How do I get to Minakami?

Minakami can be accessed by train, bus, or car. The most common route is taking the Joetsu Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Jomo-Kogen Station, which takes about 70 minutes. From Jomo-Kogen Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach various parts of Minakami.

What are the best times to visit Minakami?

Minakami offers different attractions throughout the year. For winter sports enthusiasts, the best time to visit is from December to March when the area is covered in snow. Spring (April to June) is ideal for enjoying the lush greenery and cherry blossoms. Summer (July to September) is perfect for water activities like rafting, while autumn (October to November) offers breathtaking views of fall foliage.

Are there any famous hot springs in Minakami?

Yes, Minakami is home to several famous hot springs (onsen). Takaragawa Onsen is one of the most renowned, known for its large outdoor baths alongside the Takaragawa River, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. Another popular onsen is Tsurutsuru Onsen, famed for its beautifying skin properties.

What outdoor activities can I do in Minakami?

Depending on the season, Minakami offers various outdoor activities. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular at its ski resorts. Spring and summer are ideal for white-water rafting, canyoning, and kayaking in its rivers. Hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are great ways to explore the area’s natural beauty during the warmer months.

What are some must-try foods in Minakami?

Minakami is known for its local cuisine, which includes soba noodles, river fish dishes like char-grilled ayu (sweetfish), and yuba (tofu skin) dishes. Many restaurants and ryokans in Minakami serve these local specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minakami

Last updated Jul 24, 2026

Minakami is a mountain town in northern Gunma Prefecture, spread along the upper Tone River valley below Mount Tanigawa. It is the Kanto region's outdoor playground, a former quiet onsen resort that reinvented its economy around whitewater and snow, and its gorges and ridgelines feel wilder than the map suggests.

Snowmelt turns the Tone into rafting and canyoning water each spring, and Mount Tanigawa offers a ropeway for walkers and serious ridgelines for alpinists. The town's eighteen hot spring areas include Takaragawa Onsen, whose vast riverside open-air baths appear on onsen posters everywhere.

Winter keeps several local ski hills busy, and trainspotters detour to Doai, Japan's deepest underground station. The Joetsu Shinkansen stops at Jomo-Kogen nearby, so Minakami works as an overnight adventure stop from Tokyo. Autumn wraps the gorges in color, the calmest season to soak.

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