Minakami travel guide and discussion

✨♨️ The Ultimate Snow Forest Onsen! Takaragawa Onsen 🇯🇵❄️ (Stay in a century-old traditional ryokan and soak in riverside outdoor baths for the ultimate classic vibes! 🏔️✨) ♨️ A Legendary Outdoor Onsen in a Snowy Wilderness The legendary highlight here is the massive outdoor hot spring (Rotenburo), nestled in a semi-secluded mountain setting. In winter, as snow blankets the landscape, you can soak in steaming mineral waters while snowflakes drift down and the river rushes beside you. The atmosphere is an easy 100/10—truly a one-of-a-kind experience! ❄️🌊✨ 🛏️ A Century-Old Ryokan for an Authentic Japanese Feel The main building is a stunning, 100-year-old wooden structure perched right by the river, making you feel like you've stepped back in time. Rooms are classically decorated with tatami mats, low tea tables, and cozy futons. There’s even a window-side seating area where you can enjoy private views of the snow and stream. 🍵❄️ 📸 Stunning Photo Spots Throughout the Resort Content creators, get ready—every corner is breathtaking! · The Wooden Bridge: The iconic spot with views of the historic buildings against a backdrop of the river and snowy peaks. 🌉✨ · Riverside Balconies: Capture the contrast between the weathered wood and the pure white snow and rushing water for that classic Japanese aesthetic. 📸 · The Outdoor Onsen: Natural stone baths illuminated by wooden lanterns with a snowy forest backdrop—perfect from every angle. ♨️❄️ 🚗 Easy Access from Tokyo · By Car: Just a little over a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. · By Train: Travel worry-free! The hotel offers a free shuttle service from Minakami Station, making the trip incredibly smooth. 🚌✨ If you're looking for a breathtaking outdoor onsen experience in a snowy forest combined with a stay at a historic ryokan, add Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma to your bucket list! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime must-visit! 💖👍

Hidden deep in the mountains of Minakami, this historic ryokan has been welcoming guests for decades and is famous for its spectacular riverside hot springs surrounded by forests and mountains. Getting here was easier than I expected. From Tokyo, I took the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomo-Kogen Station, which takes a little over an hour. Guests staying overnight can reserve a complimentary shuttle bus from either Jomo-Kogen Station or Minakami Station directly to the ryokan. The staff welcomed us warmly and guided us to our room inside the traditional wooden ryokan building. After checking in, we changed into our yukata and started feeling like we were truly living in Japan rather than simply visiting it. The hotel offers many different yukata colors and patterns for guests to choose from. It sounds like a small detail, but it made the whole experience feel even more special. The room was beautifully traditional with tatami flooring, sliding shoji doors, and a cozy tea corner overlooking the snowy scenery outside. At night, futon beds were prepared directly on the tatami floor. I expected it to be hard, but it was incredibly comfortable and I slept so well. Takaragawa Onsen is famous for its enormous outdoor baths built right next to the river. Some baths are mixed-gender while others are separated for men and women, so guests can choose whichever feels most comfortable. Unlike many people imagine, you don't have to worry about being naked in the mixed baths. The ryokan provides a special bath dress for guests to wear inside the mixed onsen, so the atmosphere feels very relaxed and family-friendly. I visited during winter and it was one of the most magical travel moments I've ever experienced. Snow was falling softly around us while the mountains, trees, and riverbanks turned completely white. The contrast between the freezing air and the steaming hot mineral water was unforgettable. My face felt cold from the snowflakes while my body stayed perfectly warm in the onsen. In the evening, everyone changed back into their yukata and headed to dinner. Sitting in the dining room surrounded by other guests dressed in yukata while enjoying a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal made me feel as if I had somehow travelled back in time. There is also a day-use onsen option available for visitors who don't stay overnight, with admission around 2,000 yen including the bath dress rental. #takaragawaonsen #takaragawa #onsenhotel #japanonsen

