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Minakami Onsen & Adventure

Minakamionsenraftingadventuremountains

Gunma · Minakami

36.7894°N, 138.9958°E

Minakami (みなかみ) is a mountain town in northern Gunma, famous for 18 distinct onsen areas and outdoor adventure sports. The town sits in the Tone River gorge, surrounded by 2,000m peaks, creating dramatic scenery and year-round activities — white-water rafting (spring snowmelt, April-June), canyoning (summer, July-September), skiing (winter, December-March), and hiking (autumn foliage, October-November). The combination of hot springs and adventure makes Minakami unique among Japan's onsen resorts.

The town's Takaragawa Onsen (宝川温泉) has Japan's largest outdoor mixed-gender bath (露天風呂, rotemburo) — four riverside pools totaling 470㎡ where bathers soak while watching the mountain river. The setting is wild, rustic, and Instagram-famous — wooden bathhouses, autumn leaves reflected in steaming water, and mountains rising on all sides. Minakami is less polished than Kusatsu but more adventurous.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Takaragawa Onsen day-use: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Rafting tours: depart 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM | Ski resort: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (December–March)

Closed: Takaragawa: open year-round | Rafting: April–October only | Ski resort: December–April season

Entrance Fee

Takaragawa Onsen day-use: ¥1,500 | Rafting half-day: ¥6,000–9,000 | Tanigawadake Ropeway: ¥2,100 round-trip | Ski lift: ¥5,000/day

Best Season

April–June (rafting peak, snowmelt rapids) | October–November (autumn foliage + outdoor baths) | December–March (skiing + onsen combination)

Visit Duration

Rafting half-day: 3 hours | Takaragawa Onsen: 2–3 hours | Full adventure day (rafting + onsen): 8 hours | Overnight recommended for multi-activity

Getting There

Access Information

Minakami: Minakami-machi, Tone District. By JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Jomokogen Station (¥5,000), then a bus (¥700). Rafting tours: ¥6,000-9,000 (half-day). Skiing: Tanigawadake Ski Resort, lift pass ¥5,000/day.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Takaragawa Onsen bathing:** The four riverside outdoor baths include three mixed-gender baths (男女混浴, danjo kon'yoku) and one women-only bath. Mixed bathing requires towel/yukata coverage (not naked) — rent large towels at reception (¥1,000 deposit, refundable). The baths are natural temperature (40-42°C), sourced from riverside springs. Best time: autumn (late October-November) for fall foliage reflected in water, or winter (January-February) for snow-covered scenery. The women-only bath (もみじの湯) is smallest but most private. **Rafting tours:** Minakami's Tone River has Class 3-4 rapids (moderate difficulty, suitable for beginners with guides). Peak season: April-June (snowmelt creates fastest water). Wetsuits, helmets, and paddles provided. Recommended operators: Canyons (English guides, canyons-jp.com) or JugSports (jug.co.jp). Book 1-2 weeks ahead. Minimum age 6-8 (varies by operator). **Tanigawadake Ropeway:** Year-round ropeway (¥2,100 round-trip, 15 minutes) ascends to 1,321m with panoramic views of Tanigawadake peaks (1,977m). Hiking trails depart from the upper station (60-180 minute loops). Autumn (October) offers peak foliage. Winter skiing (December-March) on the mountain — beginner to intermediate slopes. The ropeway area is by bus from Minakami Station. **Budget onsen:** Or free public foot baths (足湯, ashiyu) near Minakami Station (open 24/7).

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