Minakami is a traditional hot spring town located in the most Northern area of Kanto in Gunma Prefecture. The town covers a large area (780 km²) with 2 national parks, and some of Japans’ most iconic mountains.

Just 72 minutes from Central Tokyo by bullet train, the town is popular with the domestic market, so typically busy on weekends and public holidays but empty on weekdays.

There are 9 ski resorts, mostly small to mid sized, with a range of terrain and many off-piste options. The most famous backcountry resort, Tenjindaira, consistently ranks in the top 5 in Japan for snow depth and has some of the best BIG mountain terrain in Japan.

There are over 150 accommodations in town ranging from 2 star B&B to 5 star Japanese Inns (Ryokan). There are also 4 large western style hotels.

The center of town is home to a variety of restaurants and Japanese style bars. Sushi, ramen, izakaya, shabu shabu, yakitori, italian, french, burgers and more.

Winter Promo Video

Takaragawa Onsen

The largest outdoor hot spring in Japan. Incredible Japanese architecture in a pristine mountain river valley setting.

Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Phone: +81 278-75-2614
Fee: Adults JPY 1,500 Children JPY 1,000
Rental Bath Towel: JPY 100

Takumi-no-Sato

A traditional Japanese village with variety of traditional Japanese craft making experience shops and restaurants.

Business Hours: 9 am - 5 pm Phone: +81 278-64-2210
Soba Making: from JPY 1,000
Traditional Mask Making: from JPY 1,000
Ceramic Arts Experience JPY 3,600 + shipping
Japanese Paper (Washi) Experience And much more...

Access

Minakami can be accessed from Tokyo in under 70mins by train or around 2 hours by bus/car. It is the closest real mountain resort to the Tokyo area.