GALA Ski Resort & Minakami Onsen Hotel Experience Review This trip was an absolute blast! Combining the thrill of the slopes with ultimate relaxation, enjoying both skiing and hot springs in the winter is simply one of life's greatest pleasures ❄️♨️! We set off from Tokyo and hopped on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen straight to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. A one-way unreserved seat costs about 6,370 yen, while a reserved seat is around 6,900 yen. It's a lightning-fast 73-minute ride, making it perfect for a quick ski or hot spring getaway! If you're an international tourist, I highly recommend grabbing the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (15,000 yen) in advance. It covers your round-trip Shinkansen fare and offers incredible value for money 👍. GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort Pros: The moment you step out of the Shinkansen station, you're directly at the Cowabunga Ski Center. With gear rentals and gondolas right there, the convenience is off the charts! Facilities and snow quality: The powder snow here is insanely good~ A 1-day lift ticket sets you back about 6,500 yen. Tips: Weekends and public holidays are packed. You could easily end up waiting over an hour in line for gear rentals and tickets. To beat the crowds, definitely aim for a weekday morning! Address: 1039-2 Yuzawa, Yuzawa-machi, Minamiuonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture Business hours: December 20, 2025 - May 6, 2026, 08:00-16:30 Minakami Onsen Hotel After hitting the slopes, you can head over to the Minakami Onsen area in Gunma Prefecture—it's got such a chill vibe. This time, we stayed at Minakami Kogen Hotel 200 (6152-1 Fujiwara, Tone District) and Minakami Onsen Shin Minakami (Yuhara 740-3). The setting is absolutely stunning, with the hotels situated right along the Tone River. Taking a dip in the open-air hot spring at night while soaking in the snowy scenery is beyond therapeutic! Some rooms even feature private semi-open-air baths on the balcony, taking the luxury to the next level ⛄️. You can find these hotels on Trip.com. Hotel highlights: · Action-packed activities: Skiing, sledding, and a kids' park—an unbeatable choice for families! · Top-notch dining: A great selection of Japanese Kaiseki multi-course meals or buffets, perfectly paired with local Niigata sake. We couldn't stop eating! · Spacious and spotless rooms: The hot spring facilities are modern and fantastic, and the open-air baths are famous. · Thoughtful and professional service: Shuttle arrangements are smooth and seamless, guaranteeing a comfortable stay! Hotel details: · Minakami Kogen Hotel 200 Address: 6152-1 Fujiwara, Tone District · Minakami Onsen Shin Minakami Address: Yuhara 740-3 Conclusion: The unbeatable convenience of GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort combined with the laid-back pace of Minakami Onsen creates the ultimate winter ski and hot spring getaway! Heading straight home after skiing just isn't enough; you might as well treat yourself to an overnight stay at an onsen hotel for a therapeutic bath before heading back 🥰. If you're interested in playing in the snow and soaking in hot springs in Gunma or Niigata, I sincerely recommend this itinerary. It's the perfect way to check two things off your bucket list at once~

I cannot say this enough…Japan gets so much better once you leave the cities. On our first trip we made the mistake of only visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. After five trips, we finally explored regional Japan, and honestly…Minakami completely stole our hearts. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, national parks and natural hot springs, it feels like a whole different world away from Tokyo. Save this post if you are looking to see a side of Japan most international tourists never get to witness. 📍 MINAKAMI, GUNMA 🚌 How to get there: Take the Joetsu‑Shinkansen from Tokyo to Minakami Station. 65‑75 minutes one‑way, approx ¥5500. Many hotels and ryokans offer free shuttle buses from the station. ⏱ How long to stay: We recommend 2 nights, so you can: ✅ Stay in a traditional ryokan ✅ Soak in natural hot springs ✅ Ride the ropeway ✅ Visit Doai Station ✅ Slow down and experience rural Japan 📍 Easy regional destinations for your first‑time Japan trip: 🔹Tokyo (5 nights) 🔹Nasu (2 nights) 🔹Kyoto (3 nights) 🔹Osaka (2 nights) 🔥 Don’t miss out ♨️ Hot springs Minakami is famous for onsen. Honestly it’s one of Japan’s best spots to experience traditional hot‑spring culture surrounded by nature. 🚡 Ride the Tanigawadake Ropeway (Tanigawadake Jōchō at Starlight Resort) Enjoy sweeping views of the Joshin‑etsu mountain range. In summer you can ride the special botanical gondola. 🏨 Traditional ryokan stays We stayed at quiet riverside ryokan Tatsumikan, and secluded mountain resort Osenkaku, famous for outdoor onsens. (Links in our guide) 🚞 Visit Doai Station One of Japan’s most unique train stations. You walk down 486 steps to reach the underground platform. 🌊 Suwa‑kyo Gorge & Minakami Gorge Some of the most beautiful hiking walks we’ve found in Japan, with suspension bridges and stunning mountain scenery. 🧗 Adventure activities Minakami is known as Japan’s adventure capital. Rafting, canyon tours, kayaking, bungee jumping — they have it all. *Hot‑spring photos taken with special permission. 📌 Save & share for your Japan trip! #minakami #regionaljapan #gunmaprefecture

