Spring FESTIVALS & EVENTS near Tokyo
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Venice Aka
Minakami Area Pass: Your Ticket to Gunma's Natural Wonders
The Minakami Area Pass is very useful when exploring Minakami, nestled in the heart of Gunma Prefecture.
In this article, we will tell you about this Pass, which is a convenient and budget-friendly method to experience Minakami’s Hidden Gems.
What is the Minakami Area Pass?
The Minakami Bus Area Pass is a fantastic ticket designed to make your travels in Minakami (Gunma Prefecture) seamless and enjoyable. The Pass give you 3 consecutive days of unlimited access to designated local bus routes within the Minakami area, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Benefits of the Minakami Area Pass
The Minakami Bus Area Pass offers a range of benefits that elevate your travel experience in Gunma. With this Pass, you can easily hop on and hop off local buses within the designated route, without caring about purchasing individual tickets. It’s cost efficient, time saving, and convenient, especially if you are planning to visit several places in Minakami.
How to Purchase the Minakami Area Pass
The Pass is exclusively for “foreign tourists,” and you must present your passport at the time of purchase at designated tourist information centers. The Minakami Bus Area Pass is valid for 3 consecutive days and is non refundable so make sure you don’t loose it.
Cost per adult: 2,100JYP
Where to Buy The Minakami Area Pass
How to Use the Minakami Area Pass
After purchasing your Minakami Area Pass, you’ll be given a paper base Pass. On your first bus ride you have to show the Pass to the driver, and he will put a mark on it. From there on you only need to show your pass to the driver whenever you ride the bus.
Places to Visit along the Minakami Bus Area Pass Route
Minakami is famous for its picture perfect landscapes and rejuvenating natural hot spring. This hidden gem has so much to offer and we’ve listed some of the must visit places below.
Tanigawadake Ropeway
The Tanigawadake Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Mt. Tanigawadake, one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, which turns into beautiful amber red during Autumn. During winter, you can enjoy various activities like skiing and snowboarding at the Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Skii Resort located at the top of the Ropeway.
To reach Tanigawadake Ropeway from Jomo Kogen Station, take the local bus bound for Tanigawadake Ropeway which is roughly 45 minutes, alight at the last station. And from Minakami Station, take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Ropeway and alight at the Tanigawadake Ropeway station, roughly 20 minutes.
Takaragawa Onsen
Soak in the therapeutic outdoor hot spring baths surrounded by the serene landscape along the Takaragawa River. Some outdoor baths are mixed gender and bathing clothes are provided by the ryokans or hotels in the area.
From Minakami Station, take the local bus bound for Yunokoya Onsen, alight at Takaragawa Onsen Iriguchi bus stop, then walk 20 minutes to Takaragawa Onsen. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes.
Most ryokan hotels in the area have a shuttle bus service from the station, so it might be a good idea to arrange one beforehand if you’re staying in Takaragawa Onsen.
Lake Akaya
Enjoy a relaxing day by the tranquil shores of Lake Akaya, ideal for picnics, a scenic stroll, and water activities like kayaking and SUP.
To reach Lake Akaya from Jomokogen Station, take the bus bound for Sarugakyo and alight at Sarugakyo bus stop.
Minakami Onsen
- Experience the mix of modern and traditional charm of Japanese onsen culture in this popular hot spring town. Whether you prefer staying at huge onsen hotels or simple traditional Japanese inns, Minakami Onsen has it.
- Minakami Onsen is a quick 5-minute bus ride or 16 minute walk from Minakami Station. If you’re coming from Jomokogen Station, take the bus bound for Tanigawadake Ropeway and alight at Minakami Onsen bus stop, travel time is around 14 minutes.
Please click HERE for more information about the Minakami Bus Route.
Final Thoughts
With the Minakami Bus Area Pass in hand, your journey through Gunma becomes an unforgettable adventure. Explore the region’s scenic wonders, immerse yourself in the culture, and savor the natural hot springs – all at your own pace and with remarkable convenience.
To find out more about Minakami why not check out our Minakami town page and an interview we had with their tourism department.
Pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty of Gunma with thi Minakami Bus Area Pass!
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Traveling to Japan in Autumn? Check here for Autumn festivals and events near Tokyo. It’s a great time to see the beautiful autumn leaves and visit interesting cultural events!
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Did you find this article useful?
I hope you enjoyed reading about this hidden gem just north of Tokyo, if you would like to know more about fun things to do and travel ideas, please continue to have a look at our must-see / must do things nearby Tokyo page.
To book unique activities in English, please see the Nearby Tokyo experience page.
Contributor: Venice Aka
Venice’s lives locally and has a passion to make travel videos so she can provide reliable information to travelers visiting Japan. After starting her youtube channel, she’s been continuously sharing about travel, local events, and everyday life in Japan.
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