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

#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.

#0yentravel The Joetsu Line is a JR main line that connects Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture and Miyauchi in Niigata Prefecture. It opened as an important railway line connecting the Kanto region and Echigo, and is still one of the main arteries supporting logistics and regional transportation. In the section that crosses the Joetsu border, the train runs along steep mountains and clear streams, and travelers are greeted by natural scenery that changes with the seasons. In the past, express trains ran frequently, but now it has become a quiet line, with local trains and rapid trains that connect to the Shinkansen mainly. You can enjoy a leisurely journey along the long road where history and nature intersect.

#0yentravel "Doai Station" on the JR Joetsu Line in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture is a unique station known as "Japan's No. 1 Mole Station". As its name suggests, the outbound platform is located in the Shin-Shimizu Tunnel, about 70 meters underground, and it takes about 10 minutes to descend 486 steps from the ticket gate to the platform. There are no elevators or escalators, so you can enjoy an experience that feels like an underground adventure.   A sign reading "Welcome to Japan's No. 1 Mole Station, Doai" is posted on the station building to welcome visitors. The walls of the waiting room on the underground platform are covered with messages left by visitors, engraved with memories of their travels. It is an unmanned station and IC cards cannot be used, but there is a boarding certificate issuing machine. 

・Access Tokyo Station → Joetsu Shinkansen "Jomo-Kogen" about 70 minutes → Take a 25-minute bus to "Minakami Station" → Take the JR Joetsu Line to "Doai" and get off at "Toge", then walk 0 minutes from the station to check in. 🚃 By car, take the Kanetsu Expressway "Minakami IC" and take National Route 291 for about 30 minutes. Studless tires or chains are required in winter. ・Attractions/Points unique to winter 🧖 Finnish sauna on the snow The highlight is the extreme hot and cold alternating bath, where you can enjoy a high-temperature loyly in a sauna exclusively for guests → dive into the fluffy powder snow for an open-air bath. 🏠 Fully insulated guest rooms The inside of the permanent rooms, called instant houses, are warm and glamping-style. Even outdoor beginners can spend time here without any difficulty. 🚉Exploring Japan's deepest "mole station" When you go down 70 meters underground and 486 steps to the down platform, you'll feel like a mole. A mysterious tunnel space. This glamping facility was even chosen as the number one predicted hit unmanned station glamping spot by Nikkei Trendy! #0yentravel glamping domestic travel

The other day, I climbed Mt. Tanigawa, a famous peak in Gunma Prefecture! The mountain trail is surrounded by rich nature, and the air is clear, making it very pleasant. The mountain shows different faces with each season, and this time the view from the summit was particularly amazing, and I was impressed by the spectacular view that extended to the distant mountains. The hiking trail has routes that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced climbers alike, and the appeal is that you can climb at your own pace. I felt as if I was one with nature, soothed by the trees, flowers, and sounds of the stream along the way. The sense of accomplishment and exhilaration when I reached the peak was exceptional! It was a wonderful day that invigorated my mind and body, allowing me to fully experience the joys of mountain climbing. #Spring0yenTrip

A 10-minute train ride from Minakami Station in northern Gunma Prefecture, the first thing that overwhelmed me when I arrived at Doai Station was its depth, which has earned it the nickname "Japan's No. 1 Mole Station"! It's an extraordinary experience to climb 462 steps to the ticket gate, and it feels like you've wandered into an underground dungeon. The station is enveloped in silence and cool air, making it a true "unexplored region." When I emerged above ground, the vast nature of Mt. Tanigawa spread out before me, and the quiet yet powerful scenery was a refreshing cleansing sight. It's an unforgettable place that gives you a little sense of adventure. There are very few trains, so be careful when you go! #Spring0yenTrip

✨Hotel Highlights: A ryokan-style hotel just 1 hour away from Tokyo. ♨️Amenities: The hotel provides kimonos, snow boots, and onsen robes. 🛁Accommodation: The rooms are clean and reasonably priced. 🍽️Breakfast: Breakfast is served as a set meal, and dinner is also available. 🛎️Hotel Service: There are two shuttle services from the train station, which can be booked with the hotel. The first at 1:00 PM and the second at 3:00 PM. 💗Satisfaction: Very impressed, especially during winter with some snowfall. The onsen experience was very relaxing, and the accommodation is authentically Japanese. 💰Average Price per Person: 3,300 / person / night

Minakami Onsen is a popular hot spring destination easily accessible from the city center. Surrounded by nature, this hot spring area offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons and soothing waters that are gentle on the skin. This time, we will introduce a guide to enjoying a 2-day trip to Minakami Onsen from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and our experience staying at the popular inn 'MICASA'. Access from Tokyo to Minakami Onsen It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Jomo-Kogen Station by Joetsu Shinkansen. From there, it's about a 20-minute bus or taxi ride to Minakami Onsen. The short travel time makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or a relaxing short trip. Recommended ways to spend time at Minakami Onsen Minakami Onsen offers a variety of activities to enjoy nature, as well as many other ways to have fun besides the hot springs. Strolling around the hot spring town: The hot spring town is lined with long-established inns, foot baths, and shops where you can taste local specialties such as soba and manju, making it perfect for a food walk. Suwakyo Promenade: A promenade near the hot spring town where you can enjoy a walk while gazing at the clear stream of the Tone River. It is especially recommended during the autumn foliage season and the fresh green season. Tanigawadake Ropeway: About a 15-minute drive from Minakami Onsen. You can enjoy a panoramic view at an altitude of over 1,500 meters, and even beginners can easily enjoy the spectacular view. The charm of staying at 'MICASA' This time we stayed at the popular inn 'MICASA' in Minakami Onsen. It is a relaxing inn with a fusion of a calm Japanese atmosphere and modern design. Private hot spring baths with free-flowing spring water: MICASA has private baths where you can enjoy the hot springs in a private space. You can relax and unwind at your own pace. Japanese-modern guest rooms: The guest rooms retain a Japanese touch while being equipped with comfortable facilities, providing a relaxing space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Gourmet food using local ingredients: For dinner, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine using plenty of ingredients from Gunma Prefecture, and the healthy and delicious breakfast is also highly rated. 2-day model plan Day 1 10:00 Depart from Tokyo Station → Jomo-Kogen Station → Transfer to Minakami Onsen 12:00 Lunch (Enjoy local soba and specialty dishes) 13:30 Stroll and enjoy the spectacular view at Suwakyo Promenade 15:00 Check-in at MICASA & relax in the hot springs 18:30 Dinner (Luxurious Japanese cuisine using local ingredients) 21:00 Ultimate relaxation time in the private bath Day 2 07:30 Breakfast (Gentle breakfast at the hot spring inn) 09:00 Enjoy the spectacular view from the Tanigawadake Ropeway 11:30 Stroll around the hot spring town & buy souvenirs 13:00 Depart from Minakami Onsen → Jomo-Kogen Station → Return to Tokyo Station Summary: A relaxing hot spring trip easily accessible from the city center Minakami Onsen is attractive because it is easily accessible from Tokyo in about 2 hours by Shinkansen, allowing you to enjoy nature and hot springs easily. The inn 'MICASA' we stayed at this time is attractive with its Japanese-modern atmosphere and private baths with free-flowing spring water, making the 2-day hot spring trip even more special. Why not plan a trip to Minakami Onsen to refresh your mind and body on weekends or holidays?