📍 A luxury hot spring ryokan in Minakami Onsen. It is also a proud member of Relais & Châteaux. [Baths] While there is a large public bath available, for my stay this time I chose a first-floor room that features a private garden. The ambiance of this open-air bath was absolutely stunning✨ [Views] Nestled in a tranquil mountain setting with views of Mount Tanigawa, this breathtaking inn offers private open-air baths in every room. Tucked away in the quiet mountains along the murmuring Tanigawa River, you can hear the soothing sounds of water from the open-air bath, and there's even a stream flowing through the garden. [Dinner] As expected from a Relais & Châteaux property, the dining experience truly delivers. Despite being a landlocked prefecture, I had the pleasure of trying their specialty trout (masu) 🐟 sashimi for the very first time. Over in the separate "Library" building, there's a cozy fireplace where you can freely brew your own coffee and unwind. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I'll be sharing all about the breakfast! 🍚

Looking for a place with few people, beautiful scenery, and a one-stop experience of skiing and Japanese hot springs? Takumi Onsen in Gunma Prefecture will definitely not disappoint! It feels like living inside a snowy painting. 🏨 Hotel: Takumi Onsen Osenkaku 📍 Location: Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, about a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo. 🚐 Family-friendly transportation: The most hassle-free way is to book the hotel shuttle, which picks up and drops off at Jomo-Kogen Station or Minakami Station, directly to the hotel entrance. 🛏️ Accommodation experience: We stayed in a Japanese-style tatami room, which the kids found fascinating with plenty of space to roll around. The room has no bathroom; bathing is done in the public bath, which is also a cultural experience. ♨️ Hot spring highlights: ✅ Mixed-gender open-air bath: Soaking in the hot spring amid heavy snowfall is unforgettable! The hotel provides women-only yukata that cover the body for entry. ✅ Women-only bath: For families with small or shy children, there is a women-only open-air hot spring. ✅ Century-old spring: Sulfur spring water that leaves your skin smooth after bathing. ⛷️ Skiing arrangements: Near the hotel is the Hodaigi Ski Resort, suitable for beginner families. The hotel can arrange transportation (about 10 minutes). ✅ Equipment: The ski resort rents full sets of children's gear. ✅ Lessons: English-speaking ski instructors can be booked to safely introduce kids to skiing. ✅ Dining: The ski resort has a restaurant where you can have lunch. 🍱 Dining: The hotel offers a one-night, two-meal plan. Dinner is exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and breakfast is a Japanese set meal with fresh ingredients. Kids might not be used to raw food, so it’s best to communicate in advance. 💗 Summary: The facilities here are traditional rather than luxurious, but the unique snowy hot spring experience is irreplaceable. It’s recommended to stay 2-3 nights: one day skiing, one day soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the snow at the hotel. A relaxed pace makes for a perfect family winter holiday.

