About Minakami Onsen
Located in the town of Minakami in northern Gunma Prefecture, Minakami Onsen is a hot spring resort surrounded by rich nature and clean air. Surrounded by Tanigawa-dake Mountain and other mountains, it is popular among tourists for its beautiful seasonal scenery and hot springs. In particular, the autumn foliage in fall and the snowy landscape in winter are memorable sceneries for visitors, and the harmony of onsen and nature can be felt here.
The attraction of Minakami Onsen lies in its abundant hot spring facilities and diverse hot spring sources. The springs include alkaline simple hot springs and sulfur springs, and are said to be effective in relieving neuralgia, joint pain, and fatigue. The hot springs are also highly reputed for being gentle on the skin, and even a long bath is not too taxing, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing hot-spring cure. The hot spring resort area is dotted with many inns and hotels, each offering different atmospheres of open-air baths and large baths. Bathing while enjoying the magnificent view of Mt. Tanigawa gives visitors a luxurious experience.
Another feature of Minakami Onsen is that visitors can enjoy not only hot springs but also outdoor activities. Rafting, canoeing, and hiking are especially popular, and visitors can enjoy nature before or after relaxing in the hot springs. The Tone River that runs through Minakami Town is known as a mecca for rafting, attracting many rafting enthusiasts from Japan and abroad. In winter, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed, and the combination of hot springs and activities is popular among active tourists.
In addition, Minakami Onsen offers beautiful seasonal scenery, especially during the fall foliage season, when the red and yellow trees that adorn the valley create a spectacular sight. The views from Suwakyo Gorge and the Tanigawa-dake Ropeway, which are famous for their autumn foliage, are breathtaking and leave tourists deeply impressed. In winter, snow-capped mountains surround the hot spring resort, creating a tranquil environment in which visitors can enjoy the hot springs and relax in body and soul.
In addition to hot springs, Minakami Onsen offers many cultural attractions. Historical temples, shrines, and cultural assets are scattered throughout the surrounding area, providing visitors with a cultural experience as well. In particular, local cuisine that makes use of local ingredients is one of the unique pleasures of a hot spring resort, and dishes using local wild vegetables and river fish add to the memories of the trip.
All in all, Minakami Onsen is a tourist destination that combines the beauty of nature and the healing power of hot springs, and its main attraction is that visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and hot springs at the same time. The scenery, which shows different expressions throughout the four seasons, and the variety of hot spring facilities make it an ideal destination for both active travelers and those seeking relaxation.