Minakami Town

Index

Highlights of Minakami Town

Minakami Town in Gunma offers a captivating urban escape just an hour from Tokyo.

It is known for stunning landscapes and thrilling activities. Many visitors visit to enjoy canyoning & rafting in the summer, skiing & snowboarding in the winter, or hiking during the picturesque spring and autumn.

Boasting 18 hot spring sources, Minakami Onsen is also a well-known hot spring destination that can provide the perfect relaxation at the end of the day. And when it’s time to rest, you can chill out in one of Minakami’s ryokans, from charming budget-friendly options to luxurious retreats.

Cultural activities are also popular. For example, at Takumi no Sato, visitors can try making traditional washi paper or painting Japanese masks.

Traveling from Tokyo to Minakami is easy! Hop on the Joetsu Shinkansen for a quick train ride to Jomokogen station (around 1 hr), or drive from Tokyo by car (about 2 hrs and 30 mi).

Why not visit Minakami Town to recharge yourself in nature, explore local culture, and enjoy Japan?

A Photo of mountain flower taken during a hike in Minakami Town

Gunma Minakami Town sakura and snowy mountain

Gunma Minakami Town bunjee jumping activity

Gunma Minakami Town canoeing activity in autumn

Gunma Minakami Town ropeway ride activity in autumn

Gunma Minakami Town Takaragawa outdoor onsen in autumn (Gunma Prefecture)

nearby-tokyo-minakami-town-hiking-mt-tanigawa-from-minakaimi-town-01-600px

Gunma Minakami Town snowboarding activity in winter

Gunma Minakami Town airboarding activity in winter

Takaragawa onsen in the snow during winter

Gunma Minakami Town local beer (Gunma Pref)

Access

From Tokyo

From Airports

Haneda Intl. Airport

Narita Intl. Airport

Main Stations

Videos of Minakami Town

Sakura and snow mountains

Minakami Spring & Summer

Minakami Autumn

Minakami winter with family

Things to DO in Minakami Town

Winter Sports

Minakami is a snowy paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing and snowboarding have long been favorites for all skill levels. Air boarding, an exciting new trend where you can enjoy sliding down slopes on inflatable sleds, is also popular.

Summer Activities

Visit Minakami for a exciting Japanese summer! Raft through exhilarating rapids, glide down natural waterslides and take a daring leap with bungee jumping—all amidst the beautiful Japanese countryside in Gunma Prefecture.

Hot springs

Minakami is a haven for relaxation-seekers, with 18 different onsen sources, like the popular Sarugakyo Onsen, Takaragawa Onsen, Minakami Onsen, and Tanigawa Onsen. Immerse in these mineral-rich hot springs to unwind your body and mind.

Hiking

From light walks to challenging adventures, Minakami (registered as a UNESCO Eco Park) has hiking trails for all levels. Explore renowned locations like Tanigawa-dake, Lake Akayako, Ichinokurasawa, Tenjin Pass, and Suwakyo.

Crafts

You can learn many creative traditions at Takumi-no-sato in Minakami. Learn washi paper making, paint Japanese masks, try indigo dyeing and more. Take home beautiful handmade mementos and wonderful memories.

Max Minakami

We have guides from Australia and New Zealand as well as Nepalese guides who can provide outdoor tours in English.

Learn more about places to visit in Minakami

Things to do in Minakami
- A chat with Minakami city tourism

Learn more about Minakami from a chat we had with locals (the city's tourism office).

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Interview

Minakami Pass
- How to save money when visiting Minakami -

Find out about the Minakami Pass that helps visitors save money on transportation.

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Save Money

EATING in Minakami Town

Japanese Food

Minakami boasts various Japanese restaurants, with Soba being a standout favorite. Explore a diverse range of tastes, including Japanese curry and comforting ramen and more.

Western Food

There are several local family run cafes and restaurants offering dishes such as Pizzas, Pastas, Sandwiches, Beef stew and European style dishes.

Craft Beer

The region’s pristine water makes it ideal for brewing beer. Sip on Oct One Brewing and Tsukiyono Craft Beer’s AIBA2021 award-winning brews popular with locals and visitors.

Places to STAY in Minakami Town

Hotels (Western style)

From budget-friendly to luxurious, there are many Western-style hotels in Minakami. Enjoy modern amenities, prime locations, and a perfect blend of local hospitality with a Western touch.

Japanese style

As a beloved onsen town, Minakami offers an array of Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), providing an authentic and immersive experience.

Holiday rental & Camp Sites

There are a few Campsites and Gramping sites as well as Airbnbs in Minakami.

Yado Kanzan (Ryokan)

Indulge in Japanese hospitality in this cosy luxurious family-run ryokan with private onsen (hot spring) and direct views of beautiful Mount Tanigawa. Experience delicious Kaiseki cuisine, and learn about shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) while listening to live demonstrations.