The magic of Takaragawa Onsen reaches its peak when heavy snow falls in midwinter. This is not just a soak in the hot spring, but an ultimate natural experiment engaging all your senses about "cold and heat." Bringing children here lets them physically remember the temperature of winter and visually capture the most dreamlike scenes. 🌡️ A Sensory Game of Hot and Cold: Special Winter Bathing Guide Entering an outdoor hot spring in subzero temperatures takes some courage, but the experience is unparalleled. Before entering the pool: The moment you step quickly from the changing room into the cold air, your skin tightens. You can breathe out big puffs of white breath with your child and watch it dissipate in the air—this is the first step to warming up. Entering the pool: Slowly immerse your hands and feet in the hot water first, then gradually lower your body. When the hot water covers your shoulders, the biting cold is quickly driven away, replaced by warmth spreading from inside out. Children usually exclaim with delight. Watching snow in the pool: Sit quietly and watch snowflakes fall from the gray-white sky, instantly disappearing when they meet the rising steam, or briefly resting on your hair and shoulders. Reach out to catch a snowflake and watch it melt in your palm—this process is magical and peaceful. After leaving the pool: Quickly dry your body with a towel, paying special attention to drying your hair to avoid catching a chill. Return indoors to drink a glass of cold milk or hot tea, feeling the balance between your internal warmth and the outside world—this is the most authentic way to end a Japanese onsen experience. 📸 Visual Memories: How to Shoot Cinematic Hot Spring Journeys Such scenes deserve to be well documented, but please observe etiquette (take quick photos when no one is around, never disturb others). Scene 1: Ryokan window view: After checking into a Japanese-style room, photograph your child wearing a yukata, kneeling on the engawa (veranda) or by the window, gazing at the snowy outdoor scenery. The image is tranquil and full of story. Scene 2: Path to the hot spring: A stone path covered with snow, flanked by cedar trees, with the back view of someone in a yukata walking toward the misty area—an excellent atmospheric shot. Scene 3: Poolside details (with permission and when no one else is around): Capture close-ups of hands immersed in hot water, leaves floating on the surface, or snow and steam on stones. Equipment protection: Before bringing your camera or phone from the cold outdoors into the warm indoors, be sure to place it in a sealed bag to prevent condensation from damaging the lens. 🎎 Day and Night in the Hot Spring Village: A Cultural Experience Beyond Bathing Besides soaking, the ryokan and surrounding area offer a full cultural immersion. Morning walk: On a snowy morning, stroll around the valley near the ryokan. Everything is silent except the crunch of snow underfoot and birdsong. If lucky, you might see frost-covered trees or rime ice. Craft experiences: Some ryokans or craft centers in Minakami offer experiences like plant dyeing or handmade soba noodle making. Letting children dye a white cloth blue or knead dough is a great cultural touch. Irori night talk: After dinner, the ryokan lobby often has an irori (sunken hearth). Families gather around, roasting mochi, listening to the ryokan owner or local elders tell mountain legends and old stories—this is the coziest family time. 🚄 Practical Combinations of Transportation and Accommodation Several options are available depending on budget and needs. Plan A (classic immersion): Tokyo Station (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Jomo-Kogen Station (ryokan shuttle) → Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku. Higher cost, most complete experience. Plan B (flexible and convenient): Tokyo Station (Joetsu Shinkansen) → Minakami Station → Stay at Minakami Onsenkyo Hotel Eisho in Minakami Town. Use this as a base, purchase a Takaragawa Onsen day pass, and book taxis through the ryokan front desk for round trips. Suitable for families wanting to control budget or needing flexible accommodation. Plan C (skiing + hot spring): Tokyo → GALA Yuzawa Station (ski for a day) → Transfer by JR to Jomo-Kogen Station → Takaragawa Onsen ryokan. Perfect combination of two major winter themes. 🍱 Winter Flavor Stories: Highlights of Mountain Kaiseki Cuisine Winter kaiseki cuisine is a concentrated expression of the local terroir, perfect for explaining to children while eating: Sashimi (seasonal raw fish): Possibly pond smelt or trout from icy lakes, exceptionally fresh. Hot pot: Must-have “yudofu” (tofu hot pot) or “Ishikari nabe” (salmon hot pot), steaming hot and heartwarming. Grilled dishes: Salt-grilled sweetfish or char, with the aroma of charcoal. Fried dishes: Various tempura, with vegetables especially sweet in winter. Rice: Koshihikari rice from Niigata, fragrant, sweet, and sticky—especially satisfying after a hot spring soak. ⚠️ Final Safety and Etiquette Reminders Bathing duration: 10-15 minutes per session is best; exit promptly to rest and hydrate. Children should have shorter times. Hair care: Long hair must be tied up and not immersed in the public bath water. Tattoo restrictions: Most public onsens in Japan prohibit entry to those with visible tattoos; inquire in advance or use private baths if needed. Silence is golden: Try not to talk in public baths; communicate with eyes and smiles, and enjoy the tranquility. When children recall this winter years later, they may forget the exact place names but will surely remember the wonderful sensation of cold and warmth intertwined and the magical sight of snowflakes dancing above the hot spring. This is the most precious sensory memory that travel can give.

