #Tanigawadake #MinakamiTown #Ecotourism #VRExperience #ProjectionMapping #StopBeforeClimbing #Doai #GunmaTourism #NatureAndLearning #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

📝 What kind of place is it? Located along the Tone River, this stylish coffee stand and café offers a cozy atmosphere. Using carefully selected beans from local and Tokyo sources, each cup is meticulously brewed. From espresso-based drinks to drip coffee, the menu is diverse, including coffee cocktails and a variety of sweets. Their signature dish, "Fish & Chips," is also a popular choice. The outdoor terrace seating is pet-friendly, allowing visitors to relax amidst nature. It's a soothing spot not only for travelers and locals but also for those with their beloved dogs. 📌 Basic Information • Address: 963 Yubara, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, MIDORI SOW 1st Floor (along the Tone River) • Business Hours (Warm Season/April–November): 10:00 AM–5:00 PM *Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays Cold Season (December–March): Open only on weekends • Closed Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays (Warm Season), weekends only during the winter season • Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Joetsu Line Minakami Station. About a 5-minute drive from Kanetsu Expressway Minakami IC 📝 Recommended Points • Spacious terrace seating that welcomes dogs, with light meals available for your furry friends • A wide selection of café cocktails, including alcoholic beverages • Perfect location for a riverside stroll and a quick coffee break

📝What's it like? Inuwashi Store, located inside Jomo-Kogen Station, is a small shop with a stylish cafe and local items. It has a wide lineup of famous products from the Minakami area, which is hard to believe it's in a station. There are plenty of cute products that you'll want to pick up! You can also enjoy local coffee and craft beer. I ordered apple juice! 📌Basic information • Address: 1714 Nakayamadaira, Tsukiyono, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture, inside Jomo-Kogen Station (outside the ticket gate) • Business hours: 9:00-17:30 (may vary depending on the season) • Closed: Open every day (according to the facility) • Access: Inside Jomo-Kogen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen (immediately after exiting the ticket gate) 🏷️Hashtags #Jomo-KogenStation #MinakamiTourism #GunmaTrip #JoetsuShinkansen #StationSpots #TravelMemories #JapanTrip #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find a tranquil retreat? Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku, located near Tokyo, is the perfect choice. Situated in Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, at 1899 Fujiwara, it is approximately a two-hour drive from Tokyo Station. Spanning nearly 800 square meters, Takaragawa Onsen boasts traditional Japanese-style architecture seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty, creating a paradise-like atmosphere. The onsen features one indoor bath and four outdoor baths, divided into mixed-gender and women-only areas. The mixed-gender baths include Mahā-no-Yu, Hannya-no-Yu, and Kodakara-no-Yu. Mahā-no-Yu is the largest, operating 24 hours and accommodating up to 100 people. Hannya-no-Yu spans 80 square meters and is also open 24 hours. Kodakara-no-Yu, recently renovated, includes separate changing rooms for men and women and can host up to 200 bathers. The women-only bath, Mayā-no-Yu, features a cypress changing room and remains open year-round. All baths use natural underground spring water without any added water, heating, filtration, or chemicals. After soaking in the onsen, guests can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant "Chikutei," which offers dishes like charcoal-grilled specialties and Joshu beef sukiyaki. Ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring freshness and flavor. However, some visitors have noted that the guest rooms and private bathrooms show signs of wear and could use renovation. To reach Takaragawa Onsen, travelers can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jōmō-Kōgen Station and transfer to a bus, or opt for driving. From Tokyo's Nerima I.C. or Niigata's Nishi-Niigata I.C., it takes about 90 minutes to reach Minakami I.C., followed by a drive along National Route 291 and prefectural roads.