Taking kids to the Tokyo suburbs in winter, you must experience the double joy of skiing and hot springs! Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture, just an hour and a half drive from Tokyo, hides a winter family treasure destination. You can ski freely on the slopes, relax in the hot spring pools, and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, unlocking an unforgettable winter travel experience with your kids~ Hotel: Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku 📍 Location: Minakami, Gunma 🛏️ Room type: The booked room does not have a private bathroom, so you need to use the indoor public hot spring bath for washing, which is a unique experience for children. The room is tatami-style, spacious, allowing kids to move around freely. ♨️ Hot springs: The hotel has 4 open-air mixed hot springs (one is women-only) and indoor hot springs. In winter, the water temperature of the open-air mixed hot springs is slightly cool, but soaking in the hot springs amid heavy snowfall is a romantic and pleasant experience that is unforgettable for life, letting kids feel the unique Japanese hot spring culture. 🚐 Transportation: You can choose to drive for flexible travel; or take public transportation. The hotel shuttle will pick up guests at Jomokogen Station at 1 PM or 3 PM, and at Minakami Station at 3 PM. Just arrive at the designated station within the specified time to take the shuttle to the hotel, making it convenient to travel with kids. 😋 Dining: The hotel includes breakfast and dinner 🍱; lunch needs to be arranged by yourself (there are no restaurants near the hotel, so you can buy boxed meals in advance at the train station to eat with your kids). The meals are beautifully plated, made with fresh natural ingredients, and the dishes are adjusted seasonally, full of traditional Japanese flavors, and kids can find food they like. 💗 Family experience: Although the hotel facilities are somewhat old, as it is a hot spring hotel with a history of over a hundred years, it does not affect the experience at all. The scenery of the hotel is stunning, especially during heavy snowfall, creating a full atmosphere as if you are in a movie. Although the hotel is not very luxurious, the strong traditional Japanese charm makes it very warm and provides a unique accommodation experience for families. It is recommended to stay two days with kids, with one day arranged for skiing to maximize the experience! ❄️ Ski Resort: Hodaigi Ski Resort ⛷️ 🚐 Transportation: Only a 10-minute drive from Takaragawa Onsen. Inform the hotel front desk, and they will arrange free round-trip shuttle service, so you don’t have to worry about transportation with kids. 🧑‍🏫 Ski instructor: Canyons Ski School offers English-speaking ski instructors, with a full-day 6-hour ski lesson available, suitable for kids to systematically learn skiing skills. 🎿 Ski equipment: The ski resort rents helmets, skis, ski boots, and other gear. Ski goggles are not available for rent, so you need to buy them for your kids in advance or purchase on-site. 🍛 Dining: The ski resort restaurant has multiple snack stalls selling Japanese curry rice, ramen, burgers, and other foods with diverse flavors and moderate prices, so you can have lunch with your kids at the ski resort 😋. ☃️ Family experience: This is a ski resort frequently visited by locals in Japan. It is less crowded from Monday to Friday and busier on weekends, so it is recommended to go on weekdays with kids. The ski resort is very suitable for beginners or intermediate skiers; the snow is soft, so kids won’t get hurt much if they fall, ensuring high safety. The ski resort and surrounding environment offer a very traditional Japanese experience, letting kids play freely on the slopes and enjoy the joy of winter skiing. 🏨 Other ski resorts: Near Takaragawa Onsen, there are also Minakami Kogen Ski Resort and Minakami Kogen Fujiwara Ski Resort, among others, which you can choose to visit based on your family’s needs.

Winter trips with kids, Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture near Tokyo is definitely a treasure choice! Just an hour and a half drive from Tokyo, you can take your kids to experience the speed and excitement at the ski resort, enjoy warmth and comfort at a century-old hot spring hotel, and savor authentic Japanese cuisine, making family time fulfilling and wonderful~ Hotel: Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku 📍 Location: Minakami, Gunma 🛏️ Room Type: Chose a room without a private bathroom, requiring use of the indoor public hot spring bath, letting kids experience a different style of accommodation. The room is tatami-style, spacious and comfortable, where children can freely play and roll around, experiencing Japanese living culture. ♨️ Hot Springs: The hotel has 4 open-air mixed-gender hot springs (including one women-only hot spring) and indoor hot springs. In winter, although the water temperature of the open-air mixed hot springs is slightly lower, soaking in the hot springs amid falling snow creates a romantic and unique experience that family travelers will never forget. Bathing with kids relaxes the body and mind and lets you feel the unique charm of Japanese hot springs. 🚐 Transportation: Flexible transportation options, you can drive yourself, convenient for carrying family gear; or choose public transport. The hotel shuttle picks up guests at Jomokogen Station at 1 PM or 3 PM, and at Minakami Station at 3 PM. Just arrive at the station on time to take the shuttle to the hotel, making traveling with kids worry-free and convenient. 😋 Dining: The hotel includes breakfast and dinner 🍱, lunch is self-arranged (there are no restaurants around the hotel, so it is recommended to buy boxed meals for kids at the train station to bring along). Meals are made with fresh natural ingredients, beautifully plated, and adjusted seasonally, full of traditional Japanese flavors, authentic taste, and kids will enjoy eating. 💗 Family Experience: Although the hotel has a century of history and the facilities are somewhat old, it is full of rich traditional Japanese charm, warm and comfortable. The natural scenery around the hotel is stunning; when heavy snow falls, the entire hotel is covered in white snow, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that kids will especially love. It is recommended to stay two days with kids—one day for skiing, one day for relaxing and exploring the hotel and surroundings for a better experience! ❄️ Ski Resort: Hodaigi Ski Resort ⛷️ 🚐 Transportation: Only a 10-minute drive from Takaragawa Onsen, inform the hotel front desk in advance, and they will arrange free round-trip shuttle service, so no worries about transportation when traveling with kids. 🧑‍🏫 Ski Instructor: Canyons Ski School offers English-speaking ski instructors, with only a full-day 6-hour ski course, suitable for kids to systematically learn skiing. The instructors are professional and patient, helping children quickly master skiing skills. 🎿 Ski Equipment: The ski resort rents essential gear such as helmets, skis, and ski boots. Ski goggles are not available for rent, so prepare them for your kids in advance or buy them on-site at the ski resort. 🍛 Dining: The ski resort restaurant has multiple snack stalls offering Japanese curry rice, ramen, burgers, and various other foods, with rich flavors and affordable prices, making lunch easy to handle with kids at the ski resort 😋. ☃️ Family Experience: This is a ski resort frequently visited by local Japanese families. It is less crowded Monday to Friday, providing a better skiing experience, while weekends are busier, so it is recommended to visit with kids during off-peak times. The snow quality is excellent—soft and fine—so even if kids fall, it won’t hurt, making it very safe and perfect for beginners or intermediate skiers. The ski resort and surrounding environment are full of traditional Japanese style, letting kids run and play freely on the snow, enjoying the unique fun of winter skiing. 🏨 Other Ski Resorts: Near Takaragawa Onsen, there are also Minakami Kogen Ski Resort and Minakami Kogen Fujiwara Ski Resort, which can be chosen based on the family’s skiing level and needs.

Unlock the Japanese-style hot spring experience with your kids! Takaragawa Onsen is hidden in a deep mountain secret spot, offering beautiful scenery + a comfortable experience that the whole family will enjoy~ ♨️ Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku 📖 Hot Spring Highlights: Located in the lush Minakami Onsen area of Gunma Prefecture, with a strong traditional Japanese style and a quiet, beautiful environment Although far from the city, the stunning natural scenery and high-standard hot spring experience attract many families with children ❄️ Family Hot Spring Tips: 🔹 About a 3-hour drive from Tokyo, suitable for a weekend family short trip; prepare picture books and snacks for the kids during the drive 🔹 Four open-air baths to meet different needs, towel rental available, making it more convenient to bathe with kids 🔹 The autumn and winter scenery is absolutely beautiful! Autumn leaves cover the forest, and winter snow blankets the area, like stepping into a fairy tale world, delighting the kids 🔹 Tattoo policy: tattoos in hidden areas are allowed, visible tattoos must be covered to avoid affecting others 🚄 Family Transportation Route: ▪️ Tokyo Station → Jomo-Kogen Station (Joetsu Shinkansen Toki), about 66 minutes ▪️ Jomo-Kogen Station → Minakami Station (bus), about 25 minutes ▪️ Minakami Station Platform 4 → Takaragawa Onsen (bus towards Yunotani), departs at scheduled times (10:45/13:35) ⚠️ Bus service is limited, be sure to check the schedule in advance to avoid delaying your family trip 🏨 Accommodation Tips: Recommended "Echigo Yuzawa Ski Resort Guesthouse," a 20-minute drive from the hot spring to JR Joetsu Shinkansen Echigo Yuzawa Station. The guesthouse has family rooms, and the surrounding area offers skiing, hiking, and various family activities. Enjoy Japanese hot springs with your kids and admire the autumn and winter scenery, savoring warm family moments in the peaceful deep mountains~

📍Location: 665 Yubara, Minakami Town, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture 《Access》 Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Minakami Station Exit Approximately 60 minutes on foot from Kamimoku (Gunma) Station Exit Approximately 61 minutes on foot from Yubiso Station Exit ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ 💞Recommended Reasons: A hot spring inn nestled in the serene Minakami Onsen town. This long-established hotel with over 60 years of history has undergone partial renovations. The fireplace lounge, visible from the front desk, offers a cozy atmosphere where you can relax surrounded by warm flames. The rooftop garden "Water Terrace" is a healing spot inspired by the flow of the Tone River, featuring a tranquil waterside reflecting nature. The hot springs are gentle on the skin, known as "beauty skin baths," and you can enjoy a variety of baths at three large communal bathing areas. Dining Buffet "KAWATONE" Experience the chef's skills with freshly sliced, freshly grilled, and freshly fried dishes. The buffet focuses on seasonal ingredients, local vegetables, and sausages from the "Kawaba Den-en Plaza" roadside station. This time, the buffet is available only for breakfast. For dinner, you can choose a plan that includes a voucher worth 4,500 yen to enjoy meals at nearby restaurants. 《Rain or Shine》 Named after the opening lines of Kenji Miyazawa's famous poem, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience where you can eat, drink, and chat. The signature dish here is barley pork served with a broth inspired by soba noodle dipping sauce. It’s light yet incredibly delicious. The meal ends with ramen! The pork and vegetable broth is rich and flavorful, making it perfect for the season when hot pots are most desired. I even thought of trying it at home. Additionally, freshly baked bread is now available for purchase and is highly popular! You can reserve it the day before and have freshly baked bread ready in the morning. I tried it at home, and it was absolutely delicious. If you stay at Juraku, don’t miss out on this bread! Hot Springs #HotelJuraku

#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.

Japan's deepest 'Mole Station' will ignite your adventurous spirit!!! At a depth of 100 meters, you have to descend 462 steps to finally reach the platform. And yes, this is a real station!!! Although the train intervals are long, actual trains do pass through, and I was amazed to see many people getting off the train 😳 It feels like a cave, and the excitement of wondering when the platform will appear and what lies ahead is endless, making it a station that truly stirs your sense of adventure. Recommended Points☝🏻 ͗ ͗ ★ There's a café on the ground level of Doai Station that's highly recommended! Since the waiting time is long, you can enjoy some tea here ☕𓈒𓏸︎︎︎︎ They also have hats that make you look like a station staff, so be sure to take a photo ★ The moment the train arrives is super cool, as it seems to emerge from the mist!!! So, it's also great to time your visit with the train's arrival ★ Since you'll be climbing over 400 steps, it's best to avoid wearing high heels Be sure to stop by when you visit Gunma 🤍 Information ‪𓈒𓏸 Doai Station Address: Yubiso, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728 Opening Hours: None (Unmanned Station) Parking: Available (Free) #GunmaTourism #DoaiStation #MoleStation #CameraGirls #100TravelStyles #GunmaTravel #DomesticTravel

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